Our first trip to Canyonlands was the first time we saw the full impact of open range ranching. It was a new experience to see cows so close to the road.
The drive from Moab to Canyonlands National Park was mostly an uphill drive to higher elevations on a mesa. As we approached the park, there was suddenly a large opening in the mesa.
Then we were at the park.
After we entered Canyonlands National Park, there were canyons everywhere.
There were also lots of winding roads intended to get us around the canyons in automobiles.
Our first stop was at Mesa Arch. This arch is at the very edge of a canyon.
Every angle and every view of this arch gives you a new vista to explore. The previous picture shows the canyon. This one shows the distant horizon.
Yet another view shows a lower canyon within the larger canyon.
From under the arch you can get a more detailed view of the canyon the Green River flows through.
Next to the arch you can see the entire valley and canyon complex before you.
From the Green River Overlook, we finally could see the Green River.
You could also see the meandering of the river through the canyon
Our first hike of the day was to Upheaval Dome. The Upheaval Dome Trail was marked at time by steps like this.
Sometimes there were steps carved into stone.
And then there were our favorites (NOT), scrambles over the bare rocks.
All that climbing led us to a collapsed dome. The signs at the site said there is an ongoing debate about the cause of the collapse. Some think it was dissolving and erosion of salts within the mountain. Others believe it was a meteor landing site. Both seemed likely explanations.
That is until we got to the other side of the collapsed zone. We are not experts, but that depression sure looks like a meteor strike to us.
Regardless of the cause, the depression in the mountain is huge.
On our way back to the motel, we stopped at the Shafer Canyon Overlook. The dirt road that descends into the canyon is an impressive engineering feat. It is part of over 100 miles of dirt roads in the park. Four Wheel Drive required.
We did not expect to spend much time at the canyon overview. But there was a lot to see. First was the canyon in the context of the surrounding area.
Then there were new vistas in every direction. Here is another place where the canyon between the mesas shows a second canyon around the Green River.
Another look shows the diversity of rock types and layers that form the mesas.
The small flat top point that juts out into the canyon is another place for more angles to observe.
We chose the flat top area for this view of the canyon.
Then one last rock scramble to the edge of the canyon to see how it is both a straight shot out of the canyon and a crooked path at the bottom.
Our drive back showed us one more time the complexity of all the parts that makes Canyonlands a special park.
We continue to be amazed at the numerous colors and variation in the plants that survive in this arid climate. We saw at least six new plants with bright colors today.
So much to see, so much to learn, so much to contemplate about the planet we inhabit. Not enough time to do it all. Even so, a great day.