GSA 2019 Utah Rocks-Finishing Up the Big 5

Our 2 weeks in Moab were full as we finished up the Big 5 (as they are referred to) of national parks in Utah.

My T-shirt of the Big 5 

The Big 5 are Bryce, Zion, Capitol Reef, Arches & Canyonlands National Parks. As someone commented to me, they are all rock based, but they are unique in their own ways.  On the way to Moab, we did the Scenic Hwy 12 route through central Utah, which took us through Capitol Reef. The drive was beautiful. We were a bit worried because there were two tunnels to go through, both labeled at 13'6". (That is very close to the height of our RV.) We made it through both of them without any trouble. :) Hwy. 12 is narrow (no shoulder) and at times I made the comment "keep your eyes on the road" because the drop offs were severe. 

After arriving in Moab, we set out for Arches National  Park first. 

Balanced Rock, Arches National Park

Rock Formations

Another view of Balanced Rock

We both thought Canyonlands was stunning. You drive out on a plateau with grassland on both sides of the road, not realizing that anywhere from 200-500 yards from the road are canyons that drop off thousands of feet. I should clarify that we were in the Island in the Sky section of the park. The other two sections are more remote (one accessible by hiking or atv only).

These rival the Grand Canyon!

Mesa Arch, Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands National Park

This is the view you get when you walk up to Mesa Arch and look through to the valley

On the way to Canyonlands, you pass the turn off for Dead Horse Point State Park. We almost didn't go, but decided to see what they had to offer. Again, we weren't disappointed by one of Utah's state parks. According to one legend, the park was once used as a corral for wild horses. Cowboys herded up the horses to the neck of the point. The horses where then corralled. Supposedly the cowboys choose the horses they wanted and left the rest to die of thirst. 

View of the Green River 

Another view 

Is he or isn't he on the edge? 

We also did another UTV trip with friends James and Connie R. while in Moab. This ride went up steep stretches of rocks known as slickrock. We also saw dinosaur remains. 

Our tour guide took this picture 

We also met Robert and Deborah L., fellow Tiffin owners who were also heading to the Tiffin rally in Rock Springs, WY. Thanks for reaching out on Facebook, Robert! The Tiffin rally was fun and we had a chance to get caught up on some of our annual maintenance needs as well as hang out with other Tiffin 40 IH owners and swap stories. 

Next up are two more national parks, Grand Teton and Yellowstone, the 7th and 8th national parks of the season.