July 15, 2019

MONUMENT VALLEY NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK IN UTAH

Reaching the park mid-day in late May was like opening the door into a fantasy-land. The scale and quiet strength of the place cannot be described adequately. The accurate name of the park is “Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park” and it will take your breath away!   Who doesn’t have Monument Valley on their bucket list?    This park is NOT a national park but is located in a part of a 25,000 square mile Navajo Nation Reservation. Therefore, Monument Valley is administered by the Navajo Nation.     WHEN TO GO     Monument Valley can be very hot in the summer months. We visited in late May and the weather…

July 1, 2019

THE NEEDLES DISTRICT OF CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK IN UTAH

Towering rock needles, arches and canyons ribbed with bright bands of red and white rock await you in the Needles District of Canyonlands! We explored the Needles District in the southeastern part of Canyonlands National Park. The “Needles” was named for the colored spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone that dominate the landscape and may be considered the most “backcountry” of the Canyonlands districts.     The landscape is indescribable and we found the experience one-of-a-kind! This district has a visitor center, ranger programs, a scenic drive and campgrounds, including the Squaw Flat Campground.        There are four districts in Canyonlands:   The Needles District The Sky District The…

June 17, 2019

A “DON’T MISS” STATE PARK IN UTAH: DEADHORSE POINT STATE PARK

Don’t bypass our American state parks!     The most awe-inspiring state park we have visited, to date, is the incredible 5,362 square acres of Deadhorse Point State Park in Utah! When you enter, Deadhorse Point State Park is a tease. It is so unassuming UNTIL you reach an overlook!     This state park is a neighbor to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. It rivals the national parks in every way!     Driving the Deadhorse Point Mesa Scenic Byway (U-313) was spectacular! This road took us through miles of red rock canyon country. The Byway is 35 miles long and takes 2 hours to drive at the…