Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, & Grand Gulch, Utah

This great panorama shot was taken at Dead Horse Point State Park adjacent to Canyonlands. It was actually a two shot composite. The great bend in the Colorado River here is known as a "gooseneck". Goosenecks occur rather frequently in canyon country and are related to the varying resistance of the different rock formations which the river cuts through.

This surrealistic view was captured from the Island in the Sky in Canyonlands National Park. The eerie looking "fingers" represent the "inner" canyon of the Colorado. The full depth of the canyon is discernible from the large cliffs in the background which would be considered the upper part of the canyon.

At right is a view of the bizarre Landscape Arch in nearby Arches National Park. It is the longest in length of all known free-standing arches. Amazingly, it is only six feet thick at its narrowest point. That means the erosion process is almost complete, and one day soon (tomorrow or 10,000 years!) the arch will collapse. Also, note the smaller arch (or window) high in the rock wall at the far right.

An example of Anasazi pictographs from nearby Grand Gulch. The gulch is highly rich in Anasazi cliff dwelling ruins and rock art. A backpacking favorite, it is a sedate redrock canyon with a perennial stream and generally easy walking. Here is an opportunity to enjoy outstanding scenery and experience prehistorical artifacts in a natural setting.

Location. Canyonlands is accessed from US-191, south of Interstate-70. Grand Gulch is reached on Utah-95, west of Blanding, Utah.