Day 17 – Grand Staircase & Bryce Canyon

Day 17 – 5/29/2021 – Grand Staircase & Bryce Canyon

Today the plan is to go to Bryce Canyon.  Our first planned stop is at Anasazi State Park Museum in Boulder, Utah.  Shortly after leaving Torrey, we pass one ranch which had many horses.  Great riding lands and I would imagine fantastic trails.

Leaving the Capitol Reef area, I think that we are seeing the last of these rugged landscapes. 

As we near the Larb Hollow Overlook we can see a wide span of aspen trees just on the edge of a field, beginning to get their leaves.  I am fascinated with aspens and white birches since I can see their yellow leaves both in the spring then again in the fall. 

Making a quick stop at Larb Hollow Overlook, we get a good view of the surrounding area.  The plateau field in the foreground to the mountains in the distance we see forests, grass fields, mountains, and waterways.

After leaving Larb Hollow we came along a field bordered by aspen and happen to see deer in the field.  There were at least ten deer, some laying in the trees and a few running around the field.  One looked pregnant to me because of her swollen belly, but I may be mistaken.

A closer look at some of the deer.  The one in the middle is the one I think is pregnant.  We must stop and take picture of any deer we see and this is no difference.  We could be here until they leave, but we are suppose to be on our way to Bryce Canyon, so we must continue.  The one behind and the one just to the right of the rock on the left of the picture were running and frolicking and stopped just before I took the picture.

I decided to get a close up picture of a couple of deer in the field before we leave.  As I said before; animals and flowers, we can not stop taking pictures of them. 

Our next stop is the Anasazi State Park Museum, we get here just before 9:00 AM, and they do not open until 9:00, so while we wait, we are looking at the flowers around the front of the building. 

We entered the museum, and find out that there are several “digs” behind the museum.  Touring the grounds we find out that people lived here for about 75 during the 12^th century and that there are about 100 structures on site.  This is one of the buildings excavated, which is part of a multi-room pueblo.  Not sure why the vertical beams look burnt, but you can see how the building and rooms were made.

The pit house on the property shows how they completed the construction by digging a pit then added poles, a roof, mud, and brush.  The ground insulates the Pit houses better than wood and therefore cooler on hot days.

I hear a bird and finally see it flying into the tree next to me.  Once again, I am not sure what the bird is, but our guess is the Juniper Titmouse, mostly because of all the juniper trees in the area.

On our way out, we pass a replica building with a couple of rooms.  It supposed to show how the construction created walls and ceilings.  The rooms have dirt floors where I would have expected hay or something on the floors.

Back on the road, we pass this ranch with barn and sheep. 

Entering the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and we first see some of the park’s landscape, it is no wonder this is preserved.  Once again, we see a landscape that could be from another planet. 

At this location, we can see a large gorge or slot canyon.  It would be interesting to hike the canyon, but not today. 

As we continue to travel through the Grand Staircase, it is clear that this is a special place.  The rock formations, canyons, and ravines would take days to explore, more time than we have available on this trip. 

Crisscrossing in the upper sandstone layer is clearly visible over the other defined layers of rock.  The darker stone near the bottom of the cliff can be seen next to the cars parked in a trail’s parking lot.

As you can see, the road hugs the cliff and even though it is two lanes wide, Carmen insists we not get near the edge.  Even after clearing part of the cliff to make the road you can still see several of the weathered onion top formations.

During one of our stops, I see this flower, which looks like a cross between an Iris and an Orchid.  It is in fact a Palmer's Penstemon or in my research that is what it looks like. 

Another flower and we are hard pressed to figure out what its name is.  It might be a form of Primrose or even a Monkey-Flower, but we are not sure.

Now I think this is a Smallflower Globemallow, I know, strange name for a flower.  Anyway, it is part of the Globemallow family and there are about 7 or 8 flowers with that name. 

As we near the end of our travel through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, we look back to the road we drove up on and the landscape we traveled.

Approaching Bryce Canyon, we still see mountains created by the pressures of time.  The single layer of white stone is evident in the hill beyond.

