Canyonlands National Park
It was early afternoon when we arrived at Canyonlands National Park. Our first stop (after the obligatory entrance sign photograph) was the Island in the Sky Visitor Center. After learning a little about the park, (and getting our passport stamps!) we headed off on our first hike, up the Upheaval Dome Trail.
Upheaval Dome is a large, somewhat controversal crater formation in the park. All around here is flatlands with eroded canyons, and here is something large, round and uplifted. One theory to its creation is that there was a large salt deposit here left by the evaporation of an ancient sea. As sedements layered on top of the salt, eventually the pressure caused the salt to move and "uplifted" a large dome, which eventually eroded away to reveal the crater and ridges we see today.
We followed another trail to the edge of the canyon, with Tyler leading the way, running ahead of course. The scenery here reminds me of old west cowboy movies, in fact, I think I remember this vantage point from an old John Wayne film! I wonder if they actually filmed here in the park?
The next viewpoint was the Green River Overlook, which offered a marvelous view of the river that created the canyon. I'm surprised this park is not as popular as some others.
We proceeded to all the various viewpoints and overlooks, finishing up at the Mesa Arch Trail. A short, easy, half-mile loop trail led to Mesa Arch, which I remember seeing photographs of in travel magazines. The arch frames the LaSal Mountains to the Northeast, and this must be a wonderful spot to view the sunrise. Too bad we are not staying here...there is still plenty of daylight left, and we are on our way to Arches National Park, not that far away!
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