It is easy to overlook the creatures, as there is so much to see in the way of stunning panoramic scenery. These animals include coyotes, porcupines, mule deer, and jackrabbits, for example.
Those times of day are cooler in the desert, and still have visibility for animals to hunt and seek prey. Many animals tend to be more active at sunrise and sunset, and are called “crepuscular”. Desert rodents, lizards, and birds, are some of the many species that roam the park. While at first glance, Canyonlands looks as if there is no wildlife to speak of, it is a world filled with creatures and critters. There is a colorful, rich history at Canyonlands, a part of the USA that has seen cowboys and Native Americans traverse its canyons floors. Some of the abstract illustrations and markings found on the rock face take human or animal forms, while others are geometric, like spirals. Canyonlands is certainly a national treasure for historians, archaeologists, and tourists, alike. It is written that Canyonlands, in San Juan County, Utah, has been visited for over 10,000 years, as is evident from the ancient rock paintings and markings that have been discovered there. COVID turned out to be a great window in time to visit, a silver lining, indeed. Being so empty in early June, there was no concern about finding a parking space, overcrowded trails, or being slowed down behind a snail-paced tour bus. The Visitor Center is currently closed, but the trails, campgrounds, and roads all remain open. It is also the one nearest to the town of Moab. One natural point to begin your hike is the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, one of four distinct districts throughout the park.
It is all too easy to lose yourself in the beauty of the scenery well before entering the parks themselves.Ĭanyonlands National Park, where two rivers join to create waves of deep, vivid canyons, offers a chance to view soaring pinnacles, jagged cliffs, and the spires, for which it is so well known. It is actually called a patina, created, in part, by wind borne microorganisms, that attacked them eons ago. Even while driving to the parks, rocks towered high above, with a smoky blue varnish appearing to be painted on their rock faces. Enormous rock formations, arches, canyons, and million years old mesas rich in red desert hues are just the beginning of what there is to be seen. A photographic luxury, indeed.Ĭanyonlands and Arches are each renowned for their spectacular landscapes and vistas. Those who were able to capitalize on the virtually crowd-less parks were rewarded with a chance to photograph the most popular and photogenic landmarks, without tourists wandering into their frames. The scenery is magical, and not one, but two breathtaking, national parks are within an easy driving distance.Įarly summer presented a unique opportunity to see some of the country’s most beautiful national parks, practically empty. The never-ending opportunities of outdoor activities mountain biking, hiking, mountaineering, rafting, kayaking, and sky-diving, are the tip of the proverbial iceberg as far as activities go.
They say that Moab, Utah is the adventure capital of the American Southwest.
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