Still on route-12 and near Bryce Canyon, there is a turn-off with an information kiosk and we decide to check it out.  This is what we see from the viewpoint.  A viewing tube points to the right hand corner of the arch that is beginning to form.  In that spot is an artifact that is a granary.

A closer view of the granary made using sandstone, blends in with the surrounding rock and easily overlooked.  This artifact is at least 800 years old, if not older and wall art in the area dates back 4,000-8,000 years.  There were other buildings along the arch that is building, but this one also had the wall art, even though I’m not sure if it is true ancient wall art or newly created graffiti.

Shortly after crossing into Bryce Canyon we take the Fairyland Road to Fairyland Point.  It is easy to see why they named this Fairyland because of the Hoodoos looking like castle spires.  You can see people walking on the Fairyland Loop Trail running along the bottom of the Hoodoos on the right side.

Every where you look, Hoodoos abound, some under creation along a wall like these have not yet produced individual hoodoo spires.  Notice the weathering that is creating a window or arch in the center of the picture along the hoodoo wall.

Look at how white these hoodoos when compared to the others.  Also, notice the tree growing on the edge of the scree pile. 

Before leaving the Fairyland viewpoint, we get another wide view of the landscape.  There is a large variation in the hoodoo coloring.

Having left Fairyland Road we go to the Lodge area and park near the cabins, where we stayed years ago on another trip.  Making our way to the Rim Trail we have a great view from Sunrise Point. 

Walking along the Rim Trail, we head south to Sunset Point, but before we get there, another view catches our eye.  Again, we see the white in the hoodoos, this is from a different layer of sandstone. 

What a view from along Sunset Point. 

We hike back to the car, but before we leave the trail, Carmen gets a picture of people on the Navaho Loop Trail.  You can see the formation known as Thor’s Hammer where a large number of people are gathered.  We have hiked this trail before and though we would like to again, but we do not have the time.

At Bryce Point Overlook, we are at perhaps the most iconic of the four major viewpoints in the park.  We planned to stay for about 20-30 minutes, but when we get to the parking lot, there is a long line of cars waiting and driving in circles.  Carmen gets out before getting to the parking lot and takes a couple of pictures. 

On the way to the next viewpoint, we can see a pronghorn antelope the field before the trees.  We stop on the roadside and of course get pictures.

Looking out from Fairview Point, we can see a bridge or arch depending on how you see it. 

It is a short hike to Piracy Point and while on the trail, we see many of these yellow flowers.  They look like a daisy, but I think these are Badlands Mule-ears, or maybe a Goldeneye of some sort.

From Piracy Point, looking back towards Fairview, we can see a wide section of the canyon before us. 

Our next stop is the Natural Bridge overlook.  At an elevation of 8,627 feet, we do not want to run around much.  Fortunately, for us, it is a short walk to the viewpoint and when we get there, the Bridge is in full view.  This is a very large bridge.  Look at the rock pinnacle on the right; it looks like an Olympic torch with flame on the top.

Near the car, we see a whole bunch of yellow flowers, which to me look like a sunflower of some sort.

Ponderosa Point in Bryce Canyon still has great views of the hoodoos and landscape.  This looks like someone was making sand castle with very wet sand.

We follow the scenic road to the end and arrive at Rainbow Point.  At 9,115 feet, it is the highest viewpoint in the Park.  Tectonic uplift has lifted this entire area from sea level over the last 20 million years

Looking towards the beginning of the Park, we can see a good portion and the landscapes we saw at each viewpoint.  Under the Rim Trail follows down in the trees and runs between the Noon Canyon Butte in the top right and the hoodoos on the left.

On our way out of the Park, we decided to check out Inspiration Point, only because there were no parking spaces available when we were there the first time.  As the nearby sign indicated there is a wide spectrum of color and stone that rewards the viewer with indescribable beauty.

Another view from a different point at Inspiration Point and we see many more hoodoo and fins. 

