Fall 2020 Utah Part 2 – Arches NP, Dead Horse Point, & Canyonlands NP…
- Moab, Utah – Arches National Park – CanyonLands National Park – Dead Horse Point State Park
9/27:
We planned to get an early start for our drive to MOAB, UT hoping to find some BLM camping for our stay there. We made arrangements to pick up some muffins at the office by 8:00 am so we would not have the time taken up cooking breakfast. As we packed up and prepared to leave we couldn’t get the bedroom slide in! The full wall slide was already in but along with the bedroom slide we noticed the step was also malfunctioning (wouldn’t stay out when the key was out of the ignition). We also noticed that the rear camera stayed on all the time- even when the key was out of the ignition. Mike called Coachnet and they had an RV tech call him. We were so hoping we can get this taken care of without having to wait for a tech to come out. As luck would have it, Mike and the tech were able to figure it out. For some reason the RV kept thinking we were in driving mode so wouldn’t allow the slide to come in, the step kept coming in and the camera on. Mike had to disconnect all the batteries in order to reset everything.
Two hours later we were on the road! This delay had us arriving much later in MOAB, UT. We spent several hours driving around the area trying to find a boon-docking spot, especially on Scenic Rte 128 (beautiful)!
Unfortunately every place we could fit was already occupied. The Moab/Arches National Park area was the most crowded place we have seen since leaving San Simeon. It was packed and a little unnerving for us given how Covid conscious we have been. Every campground we called was full most with only a few with first come, first serve last resort opportunities. Our morning delay had really become a problem here. Joanne had read a review on RV Parky of a campground “MOAB Rim Campark” that were allowing people to use a gravel lot as overflow. We called and were surprised they still had some space available. Arriving here at three o’clock we were able to get a dry-camping spot in overflow where we were pretty private with a spectacular view. . For $30.00 per night we had a view but nothing else. We actually ended up getting this spot for 5 days which worked out super given we are so used to dry camping… Our solar system also did a great job here!
Our campsite in the overflow lot….(Not a bad view)
9/28:
Waking in the morning we have a tremendous view of Moab and the mountains out the front windshield. We then noticed the adjacent tent-campers to our left had already departed and generously left us a pile of wood for evening campfires… Big Bonus!
We decided to visit the “Island’s in the Sky” section of CanyonLands National Park today. A quick stop at the visitors center and then we do the rim drive with a few walks out to several overlooks. This is a unique place CanyonLands…
Islands in the Sky- CanyonLands National Park…
First stop – Passport stamp!
Canyonlands National Park and The Islands in the Sky area is really a unique place. The cliffs, rock formations, scenery, arches, hiking trails, and multiple back-country roads frequented by many ATV/UTV people, is definitely worth the trip! It may not be as well known as some of this countries more famous and larger parks, though it deserves it place in “Utah’s Mighty 5″….
Some pics from around Canyonlands National Park….
A very relaxing day and an excellent free-firewood campfire coupled with some excellent star gazing upon our return to the campsite. at Moab Rim RV Park….
9/29
Dead Horse Point State Park…
Dead Horse Point State Park is a place Mike has wanted to visit for several years now. It is a photographer’s paradise! As we get to the visitors center we find a trail (about 5 miles) that leaves from the visitors center and goes all along the ridge. “The Dead Horse Rim Loop Rim Trail” is definitely a great and fairly easy trail that enables you to see all of the overlooks in the park… This is not a difficult hike and totally enjoyable! We keep running across the same couple as we hike the rim and towards the end we end up hiking alongside them. As we talk, they describe their plans to hike the El Camino De Santiago Pilgrimage in Europe. We talk in length with them and are very interested. We exchange contact info and depart excited about the possibility of doing this in the next few years. Some of the best parts of hiking and enjoying the magic of nature is also the chance connections of others along the path. We have met so many great people on our hikes that have shared another place we add to our Revolutionary Journey bucket lists…
Dead Horse Point State Park…
Dead Horse Point State Park…
Some pics from around Dead Horse Point State Park….
9/30:
This is our designated day to do Arches National Park. Although we had driven through on our way home from our son Sean’s place in Colorado last year, we haven’t actually visited Arches since our cross country trip with the kids in 2001. We are excited to be visiting this park again! We decide to just do some short walks out to several arches and rock formations while driving through much of the park today. We recognize another Newmar Baystar at several the pull outs during our day and finally connect with the owners, Rick and Roberta in the early afternoon. The conversation is very nice and they invite us to their campsite at the National Park campground at the end of the park. We help them get level on their site and share a glass of wine over stories. They have also hiked the El Camino and we think this is an omen- now we feel like we have to do this pilgrimage!! They give us a lot to think about! They have hiked this three times! We just have to wait for COVID to get under control!
Arches National Park…
Arches National Park…
10/1/20:
This day we plan on a relaxing day. We have a relaxing morning and then take a scenic drive up rt 128 then onto Castle Valley and the La Sal Mountain Scenic Loop Road. This is a spectacular drive through the Manti-La Sal National Forest.
From the top of the La Sal Mountains…
So with the beginning of October 2020 we can officially say we have completed a tour of Utah’s Mighty 5 and then some. Being originally from New England, Utah is a state that just WOW’s us in so many ways. We have visited this state several times and each time it shows us more. People often ask us “What are some of your favorites stops or visits on your Revolutionary Journey”… Our answer is often complex and varied. Every state has places of profound history, culture, geography, and scenery. Though without question UTAH would be near the top of list! We are certain we will visit Utah again & then again on our continued Revolutionary Journey!
