Zion National Park 1909-2009

 

 

 

 

Zion Canyon is millions of years old. Zion NP is 100 years old in 2009. Within the park is 229 sq miles of dramatic landscape, sculptured canyons and soaring cliffs. Zion is located in southern Utah at the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert provinces. The photos do not do the landscape justice...the large rock formation worn away by water, wind and volcanic action look like giant cathedrals against the blue sky. At the base of the formations winds the Virgin River, which gives life to the otherwise dry terrain.
Along the road open to auto traffic there are several tunnels...one of which is over a mile long. It was built in the late 1920s when vehicles were much smaller. If you are traveling through this area in an RV be aware there are length & height restrictions & at best you will have to be escorted through the narrow tunnel.

Zion National Park in Utah

 

 

 

 

Zion Canyon, first know to the native Southern Paiute people as Mukuntuweap, was settled by pioneers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the 1860s. The photos were taken around the Visitors Center. There is a free shuttle system with propane powered double connected busses for the 90 minute park tour. There is also one road on which auto traffic is still allowed.

The Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands NP

 

 

 

 

Island in the Sky sets atop a massive 1500 foot mesa. From the parks viewpoints you can see nearly 100 miles in any direction, resulting in panoramic views that encompass thousands of square miles of canyon country.

Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky

 

 

 

 

Island in the Sky is one of three areas of the Canyonlands NP. The National Park is divided into three areas by the Colorado River and the Green River.

Exploring Arches NP

 

 

 

The day was surprisingly cool and even had some rain early on. Tried to see some Bighorn sheep, but the only one we ran into was at the visitors center. Since the Arches herd only numbers 50 seeing one would be a rare treat.

 

 

 

 

We took a 1/2 mile hike to get a better view of the Delicate Arch and of course, better photos! Delicate Arch is the best known arch in the park.

Arches National Park outside Moab, UT

 

 

 

 

Water & ice, extreme temperatures and undergound salt movement are responsible for the sculptured rock scenery in Arches NP. The park lies atop an underground salt bed that is responsible for the arches, sprires, balanced rocks, sandstone fins and eroded monoliths.

Foster/Whitcomb Family Reunion

 

 

 

A few photos from our visit in the Lafayette/Boulder area to say our goodbyes before we leave Colorado next week. As you can see everyone was in good spirits.

Bullwinkle and his brother visit Elk Creek Campground in Grand Lake, CO

 

 

 

 

These big boys have been entertaining the campers for the last couple of weeks. Also, have sighted a mother moose with her baby and a bull Elk with several females and their young....Also, the Elk bugling has begun. Everyone thinks winter is going to be coming early to Rocky Mountain National Park area.

Met Our New Traveling Companion

 

Woody, Ted's Birthday gift, is now joining the Rocky Top Ramblers on their journey. He decided to join the party during the kids visit to Grand Lake. Had a nice meal with Vahe, Elk Creek Campground owner, and the Denver group, Colby, Joe, and Kari.