Utah trip report [with side trip to Colorado!]
Nov 18th, 2004 | 12:39 PM
#1
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Utah trip report [with side trip to Colorado!]
We're back from one of our best trips ever. I can't believe I initially wondered what we'd do with Yellowstone closed! We landed midnight on wed., and awoke to spectacular mountain views. What a sight!
We drove about three and a half hrs. to Moab, and enjoyed most of the sight, with amazing mountain views, and then spectacular canyons. This kind of scenery made us feel like we were on a different planet. It sure wasn't Long Island!
As we approached Moab, we were completely taken by the red cliffs all around, and from maps, I could locate Arches off in the distance. Our excitement mounted as we turned off Hwy. 191 onto 128. This road, which is a scenic byway, was one of the highlights of our trip. It runs along the Colorado River, with Red Cliffs on both sides. Our hotel was 14 beautiful miles down the road, and we never tired of making that trip.
Although I checked out the hotel's site online, I was still amazed at the beauty surrounding it. Red Cliffs Lodge was better than we expected, and we had pretty high expectations. We stayed there two nights and were sad to leave. I highly recommend anyone who visits the area to take a drive down this route. There are about thirty miles of spectacular scenery, much of it familiar from old westerns, as this is where many were filmed.
We got bag lunches from the lodge which were excellent, and headed to Arches. Along the side of the road were several big horn sheep. After getting some advice from the visitor's center, we headed up the steep, but not too adventurous road to discover one fascinating sight after another. We spent all afternoon in the park, till sunset, and hated to leave.
We drove about three and a half hrs. to Moab, and enjoyed most of the sight, with amazing mountain views, and then spectacular canyons. This kind of scenery made us feel like we were on a different planet. It sure wasn't Long Island!
As we approached Moab, we were completely taken by the red cliffs all around, and from maps, I could locate Arches off in the distance. Our excitement mounted as we turned off Hwy. 191 onto 128. This road, which is a scenic byway, was one of the highlights of our trip. It runs along the Colorado River, with Red Cliffs on both sides. Our hotel was 14 beautiful miles down the road, and we never tired of making that trip.
Although I checked out the hotel's site online, I was still amazed at the beauty surrounding it. Red Cliffs Lodge was better than we expected, and we had pretty high expectations. We stayed there two nights and were sad to leave. I highly recommend anyone who visits the area to take a drive down this route. There are about thirty miles of spectacular scenery, much of it familiar from old westerns, as this is where many were filmed.
We got bag lunches from the lodge which were excellent, and headed to Arches. Along the side of the road were several big horn sheep. After getting some advice from the visitor's center, we headed up the steep, but not too adventurous road to discover one fascinating sight after another. We spent all afternoon in the park, till sunset, and hated to leave.
Nov 18th, 2004 | 12:59 PM
#2
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Day two -- we started out at Canyonlands, almost at dawn. We had ordered bag lunches again, and after a 6:30 a.m. breakfast, we were on our way. The drive there was beautiful, despite all those power lines. We stopped a few times along the way to snap away [ended up with over 400 pictures in four days, and deleted down to about 300].
Canyonlands was a bit more adventurous for me, since I'm afraid of heights. I wouldn't let it keep me from enjoying the trip though. The ride was not that bad, and I even ventured to edges of the canyons to take in the spectacular views. The park was nearly empty. We had almost no one around for most the afternoon there. We stopped for lunch, and decided we both wanted to head back to Arches, as we were really affected by that park. So, after spending all morning and the early afternoon in Canyonlands, we headed back to Arches.
After spending time watching a scorpion travel along by the visitor center [I'd never seen one before, but knew what it was!], we spent the remainder of the day at some of our favorite spots in Arches. We hoped to get some good sunset shots, but although the day was sunny, the clouds rolled in just before sunset, eliminating that opportunity. We sadly departed for the second time, knowing we wouldn't be back [at least, not on this trip], and trying to soak in those spectacular views as we drove out.
Canyonlands was a bit more adventurous for me, since I'm afraid of heights. I wouldn't let it keep me from enjoying the trip though. The ride was not that bad, and I even ventured to edges of the canyons to take in the spectacular views. The park was nearly empty. We had almost no one around for most the afternoon there. We stopped for lunch, and decided we both wanted to head back to Arches, as we were really affected by that park. So, after spending all morning and the early afternoon in Canyonlands, we headed back to Arches.
After spending time watching a scorpion travel along by the visitor center [I'd never seen one before, but knew what it was!], we spent the remainder of the day at some of our favorite spots in Arches. We hoped to get some good sunset shots, but although the day was sunny, the clouds rolled in just before sunset, eliminating that opportunity. We sadly departed for the second time, knowing we wouldn't be back [at least, not on this trip], and trying to soak in those spectacular views as we drove out.
