The Courthouse

Traveling from Colorado to Utah, the lush green of the mountains ranges is gone and the rock and sage brush of the desert is now in our window. Our destination is Moab Utah. Off in the distance, red rock plateaus, huge rock spires and deep canyons dominate the landscape. Entering town, we cross the Colorado River and pass Arches National Park.

It seems that every other vehicle  here is set up for off roading. Jeeps, trucks, quad runners, side by sides, and dirt bikes are everywhere! Our Ford Focus is a little out of place! Mountain bikes are popular as well. You want outdoor adventure? Moab is the place!

Arches National Park is one of the most visited parks in the country and the day we were there was no exception. Cars were backed up from the entrance 3/4 of a mile! Once past the gates we could see why. This place is beautiful! Erosion from millions or years of wind, sand and water has sculpted the sand stone in unique ways, some even defying gravity.

Balance Rock

Mother nature even has a sense of humor by carving some of the towering formations in the shape of animals and native indians!

The Sheep

Does the center rock formation remind you of a squating indian wrapped in a blanket?

Driving through the park we see just how it got its name.

Turret Arch

North and South Window Arches

South Window Arch

Broken Arch

Skyline Arch

look close! Do you see the climbers?

Our highlight of the day was hiking to Sand Dune Arch. The trail started like this….

And then went to this….

And finally to this!

These folks thought it was a good place to test out their art skills. I looked……Nope! No numbers! 

The Fiery Furnace

We had the bad fortune of experiencing part of the reason this land looks the way it does. On our last night here, the night was clear, the moon was full, stars in the sky…….45-70 mph winds!! Needless to say we didn’t sleep well!!

Full moon from our Moab RV site

Full moon in Moab

The Colorado River carving its way

Moab has bike trails everywhere. This trail started by crossing the river. How do you make a bridge look different than any other?

You add art!

Bridge art

Bridge art

Driving along the river, the road has little to no shoulder. Wandering off the road here will surely mess up a paint job!!

We look at the map and decide to head in a certain direction with a specific goal in mind. Maybe its a National Park, or a certain city or quaint town. There’s plenty of literature advertising, and websites for these but the road there is just a line on the map!

So off we go with no expectation of what the miles will bring, just about how long it will take to get there,.. give or take. No where in the advertising did it say that around each corner the view out the windshield will astonish you! No where did we read that along the way we will find some place to stop and just marvel at the landscape and be grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful country. And no where did we read that at the end of the day we would find ourselves miles from the hustle of the cities and surrounded by nature with painted trees and  crystal blue skies.

…..when it’s 1,053 ft above the canyon floor, the wind is blowing at 45mph, and we are about to walk across it!!  Wait! Is it moving up and down in the middle? Why yes it is! The bridge is Royal Gorge Bridge in Canon City Colorado. A walk across it will, undoubtedly, put you stomach several notches higher, put a quiver in your voice, and a weakness in the knees!!

It’s a long way across and a long way down!

View across the Rocky Mts.

We made it across!

Just as we were making our way back across a train came through at the bottom.

The Arkansas River at the bottom of the gorge

Every state is represented on the bridge

(Click smaller pics for a larger image)

In 2013, a wild fire swept through the canyon and burned all the buildings at the park and destroyed 13000 acres. The only survivor was the bridge sustaining only minor damage. Everything else was toast!

If you travel Colorado, this is a must! If you are really adventurous, there is a zip line that crosses the gorge and yes you are dangling over 1000 ft. Unfortunately on the day we were there the line was closed due to high wind. Would I have rode the zip line?? You Bet!!! It’s added to the bucket list!