These photos are again from our visit to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park in Utah, on September 25, 2013.
We spotted this Moonflower shortly after leaving the Cave Spring area.
We also saw this interesting rock formation in the distance.
Later, we came upon a sign telling us that the rock formation is known as Wooden Shoe Arch.
This is a section of the Needles that are visible from Elephant Hill Spur Road.
Here's a little closer look at one section of the panorama shot above.
We almost drove right past that Needles overlook on Elephant Hill Spur Road, without taking any pictures, because the Needles were so far away. We thought we'd just wait until we had closer views. But, the old adage of "a bird in the hand..." came to mind so we stopped for a few shots. As it turned out, that was the only time we saw the Needles for which this section of Canyonlands is named. Apparently, other views are possible only by long hikes or off-road vehicles.
The next three photos were also taken along the Elephant Hill Spur Road:
And the final four photos were shot near where the road ended at Big Spring Canyon Overlook:
We enjoyed this part of Canyonlands National Park, but we were disappointed in not being able to see some of the beautiful places pictured on the promotional information. When I asked at the Visitor Center, they told me that many of those features can be viewed only after lengthy hikes or by off-road vehicles.
Still, we definitely enjoyed the beauty of the landscapes and our hike on Cave Spring trail.
Next up on our Trip West 2013 will be Monument Valley. Stay tuned.
Your photos from a distance are really good, and I'm glad you stopped for them. I didn't at first, but after you mentioning it, I see the wooden shoe. Thank you for sharing these. Have a great day!
ReplyDeletei love the panorama. the hubby & i are always amazed that gorgeous flowers like that can live in those hot temps. wild even! there must be a water source some where that they are living off of??! just amazing shot Linda. you really did take some beauties. we missed this part too. i am glad to add it to my memories. don't you dislike that big time - you have to jump, bike, swim to get to a very pretty view. but will they give you a helicopter to get back to the start?? now that sounds fair, right??! ha. ha!! ( :
ReplyDeletejust amazing formations. i loved wooden shoe arch - so aptly named. :) glad you took the photos you did. i enjoyed them!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Linda... Sorry you couldn't see some of the things they promoted... Lots of places do that it seems... BUT--your photos are excellent. Love the Wooden Shoe arch although at first (before reading) --I thought it looked like a car... ha
ReplyDeleteHave a good day and stay WARM. Had flurries this rmorning --and it was about 10 degrees. ANOTHER frigid air mass is on the way... Gads! ha
Hugs,
Betsy
That moonflower looks like a petunia on steroids. Pretty flower! Amazing how certain plants can thrive in that environment. Despite not getting to see specific areas, you still came away with a wonderful series of images. God's sculptures, I say. :) I so look forward to your travels!
ReplyDeleteLinda, thank you for sharing these pictures from Canyonlands National Park. I asked my husband to come and view them with me because they are so striking! The West has a beauty all its own. I love moonflowers!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you stopped at the overlook -- your pictures are marvelous. The Wooden Shoe Arch is very aptly named.
ReplyDeleteI gotta get out there. Nice shots
ReplyDeleteAn interesting piece with some nice photographs!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Love love, Andrew. Bye.
Lovely, I have grown the Moonflower a lot, it is a beauty. Looks like one needs to do some interesting hikes around this park that could take a great deal of time and energy.
ReplyDeleteMore eye candy. I can't get enough. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteA wise decision to get some shots while you could. They turned out wonderfully. What an amazing place.
ReplyDeletehave you framed any for your wall?
ReplyDeleteNo we haven't, Dee. It's just so hard to pick a favorite. :)
DeleteI especially love that first photo, Linda!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing all these pictures. I am in awe at those huge formations.I know it would be even better to see them in person,but this is great.I am enjoying my virtual sightseeing tours.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos for today, Linda!
ReplyDeleteHi Linda! Those rock formations are very well named. I totally saw the 'shoe' and the elephant feet. How fun! I'm sure you were disappointed to miss some of the park, but the photos I see here are just beautiful. And again, the sky is so blue!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend :)
Ceil
That rock panorama is amazing. Great landscapes. One would think that all the images would be the same, but there is really so much to discover.
ReplyDeleteMersad
Mersad Donko Photography