Canyonlands and Colorado

After our time in Arches National Park, we were ready for something new. Utah has been good to us and we didn't get to see everything but it's time to move on. Our goal for the day was to make it to Cortez, Colorado. A whole new state! But before crossing the state-line we needed to check out one last National Park, Canyonlands.

Canyonlands is not the most accessible National Park and it will probably be kept that way. Many roads in the park are unpaved and there are next to no services inside the park. If you're into backcountry hiking and camping, this is the National Park for you. The park itself is split into 4 districts that are not connected: Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze and the rivers, Green and Colorado. We chose to check out the Needles portion.

Chillin in chilly AC of the van. Canyonlands National Park, Utah

On the way to the National Park we passed by Newspaper Rock. A rock panel carved with one of the largest known collections of petroglyphs. You'll find animal, human, and other worldly forms carved into the polished sandstone over 2000 years old. They aren't entirely sure who carved the figures as there were many tribes and peoples in the area. It may be a combination or peoples: Anasazi, Fremont, Navajo and Pueblo peoples. It was really cool to see and wonder what it all meant. Whether it was a story board or just a place to practice. Unfortunately some more recent graffiti has also been added to the rock face. Please don't be those people. Please don't mess with these historical places. A.K.A - Don't be a dick.

Newspaper Rock, Indian Creek State Park, Utah

Newspaper Rock, Indian Creek State Park, Utah

The story board at the story board.
Newspaper Rock, Indian Creek State Park, Utah

We weren't able to check out the Visitors Center as the all the roads were being repaved so everything was closed. We were also keeping a close eye on several storms coming at us from every direction. We didn't linger here very long in the park as the day was flying by but did take the time to take in the dramatic scenery all around us.

Canyonlands National Park, Utah 

Little itty bitty Geoff checking out the Big Spring at Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Little itty bitty Marsha staying at the top of the canyon because flip-flops and I didn't wanna change my shoes.
Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Canyonlands appropriately named, Canyonlands National Park, Utah 

SELFIE in Canyonlands, National Park, Utah

Storms a brewin!!! - Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Mr Raven is resting before the storm comes in. Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Storm and storm and storm. Canyonlands National Park, Utah

As the thunder started getting closer and closer we decided to head back towards the highway and on to Colorado. We watched a group on motorcycles pull over and get their rain gear on and then looked ahead. There it was. A large storm just parked in the valley between two cliff faces we were supposed to drive through. We took off down the road towards the curtain of water. Lightning striking closer and closer. The first pitter patters of rain hit the windshield. Then it grew and grew and grew! It was deafening! The black pavement turned to red rivers of mud. We crawled along at 30 miles an hour, any faster and you couldn't see in front of you.

Here it comes!!!!! Rain just outside Canyonlands National Park, Utah

No kidding! Look at the water on the road! 

The wind decided this was a better place for this sign. 

 It didn't last. after about 10 minutes, we came out the other side and onwards to Cortez, CO. Lightning continued to follow us. Chasing and teasing us. I almost feel strange now driving without lightning on the horizon. It's kind of become normal, almost comforting, while driving through Utah.

See! It cleared off! We survived!

We ended the day at Thatza Pizza and a comfy bed in town at a motel. We decided to take a day to recharge before hitting up one of the coolest places I've ever seen, Mesa Verde National Park.

Till next time - Fair winds my friends

Marsha and Geoff