Moab Area Part II

This really summarizes the remainder adventures in Moab. It includes drives through the surrounding mountains, Moab rocks and NP's. Hikes to more remote but very beautiful arches.

A Drive:

The La Sal Mountains lie SE of Moab and have peaks over 12,000 ft. As you can see snow still covered the higher elevations in May. There is a ~ 60 mile around and through the mountains, unfortunately part of the road was closed for repairs. We made do for a Sunday drive.

Looking down on the valley floor as gained elevation. You can see the dust and smog in the air.

The higher elevation vegetation in the rocks.

Even "Arches" up-here, see hole through rock in upper middle.

Pinhook Valley

Driving on Sand Flat Road which takes you back to the main highway north of Moab.

See the swirl in the sandstone. Paddle bikers love the ride across this terrain.

A Hike:

3.4 mile hike to Tower Arch. Have to climb the stone cliff in the background!

View from top of cliff face looking east out over the valley.

Rock formation hiking west

"Marching Men" in the background.

A lot of sand on the trail, tough going uphill

Spectacular views that the majority of Arches NP never see. We passed 3 other couples on this hike.

Always time to smell the flowers!

This is it, Tower Arch, tower is actually behind the arch. Prospector Alex Ringhoffer roamed this area in the early 1900's. He was very influential in Arches becoming a National Monument.

We enjoyed a relaxing picnic lunch under the arch

Sand!

Larry, I told you I didn't want to do this!! Coming down the cliff face!

More Rock Art:

These Petroglyphs are located along US 191 north of Moab in Courthouse Wash.

Courthouse Towers in Arches NP:

Look like tall skyscrapers in a big city.

Rock erosion, years of water flowing has created a very picturesque view.

Rafters on the Colorado River which parallels UT 128 on the south end of Arches

Canyonlands Island in the Sky Upheaval Dome:

A Mystery - the rock layers below fractured and tilted forming a circular depression more than 2 miles wide. Scientists propose 2 theories: a salt dome that cracked & tilted the rock over time or a violent meteorite impact. They are leaning toward the second theory but still has not been proven.

Many different formations within the hill!

Whale Rock:

View from top of Whale Rock

Hike to Bowtie & Corona Arches - Colorado Riverway Recreation Area

Bowtie Arch from a distance, numerous plants growing around the arch.

Hanging plants off the front surface

Plants growing out of the cracks in the rock

A train runs to the Potash plant in the valley

Corona Arch

People actually climbed to the top, not us!

Valley behind the arch, numerous plants growing from the rock surface. There is plenty of water for the plants.

So now Larry got his wish of driving on Shafer Road going into Island in the Sky portion of Canyonlands NP via Potash Road.

Dirt road is easily negotiated with the Tahoe, high clearance / 4 wheel drive.

Different views of the canyon when you're 2000 ft. below the park view points.

Potash lakes at eye level. Potash from the surrounding hills is pumped into the lake, water evaporates and potash is captured. Potash is the main ingredient in fertilizer.