The canyonlands of southeastern Utah are well known for all manner of bizarre erosional features. Depending on which layers of sandstone are exposed in any particular area you may have goblins, arches, hoodoos, needles, gargoyles, towers, and more. Northeast of Moab, Utah, you will find massive Fisher Towers in the Colorado River valley.

(Right: A tight profile of the towers from nearly 1,500 feet below. Below, right: a more level profile of Fisher Towers.)

Northeast of the town of Moab, the Colorado River carves a sheer redwall canyon which twists and turns for nearly 25 miles. There are numerous beaches, sand bars, and camping areas along the way, making the canyon a popular recreational area. It is however very warm in the summer.

Utah's Scenic Byway 128 follows this canyon. Further north, near Onion Creek, the canyon opens into a broad valley with a ranch resort near the river and the snow covered La Sal mountains towering to the south. North of here, a short dirt road leads to the Fisher Towers Recreation Site which features an out-of-the-way three unit campground and a short but rather exciting trail to a scenic overlook of the towers. (Photo Left: The Titan, Right: On the trail.)

The short trail featured slickrock, a narrow canyon, and some pretty challenging steep areas. We turned back early because the tremendous wind gusts on this day were enough to knock a hiker off balance, and there were dropoffs adjacent to the trail.

This would be an excellent off the beaten place to explore when the weather is good!

Note in the photo at right the many goblins and gargoyles that are be found in the area.