Today we explored a different side of Utah’s unending natural wonders, Canyonlands National Park and the Dead Horse Point State Park. Our time at the Arches National Park showcased the spendor of the red rock canyon walls, spires, and jagged ridges from ground level looking up. Today it largely was looking down into canyons of golden and sand-colored walls from high-up ridges on which we hiked five trails — four in Canyonlands and one in the Dead Horse State Park.
Parking was stll a challenge today at Canyonlands, but again we were fortunate to find a space at every trailhead and overlook. We talked with some people who told us they were unable to get into Arches today because of overcrowding.
We finished the day at the Dead Horse Point State Park, so named because the point used to be used as a corral for wild mustangs roaming the mesa. Cowboys herded up the mustangs and drove them to the point. When they chose the horses they wanted, they left the others corraled on the waterless point where they died, 2,000 feet above the Colorado River.
Much of the day was hazy from smoke drifting from the Sequoia National Park in California.
When we first entered Canyonlands, we spotted this hot-air balloon drifting across the mesa.
Some other images of today’s explorations:
One more day in and around Moab — still making last-minute plans.
T&C Southwest Adventure 2021 