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Canyonlands National Park
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Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands preserves an immense wilderness of rock at the heart of the Colorado Plateau. Water and gravity have been the prime architects of this land, cutting flat layers of sedimentary rock into hundreds of colorful canyons, mesas, buttes, fins, arches and spires. At center stage are two great canyons, those carved by the Green and Colorado rivers. Surrounding the rivers are vast and very different regions of the park: to the north, Island in the Sky; to the west, the Maze; and to the east, the Needles. The areas share a common primitive spirit and wild desert atmosphere. Each also offers its own special rewards. Few people were familiar with these remote lands and rivers when the park was established in 1964. To a large degree, Canyonlands remains untrammeled today. Its roads are mostly unpaved, its trails primitive, its rivers free-flowing. Throughout its 527 square miles roam animals native to this land. Canyonlands is wild America.
Moab
Located on the banks of the Colorado River, nestled in a fertile green valley between soaring red sandstone cliffs, the town of Moab is truly an emerald in the desert. Moab’s close proximity to several national and state parks has made it a popular destination, and a wonderful location to begin any adventure in southeastern Utah. The majestic LaSal Mountains tower over the southern end of town attaining heights of nearly 13,000 feet. Just five miles north of town is Arches National Park, which contains the world’s largest concentration of natural stone arches. Thirty miles west of Moab is Canyonlands National Park, containing over 500 square miles of incredibly rugged and spectacular canyon country.
Grand Junction
Grand Junction, Colorado takes you beyond the ski resorts of the Rocky Mountains into the mystery and majesty of the Grand Valley. Perfect for a Colorado family vacation or an adventure with friends, we offer a wide variety of lodging and activities for every budget. An inspirational walk or ride through the Colorado National Monument is a must. Quiet moments abound in the city's restaurants, boutiques, art galleries and museums. Colorado's Wine Country is here and hiking doesn't get any better than this. Bicycle enthusiasts will find plenty of trails to get the wheels turning.
Arches National Park
The world's largest concentration of natural stone arches (at least 2,000) can be found within Utah's Arches National Park, near Moab (190 mi/305 km southeast of Salt Lake City). The area's geology, combined with wind and water erosion, created these magnificent towering stone arches. A scenic drive runs through the park, and pleasant, easy hiking trails lead to the arches. We recommend walking some of the trails, as you get a much better view of the unusual formations and, in some cases, can climb into the lofty openings in the rock.
Be sure to see the enormous Landscape Arch (in Devil's Garden). The most famous formation in the park is Delicate Arch—its silhouette can be seen all over the state, on everything from billboards to license plates. Reaching Delicate Arch requires a one-hour, easy-to-moderate hike (be sure to take plenty of water). The park also contains a visitors center, interpretive trails and areas for picnicking, camping, hiking and climbing. http://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm.
Canyonlands preserves an immense wilderness of rock at the heart of the Colorado Plateau. Water and gravity have been the prime architects of this land, cutting flat layers of sedimentary rock into hundreds of colorful canyons, mesas, buttes, fins, arches and spires. At center stage are two great canyons, those carved by the Green and Colorado rivers. Surrounding the rivers are vast and very different regions of the park: to the north, Island in the Sky; to the west, the Maze; and to the east, the Needles. The areas share a common primitive spirit and wild desert atmosphere. Each also offers its own special rewards. Few people were familiar with these remote lands and rivers when the park was established in 1964. To a large degree, Canyonlands remains untrammeled today. Its roads are mostly unpaved, its trails primitive, its rivers free-flowing. Throughout its 527 square miles roam animals native to this land. Canyonlands is wild America.
Located on the banks of the Colorado River, nestled in a fertile green valley between soaring red sandstone cliffs, the town of Moab is truly an emerald in the desert. Moab’s close proximity to several national and state parks has made it a popular destination, and a wonderful location to begin any adventure in southeastern Utah. The majestic LaSal Mountains tower over the southern end of town attaining heights of nearly 13,000 feet. Just five miles north of town is Arches National Park, which contains the world’s largest concentration of natural stone arches. Thirty miles west of Moab is Canyonlands National Park, containing over 500 square miles of incredibly rugged and spectacular canyon country.
Grand Junction, Colorado takes you beyond the ski resorts of the Rocky Mountains into the mystery and majesty of the Grand Valley. Perfect for a Colorado family vacation or an adventure with friends, we offer a wide variety of lodging and activities for every budget. An inspirational walk or ride through the Colorado National Monument is a must. Quiet moments abound in the city's restaurants, boutiques, art galleries and museums. Colorado's Wine Country is here and hiking doesn't get any better than this. Bicycle enthusiasts will find plenty of trails to get the wheels turning.
The world's largest concentration of natural stone arches (at least 2,000) can be found within Utah's Arches National Park, near Moab (190 mi/305 km southeast of Salt Lake City). The area's geology, combined with wind and water erosion, created these magnificent towering stone arches. A scenic drive runs through the park, and pleasant, easy hiking trails lead to the arches. We recommend walking some of the trails, as you get a much better view of the unusual formations and, in some cases, can climb into the lofty openings in the rock.
Be sure to see the enormous Landscape Arch (in Devil's Garden). The most famous formation in the park is Delicate Arch—its silhouette can be seen all over the state, on everything from billboards to license plates. Reaching Delicate Arch requires a one-hour, easy-to-moderate hike (be sure to take plenty of water). The park also contains a visitors center, interpretive trails and areas for picnicking, camping, hiking and climbing. http://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm.
