In May 2005, Rachelle and I took a vacation to Colorado. During our trip, we took a slight detour into Utah. After visiting Arches National Park, we decided to briefly visit Canyonlands National Park. Canyonlands is divided into three separate parts by the Colorado and Green Rivers. We only had time to visit the Island in the Sky District.
Canyonlands National Park
The park sign greeted us as we entered Canyonlands National Park.
Just like at Arches, the wildflowers brought color to the desert.
After stopping at the Visitor Center, we took a short hike for our first views of the canyon.
Near the Visitor Center, we had our first look at one of the canyons from which the park derives its name. This viewpoint overlooks Shafer Canyon which leads to the Colorado River.
The La Sal Mountains rise majestically above the canyons.
Next, we drove to the southern end of the road, stopping at the Orange Cliffs Overlook to eat lunch and take in the awesome scenery.
From this overlook we had a view of the canyon that was carved by the Green River.
In the distance from this overlook, we could see the Maze District, one of the other areas of the park.
3 Comments
Very nice photos! I love Canyonlands.
Thanks for posting your photos. I am considering a trip to the NM / CO / AZ area in May, and I came across your website. Your photo account is giving me a decent idea of what to expect in terms of snow and greenery. Much appreciated.
Thank you both for the comments.
Caryn, I can understand why you love Canyonlands. My wife and I had been to Arches in 2001, but we didn’t have time on that trip to visit Canyonlands, and as it was while we were planning this trip, we didn’t plan on visiting either Arches or Canyonlands, but we took a slight detour. And I am certainly glad that we did. Canyonlands is a beautiful place (as is Arches). Our visit was too short — just a couple of hours; we are definitely going to go back and spend more time there some day.