But do get there eventually. It's just as beautiful as Moab in a very different way.
Nov 18th, 2004 | 03:59 PM
#5
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Mike, I absolutely intend to get to Yellowstone eventually, but now I plan to spend several weeks next time, allowing for us to explore more of Utah! Utahtea, your advice was excellent, and reassured me before arriving there. How funny [and very sad] that I had no idea how much Utah had to offer. While there, I briefly considered the idea of retiring there! Then reality hit, and my arthritis issues call for warmer weather.... [but that gives you an idea how much we loved it]
Day three - We reluctantly left Red Cliffs Lodge after breakfast and a chat with the locals there. Instead of heading toward 191, we decided to head east on 128, not wanting to miss one foot of the beautiful scenery there. We were glad we did. The next 15 or so miles were just as spectacular as the first ones. I wanted one more day there, just to get different lighting for more of those pictures, and to savor it all. Once we hit the suspension bridge [1916 -- now on register of historic places] the road became 'ordinary'. My husband and I both said, at the exact same time, "two days ago we would have been impressed with this"..... funny how much can change in two days. Since we were already heading east, we decided to continue on to Colorado, and did a really crazy thing for me. I think our laid back, peaceful days in Utah made me lose perspective of what I should [and should not] do. After speaking to the super people at the Colorado visitor's center, we headed up the Colorado Nat'l Monument. I was told that there were "some" of those winding, narrow roads with steep dropoffs and no sides, but I was feeling I could tackle anything, and I didn't want to miss more of what I suspected would be the same beauty. Well, it was spectacular up there, but I wasn't through a quarter of it before I started loosing my desire to conquer my fears. I stopped getting out to look at these beautiful sights, deciding I could wait to get home and see the pictures! It was a very long drive to Grand Junction for me. And, thank goodness we went west to east. The other direction was definitely more hair raising!
After a brief stop for a late lunch, we headed back toward Utah. On the way back to Salt Lake City area, we stopped at Thompson's Springs [I believe that was it] to see the petroglyths. The Colorado visitor's center folks told me about this place, and we were so glad we stopped. It's three miles north of Rt.70, and when we got there, it was already late afternoon, with the sun low in the sky. The canyon where they are located was already totally shaded, and the place was a bit eerie, and maybe I was losing it a bit, but I felt as though I could feel the presence of those who passed through there. The drawings were quite numerous, and dated from 500 B.C to about 1800 A.D., if I recall correctly. We were given some information on the area from the woman at the Utah welcome center which was just a few miles west of the area. She intrigued me, and I wish we had time to stay longer and talk with her. I felt as if she could see my soul, just by looking in my eyes. Another totally different feeling than I've ever had. Maybe it was just the countryside getting the best of me. It sure did affect me, and only in a good way. Did I mention that I was ready to move to Utah....
Anyhow, we were losing daylight rapidly, and we also saw very large animal prints in the area, so we figured we'd better get going. No one else was around. I'm glad we were able to see the area, however brief it was.
We arrived in Ogden late Sat., and had a late dinner right in our hotel and called it a night.
Day three - We reluctantly left Red Cliffs Lodge after breakfast and a chat with the locals there. Instead of heading toward 191, we decided to head east on 128, not wanting to miss one foot of the beautiful scenery there. We were glad we did. The next 15 or so miles were just as spectacular as the first ones. I wanted one more day there, just to get different lighting for more of those pictures, and to savor it all. Once we hit the suspension bridge [1916 -- now on register of historic places] the road became 'ordinary'. My husband and I both said, at the exact same time, "two days ago we would have been impressed with this"..... funny how much can change in two days. Since we were already heading east, we decided to continue on to Colorado, and did a really crazy thing for me. I think our laid back, peaceful days in Utah made me lose perspective of what I should [and should not] do. After speaking to the super people at the Colorado visitor's center, we headed up the Colorado Nat'l Monument. I was told that there were "some" of those winding, narrow roads with steep dropoffs and no sides, but I was feeling I could tackle anything, and I didn't want to miss more of what I suspected would be the same beauty. Well, it was spectacular up there, but I wasn't through a quarter of it before I started loosing my desire to conquer my fears. I stopped getting out to look at these beautiful sights, deciding I could wait to get home and see the pictures! It was a very long drive to Grand Junction for me. And, thank goodness we went west to east. The other direction was definitely more hair raising!
