Off to Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands National Park

After another breakfast of those flax pancakes, packing our lunches, and loading Ernie's truck, the 4 of us were off to Dead Horse Point State Park about 1/2 hour from the CG.  It is called Utah's Grand Canyon.  It was a sunny day but quite a bit cooler than yesterday.  

Our 1st stop was the Visitors Center where we watched the film before walking on the short trail around the center that overlooked the amazing canyon.  It is about 1/2 the width and depth of the Grand Canyon but a very more diverse landscape.  We stopped at several overlooks and then at the most "famous" , Dead Horse Point.  The depth and views were positively incredible!

We found this view at Dead Horse Point SP amazing!

You could literally see for miles and miles!  They say you can
see for 100 miles on a clear day!!!!

So many different levels and the Colorado River (looked green)
running through the canyon.

What a backdrop!

 We are really enjoying sharing this time Ernie and Noela!

Magnificent!

We learned a lot about the salt evaporation ponds - here is the information and pictures of the operation -

This explains the next 2 photos much better than I could!

We left there and drove about 10 miles to spend time at Canyonlands National Park.  This was another amazing place!  We stopped at the Visitors Center and talked to a Ranger about what she would suggest we see.  After giving us some great suggestions, we drove to Upheaval Dome picnic area to enjoy our packed lunches.  

American's National Park's are really special places!

This is where we ate our lunch!  Not bad!!!!!!

We decided to go to the 2 mile Grand View Point Trail that showcased the spectacular panoramic views as it followed the canyon edge.  It was breathtaking.  The area is not that far from Arches National Park but the landscape is so different. 

I can't even begin to explain the beauty we see around every
corner!

It was a bit cool today, but good for hiking!

Special friends who love adventure as much as we do!

This Ernie likes to live on the edge!

I find the composition of these rocks unique with the
white on top of the red!

The trail followed the edge of the canyon!

Don't want to get to close to the edge.  It's a loooooong
way down!

We also stopped at the 1/2 mile Mesa Arch trail which is the photo that is often used to highlight this National Park.  We really enjoyed our time in this State and National Park.

This is one of the most panoramic sights in Canyonlands!

The La Sal Mountains, Buck Canyon, and Monster Tower!

We only got back to the CG at 6:15, cleaned-up, ate quickly, and turned on the debate.  Ernie and Noela came over to watch it with us.  All I can say is that I will be so thankful when this election is over!

We did get our new battery for our MI-FI card today and it is working well! Hallelujah! 

The 4 of us decided to go back to Arches National Park tomorrow, but have a more relaxing morning and leave a bit later.  We want to talk to the girls and Ken needs to get on the computer to check accounts, pay some bills, etc. Then it will be time for more hiking!

We are having a phenomenal time on this Western
Adventure!