We are simply inspired with the views from Bryce Canyon, but we have to leave to get to our hotel for the night.  I would have loved to stay to get a long night exposure, but we need to retrace our drive to get to the hotel, we leave with plenty of time to check in and then get dinner.  Tomorrow we head to Coral Pink Sand Dunes in Utah, drive to Page AZ, and then drive to Holbrook, AZ for night. 

Day 16 – Capitol Reef National Park

Day 16 – 5/28/2021 – Capitol Reef National Park

Today we leave Moab for Torrey, UT, but before leaving, we decided to get breakfast at a 50-60’s styled diner.  Breakfast at the Moab Diner was good.  If you find yourself in Moab and looking for somewhere to dine out, try the Moab Diner.

On our way, we pass the turnoffs for both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, and are driving west on I-70.  Before reaching the city of Green River we see a different type of formations.  These weathered buttes look more like castles than rock. 

Before we enter the city of Green River, we see this sculpture up on a hill.  Not sure what is signifies or represents, but I found it interesting.

Preparing to leave I-70 for Utah-24, at the bottom of the hill, we can see the spectacular wild landscape called San Rafael Reef.  This massive, eroded anticline is 75 miles long and about 30 miles wide.  All I know is that this looks like it should be in a science-fiction movie as an alien landscape.

Near this butte when we make our turn, we pass what I think is part of the Black Dragon Canyon.  There are so many points of interest in this area, including petroglyphs, but we do not have time on this trip, maybe next time.

Continuing on route-24, we come to a viewing turn-off and there are several viewing tubes pointing to several of the landscape items.  One of those is the butte on the right, named Brigham Butte.

Also in the area is a butte named Prairie Dog Butte, because I think it looks like a prairie dog sitting up next to its burrow.  

Once again, we see buttes with impressive structure created by weather and erosion.

Check this mesa out.  Look at all the layers in this rock.  The cap stone on the top protects the top rock, but the stone under it begins to wear so the rock begins to have a mushroom look.  Also, look at how much scree there is at the base of the mesa and on the ledge half way up the mesa.

Just when I think there isn’t much that would impress, we get visions like this.  How great is this?  The butte on the right almost looks like a left snow mitten. 

These mushroom shaped rock formations makes me wonder how much rain falls in this area of the country.  Surely to create erosion such as this, rain must fall.  Also, as you can see someone has been riding a dirt bike up and down the escarpment.

I am told that the colors in this rock are unusual.  Can you imagine what had to happen in order for these colors to show now?  What ores had to be in the sandstone to oxidize for these colors to bleach out?

Tell me that these look like sharks teeth to you?  I do not understand the forces that would create formations such as these.  I was nice of the people to build the road right next the formations so we can enjoy them. 

We see another sandstone structure with colored layers. 

Another alien landscape along our path, only this one might have cattle roaming by. 

Oh my!  Just when I think we have gone by the colored sandstone, we find more.  Look at the different layers of coloring. 

Just having entered Capitol Reef National Park and stopping at Grand Wash Trail, we take the hiking trail along a dry streambed and some narrow canyons.  The geologic formations are interesting, from cutouts where some are human size to stratified layers. 

We even found some unusual flowers along the trail.  As usual, we cannot help but take a picture. 

Aha, a lizard.  I knew we’d find one here.  Check out the tail, it is twice as long as the body and the tail is molting.  I think this is a Western Whiptail. 

Here are some of the cutouts in the cliff walls that I mentioned.  I wonder how these were created and if some ancient people help in the carving to store foods or for shelter.

Look at the cleft in this rock wall.  I wonder what you’d find if you climbed up between the two sides.

More flowers!

As we have seen over and over again, nature is a powerful sculpture.  Wind, rain, gravity and upheavals sculpt the softer stone from around the harder stone, leaving this dome.  I can not imagine how long it took to erode the surrounding rock to create a dome like this, with a point at the top.

We travel about 2.5 miles along route 24from Grand Wash Trail and stop at the Hickman Bridge Trailhead.  Hickman Bridge is a natural bridge eroded in the rock.  Carmen has decided that she does not want to hike the 1-mile trail to the bridge, so I am off by myself and before long I see these flowers.