After a brief stop for a late lunch, we headed back toward Utah. On the way back to Salt Lake City area, we stopped at Thompson's Springs [I believe that was it] to see the petroglyths. The Colorado visitor's center folks told me about this place, and we were so glad we stopped. It's three miles north of Rt.70, and when we got there, it was already late afternoon, with the sun low in the sky. The canyon where they are located was already totally shaded, and the place was a bit eerie, and maybe I was losing it a bit, but I felt as though I could feel the presence of those who passed through there. The drawings were quite numerous, and dated from 500 B.C to about 1800 A.D., if I recall correctly. We were given some information on the area from the woman at the Utah welcome center which was just a few miles west of the area. She intrigued me, and I wish we had time to stay longer and talk with her. I felt as if she could see my soul, just by looking in my eyes. Another totally different feeling than I've ever had. Maybe it was just the countryside getting the best of me. It sure did affect me, and only in a good way. Did I mention that I was ready to move to Utah....
Anyhow, we were losing daylight rapidly, and we also saw very large animal prints in the area, so we figured we'd better get going. No one else was around. I'm glad we were able to see the area, however brief it was.
We arrived in Ogden late Sat., and had a late dinner right in our hotel and called it a night.
Nov 19th, 2004 | 04:19 AM
#7
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Lois,
Now that you've seen Arches and one part of Canyonlands (remember that there is a second part that is easily accessible and a third part that isn't), I'd like to reinforce your notion of seeing other parts of Utah. The smallest amount of research about the other parks and areas of Utah will reveal incredible, diverse beauty.
Now that you've seen Arches and one part of Canyonlands (remember that there is a second part that is easily accessible and a third part that isn't), I'd like to reinforce your notion of seeing other parts of Utah. The smallest amount of research about the other parks and areas of Utah will reveal incredible, diverse beauty.
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Nov 19th, 2004 | 09:32 AM
#8
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I enjoyed reading your whole report!
The one lane suspension bridge you saw is called the Dewey Bridge. It's been closed to traffic for some time now, but back in 1978 when we drove Hwy 128 (going towards Moab) for the very first time, we drove across on that bridge and I remember thinking, is it going to hold us!
The petroglyphs near Thompson are called Sego Canyon. The big life size ghost ones are my favorites!
If you can drive in Colorado National Monument then I'd say you were cleared for just about any paved road in Utah. Maybe even scenic Hwy 12, but that could be pushing it! There is one short little section where there are drop offs on both sides of the road!
Utahtea
The one lane suspension bridge you saw is called the Dewey Bridge. It's been closed to traffic for some time now, but back in 1978 when we drove Hwy 128 (going towards Moab) for the very first time, we drove across on that bridge and I remember thinking, is it going to hold us!
The petroglyphs near Thompson are called Sego Canyon. The big life size ghost ones are my favorites!
If you can drive in Colorado National Monument then I'd say you were cleared for just about any paved road in Utah. Maybe even scenic Hwy 12, but that could be pushing it! There is one short little section where there are drop offs on both sides of the road!
Utahtea
Nov 19th, 2004 | 09:42 AM
#9
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Mike, you don't have to convince me. I'm already sold! I don't think I mentioned the majestic mountain vistas, virtually in every direction! And to think, when we spoke to friends about going to Utah, they asked, "what's in Utah?" Believe me, they've gotten an ear full since we've been home!
Day Four -- We woke early [now in Ogden] and headed up to Bear Migratory Nature preserve. This is a 12 mile drive on dirt roads, through marshland, around lakes and streams, and with the usual spectacular mountains in the distance. My husband was excited to get a couple good pictures of an eagle, and several of falcons. One actually swooped down at him. We must have seemed odd there. It was just us and many duck hunters. There we are taking pictures of what they're shooting at. Well, actually we weren't especially interested in the ducks.....
From there, we headed a bit south, to Antelope Island. This was also an interesting stop. It's a huge island right in Salt Lake, with lots of Buffalo, mule deer, and assorted other wildlife. Unfortunately the weather was cloudy and overcast, elimating the possibility of great pictures from there [not that we didn't already have enough!] Both these stops took several hours each.
From there, we headed to Salt Lake City. We were in luck. The Mormon Tabernacle choir was practicing and sounded terrific. That was a nice bonus. At this point, we'd had enough running around, it was now sunset, and we decided to find a movie theatre to pass some time before our flight out [at midnight!]
This was truly one of our favorite trips. Our only regret was the limited time we had. There is no doubt in my mind that we'll be back, and hopefully, soon! [and to think, I wanted to know what there was to do, with Yellowstone closed! There must have been a lot of people chuckling and shaking their heads over that.]
Day Four -- We woke early [now in Ogden] and headed up to Bear Migratory Nature preserve. This is a 12 mile drive on dirt roads, through marshland, around lakes and streams, and with the usual spectacular mountains in the distance. My husband was excited to get a couple good pictures of an eagle, and several of falcons. One actually swooped down at him. We must have seemed odd there. It was just us and many duck hunters. There we are taking pictures of what they're shooting at. Well, actually we weren't especially interested in the ducks.....
