Finally on our last day in the area, we made it to Dead Horse Point State Park. The story behind the name is very sad...legend says that cowboys would round up wild horses on this point and fence them off with branches. They would choose the horses they want and leave the rest to die of thirst, within view of the Colorado River 2000 feet below. Isn't that horrible? Hope it's not true.
We both agreed the campground doesn't compare to Kodachrome (does anything, really?) but the view from Dead Horse Point Overlook is spectacular
(provided you're not dying of thirst, that is)! Unfortunately, it was terribly hazy as it has been all week, which makes for a less than perfect view.
(provided you're not dying of thirst, that is)! Unfortunately, it was terribly hazy as it has been all week, which makes for a less than perfect view.
The viewpoint is also nicely appointed with restrooms (something lacking at many parks), shade shelters, and benches.
From the state park, it's a short drive into Islands in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park (biggest NP in the state of Utah). Our first stop was the Shafer Trail Overlook. I usually don't take pictures of rock stacks, but this one was particularly interesting...and balanced like a house of cards. Nice work!
The switchbacks lead to White Rim Road, which you will see in many pictures of the canyon (the source of its name is apparent); if we'd had more time, would have liked to have driven that road!
Next stop was Mesa Arch, on a half-mile loop trail (about the most we were willing to do in the heat); it is a popular spot, because you can view the canyon through the arch.
Gary would only go out a little tiny ways on this arch - it was a very long drop on the other side (1500 feet?), but I walked all the way onto the center! (Had to point this out, today I had bragging rights! Usually Gary will walk out on the craziest sandy slippery looking things, and I am the wimp - I wouldn't even walk out on the little point on Kodachrome's Angels Palace Trail which is only 150 feet up
- granted, there were 60mph wind gusts that day! Mesa Arch felt comfortable to me, solid rock, no soft slippery shoulders.)
- granted, there were 60mph wind gusts that day! Mesa Arch felt comfortable to me, solid rock, no soft slippery shoulders.)Then we stopped at the Green River Overlook which requires no hiking, gave us some cool-down time, and was easily as impressive as the Grand Canyon to me! Awesome!
Next was the Upheaval Dome Overlook Trail (about half a mile, all up up up) and in this heat, Gary said wasn't worth the walk.
Final stop on the grand tour was Grand View Point Overlook. Grand View indeed. In the second picture you can just make out the Needles in the top center. But alas, the haze really made for poor visibility this day. We leave tomorrow so no further opportunities for a clear view of Canyonlands on this trip.
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