Sightseeing Canyon Country in Utah

This week for Travel Tuesday, I'm going to take you on some sights you may not ever think to stop an view, if you are ever driving through Southeastern Utah.

These views, are looking east towards Colorado, as you can see the Colorado Plateau's in the far faint distance. The skies in this area are just stunning, as this part of the country is far away from large cities and major pollutants. So not only can you view beautiful blue skies, but you can see great vast distances around you.

While this part of the country is mostly just viewed from above as drivers and tourists stop for a rest. The truth is, if you are adventurous there are roads and trails that can take you down into these Canyonland Country areas.
The canyons open up deeply at times nice and wide, and other times just enough for slot canyon explorers.
I often tell people if I had weeks to just explore and get myself lost in the beauty, getting down into these canyons and taking the different turns of exploration would be high on my list. As there is so much to see, and lifetime isn't long enough to see it all.

Until then, I visit from time to time and get down in and see different areas.
You can start viewing these stunning sights of canyon country just south of Moab, or even S. East and S. West as you venture into different area's of Canyonlands National Park and the surrounding areas.

So if you find yourself on a drive through this part of Utah. Trust me, you'll definitely be missing out if you don't stop at the different rest stops and overlooks. As you can see stunning views like this with not much effort at all.
But if you love to explore, let me tell you there is a beautiful world down in those canyons below. I'll have to show you some of them in future travel posts!

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Have you visited Utah's Canyon Country before? If so, what area's have you been to?

Dead Horse Point

Dead Horse Point has been said to be one of the most photographed vista's in the world.  It is also one of Utah's State Parks, and only a 32 mile drive from the also world famous Moab, UT.
I have been there many times, but recently took a trip there to grab some more photo's for this blog post!

If you haven't heard of these places, you likely either haven't visited out west, or you just missed out on them when you did.  Because they really are stunning to see in person!
However, if you haven't visited you might have seen a photograph of it, if not, you have now!

Towering a little more than 2,000 feet above the beautiful Colorado River, in a section of Utah.  Lies this beautiful and panoramic view of the canyon below.
It took millions of years to create this geographic wonder.  Ancient oceans, rivers, sand storms and wind tore through this area to create these canyons, sculptures and buttes.
Depending on the time of day, the colors are vibrant shades of reds and oranges and even yellows.

How did it get its name? Legend has it, that at one point Cowboy's used to herd wild mustang horses to the point, and corral them here.  But at some point, they forgot about the horses for a period of time and since there is no water up on top, the horses died of thirst.
The poor horses, probably looked down at the river running below, but there was nothing they could do to get to it and their fate was sealed.  Once they were discovered, they started calling it Dead Horse Point.

What can you do there? You can enjoy the sunrise and sunset views.  Visit the visitors center, or stay at one of the campgrounds.  You can also hike along some of the several maintained trails, or bring out your mountain bike and take a ride.  If you have only half a day or just one day, you can still see and do a lot of the park.

This state park is open year round, and has amazing views no matter what time of year you visit. It is also a short drive from Moab, if you are looking to see and do something different while visiting there.

Currently there is a $10 entrance fee per vehicle.
This is also a great side trip if you are visiting the Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands National Park.  Which I highly recommend too!

The summers can get hot, very hot.  This is the desert!  So bring water!  Also being the desert, there are biting flies so bug spray is always a good option to bring as well.
Winter months can get cold, especially with the winds up on top.  If it starts to storm (lightening), it's always wise to take cover until the storm passes for safety reasons.

This is a beautiful and peaceful place, even if you just come up to relax and enjoy the view and do a little self meditation, you will enjoy the trip out to the point if you do!

(NOTE: All pictures are my own and were taken by me.)


Have you been to Dead Horse Point before?  Or have you seen pictures?
If you visited, don't you agree it is stunning?

Travel - Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon & Monument Valley

Today for Travel Tuesday, I'd like to take you on an adventure through Southern Utah and the bordering corner of Arizona.

First we travel to Lake Powell, Utah the Wahweap area near the dam.  If you are not familiar with Lake Powell, this is a lake along the route of the Colorado River.  It's the second largest man made reservoir in the U.S.  (The first being Lake Mead in Nevada)
Lake Powell is famous for boaters, fishermen and tourists who enjoy hiking.

The Wahweap Campground

This picture was taken from a top of the dam walkway.  Just down the river from here you'll hit Lee's Ferry, which has some amazing fly fishing opportunities!

If you do not own a boat, or cannot afford a houseboat tour, you can still see some pretty incredible vista's of the lake by driving around the Southern Utah/Arizona boarder areas.

Although all portions of this area are beautiful.  Antelope Canyon is pretty much the crown jewel of this trip.

Antelope Canyon is owned and operated by the Navajo Nation, you'll need to obtain all permits and tours through their offices.

These particular pictures are taken at the Upper East Waterholes.  However, there is also a Lower Antelope Canyon, tours and permits are separate.  They will take you out on 4 wheel trucks through the sand roads, and drive you right up to this entrance.

Early morning is the best time of day (in my opinion) to take these tours.

Although these pictures are not the best, because I didn't take the digital camera with me on this trip, a camera tip while in a slot canyon is NO FLASH.

A lot of people know I love slot canyons, and fortunately living in Utah I get to experience a lot of them.  Some are more difficult to get into than others.  This particular canyon is hiker and family friendly, meaning no experience other than the ability to walk or be carried through is needed.

Depending on the time of day, the rocks will look entirely different in color.  One hour they can look red, the next pink or orange as well as many shades in those colors.

Standing in these light beams made me feel like I was an angel from a T.V. show that was all lit up.  It was kind of fun.

This is the back of the slot canyon and the exit.

After visiting Lake Powell and spending an early morning hiking slot canyons on the Arizona/Utah boarder.  Drive back into Utah and visit one of the 10 wonders of the world and see Monument Valley.

I think you can see all you will want to see in Monument Valley, as well as the Valley of Fire in 2 days.  You'll have to buy a car pass to visit this area.  There is both exploration and hiking on your own, as well as guided tours.  However, you can see a lot of this on your own even with in the comfort of your own car, and get out and hike as you would like.

Take a lot of water with you out hiking.  In the spring and summer and even fall it can get quite hot.  However, in the winter it can get quite cold, so plan accordingly.

These are just 3 area's you can visit.  But if you have a longer time.  Area's of interest within the area.
* Hike The Wave (Slot Canyon) Permits are required and must be obtained before arriving.
* Visiting the famous Four Corners Monument - Where Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado meet.
* Visit the Goosenecks State Park
* See the Mexican Hat Rock Formation
* Visit Navajo National Monument - Tons of hiking and views of ancient Indian Dwellings
*  If you enjoy seeing Indian Ruins there are plenty in this part of Canyon Country!

If you go:
- If you are flying in, I'd recommend the St. George, Utah Airport and you can take a beautiful drive over.  However, you could also fly into Page, Arizona which would put you right next to the Lake Powell area I mentioned above.
- If driving, no matter which direction you come you will have plenty of scenic views, but make sure you bring plenty of water, and fill up on gas as some service areas out here are a bit far apart.  I'd also recommend a well tuned vehicle so you don't risk any overheating.
- All area's above mentioned do require fee's, and there is not a 1 pass for all.  Visit their websites and plan accordingly while budgeting for this trip.
- For this area, I'd recommend 5-7 days.  This way you can get out and explore and you won't have to rush your trip.