Part of the path I am on and as you can see has steps built into the rock.  You can see some people on the path ahead of me and beyond.  But, rock boulders like the ones in the middle of the picture slid down from above, so I’m always listening for the sound of rock cracking.

As I climbed one section and beginning to make my turn on the switchback, I see this cactus flower in good condition.  Beautiful!  I find a couple more, but this one is the best looking one around.

Walking along the path, which goes between the bushes and the rock, we have a great view of the rock cliff and the tannin leeching creating the dark stain along the face of the rock. 

Just after taking the above picture, I see movement on the rock beside me and see this lizard.  It sat there quietly while I took its picture.  Once again, we do not really know the name of this lizard.  But, to venture a guess it is a side-blotched lizard, only because it look like my picture.

Nearing the natural arch known as Hickman’s Bridge, I find many places where one could take all day to explore.  Look at all of the nooks and crannies along the slickrock and tabletops. 

Reaching an area close to the arch, I am able to get a full view of Hickman’s Bridge.  The arch that looked so clear to me as I took the picture that I did not get closer for a picture looking up into the blue sky.  The view from where I was seems to blend the arch into the background now that I look at the picture. 

On my return trip, I can still see great places to investigate, had I the time.  The trail will take me through the gap in the background. 

Back on the trail returning to the car, I see some yellow flowers that seem to resemble a Buttercup flower.  I wonder where they get their moisture if it does not rain often.

Passing a large patch of cactus and I happen to notice one flower and left the trail to get a picture.  The flower was well formed and in perfect condition.

On my final turn to the parking lot, I have a glimpse of the Fremont River running alongside of the trail.  This section has manmade walls so no one falls into the river, but we still travel under a rock overhang.  Notice the man at the water’s edge soaking his tired feet in the water. 

Before getting off the trail, I see these orange flowers. 

We are only back on the road for less than a mile when we stop at a Petroglyph panel.  Created between 300 and 1300 A.D. ancestors of the Hopi Tribe, Pueblo of Zuni, and Paiute Tribe made this red-rock oasis their home.  The Hopi believe, their ancestors departed Capitol Reef did so to complete their migration to the Center of the Universe.

A close-up of the wall shows mountain sheep, pronghorn antelope, and figures in strange looking helmets.  Besides that, you can tell people have used the wall and the people depicted on it for target practice.  In other places along the stone wall where petroglyphs are located, people have defaced the stone with initials, and in one case a giant heart.

Reaching the Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center, we begin driving along the Scenic Drive and already there are great mountain landscapes.

Just look at the side of this mesa.  Rock exposed at the bottom the mesa while weathering begins to separate the rock into different formations. 

 

Check out the layering and the different colors of the rock layers forming this mesa.  You can see where some of the rock at the top has collapsed and the scree traveled down the hill taking out the lower ridgeline.  This area named Slickrock Divide is near the end of the scenic drive. 

While stopped to take pictures of the landscape, I happened by this Bull Thistle of all flowers.  In Utah, it is considered a noxious weed and is very aggressive and difficult to control.  Yet, it is a pretty flower.

Along the scenic road, we have seen mesa and different formations, the fin we see here is a thin protrusion of rock rising up.  Weathering continues to form the rock into individual spires. 

Our last stop on the scenic drive is at the Capitol Gorge Road.  Carmen does not want to drive down the road because it is dirt and not sure how wide it is or if there is a turnaround available. 

Looking around we can see this formation, which seems to be made up by basalt columns.  We have seen the darker stone ridge throughout the park and can imagine how many millions of years old it is. 

On our way out of the park, we are able to get a picture of the Fruita Barn, the scene dramatic with the barn and mountain formations in the background. 

Leaving Capitol Reef National Park and before getting to Torrey, where we will spend the night, we continue to see dramatic formations. 

Just outside of Torrey we get our last view of the formations for the day. 

We get to our hotel and check in, then as we were on our way to dinner, we happen to see these “Wagon Cabins”.  What, we could have stayed in a wagon over night!  Oh well.

Tomorrow we will travel to Bryce Canyon and will stay in a hotel nearby.