From there, we headed a bit south, to Antelope Island. This was also an interesting stop. It's a huge island right in Salt Lake, with lots of Buffalo, mule deer, and assorted other wildlife. Unfortunately the weather was cloudy and overcast, elimating the possibility of great pictures from there [not that we didn't already have enough!] Both these stops took several hours each.
From there, we headed to Salt Lake City. We were in luck. The Mormon Tabernacle choir was practicing and sounded terrific. That was a nice bonus. At this point, we'd had enough running around, it was now sunset, and we decided to find a movie theatre to pass some time before our flight out [at midnight!]
This was truly one of our favorite trips. Our only regret was the limited time we had. There is no doubt in my mind that we'll be back, and hopefully, soon! [and to think, I wanted to know what there was to do, with Yellowstone closed! There must have been a lot of people chuckling and shaking their heads over that.]
Nov 19th, 2004 | 09:44 AM
#10
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Utahtea,
I may have done that drive in Colorado, but it took me a couple hrs. [and a drink, which I never do for lunch!] to calm down! So, maybe not all the scenic spots in Utah, but I'm certainly open to most of them!
I may have done that drive in Colorado, but it took me a couple hrs. [and a drink, which I never do for lunch!] to calm down! So, maybe not all the scenic spots in Utah, but I'm certainly open to most of them!
Nov 19th, 2004 | 10:09 AM
#11
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[and to think, I wanted to know what there was to do, with Yellowstone closed! There must have been a lot of people chuckling and shaking their heads over that.]
Nah, just happy for you and fun for us to let you know that if plans are to go awry, you probably couldn't have picked a better area for that to happen.
My wife and I will never forget the vacation when our flight didn't arrive in time to catch the last boat to our intended destination. So, when things don't go quite as planned we always remind ouselves of the entire day we were "stuck on Samos," which just happens to be an idyllic, small Greek island. Could have been worse, huh!
Nah, just happy for you and fun for us to let you know that if plans are to go awry, you probably couldn't have picked a better area for that to happen.
My wife and I will never forget the vacation when our flight didn't arrive in time to catch the last boat to our intended destination. So, when things don't go quite as planned we always remind ouselves of the entire day we were "stuck on Samos," which just happens to be an idyllic, small Greek island. Could have been worse, huh!
Nov 19th, 2004 | 10:11 AM
#12
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Great trip report. You wrote:
'they asked, "what's in Utah?"'
We had the same experience with our friends...you won't know until you go.
We went for 9 days in Sept of '03 then went back for 12 days in late Sept. of '04. We haven't actually started planning a trip for Sept of '05 yet but I know we'll be going back soon. I've been bitten by the "Utah Bug"...the more you see of it the more you realize that there's more to see. I'm glad you enjoyed your trip.
'they asked, "what's in Utah?"'
We had the same experience with our friends...you won't know until you go.
We went for 9 days in Sept of '03 then went back for 12 days in late Sept. of '04. We haven't actually started planning a trip for Sept of '05 yet but I know we'll be going back soon. I've been bitten by the "Utah Bug"...the more you see of it the more you realize that there's more to see. I'm glad you enjoyed your trip.
Nov 19th, 2004 | 10:13 AM
#13
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Lois,
We've never spent much time in Salt Lake city area but the Bear Migratory Nature preserve and Antelope Island sound very interesting! How bad was the 12 mile dirt road?
BTW, did you see the signs on I-70 between the Colorado Border and Thompson, Utah to watch for Eagles? I know that driving east they have signs. One year we almost hit an eagle as he swooped by after picking up a rodant. We were afraid he wasn't going to make it but he did.
Utahtea
We've never spent much time in Salt Lake city area but the Bear Migratory Nature preserve and Antelope Island sound very interesting! How bad was the 12 mile dirt road?
BTW, did you see the signs on I-70 between the Colorado Border and Thompson, Utah to watch for Eagles? I know that driving east they have signs. One year we almost hit an eagle as he swooped by after picking up a rodant. We were afraid he wasn't going to make it but he did.
Utahtea
Nov 19th, 2004 | 11:28 AM
#14
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Peterboy, I know what you mean. We have no doubt that we'll be returning to Utah, and for as long as possible. None of these long weekend trips! Thank goodness for Jet Blue's special deal, and for Yellowstone being closed. We may not have realized what a gem of an area Utah is.
Mike, I agree that some of the best experiences can happen when you 'wing it'. However, this trip was as good as it was because of the good advice [and reassurance!] from all of you here on this site. I rarely travel anywhere without checking this site out first, at least, for first time visits. Any time any of you are heading east [way east -- as in Long Island and vicinity] I'll be happy to help out!
obxgirl, I'm glad you enjoyed the report. I enjoy reliving it!
Utahtea, the road through the nature preserve is passable, though there are many ruts and potholes. When cars/trucks pass from the other direction, it can be tight, but I just pulled over as far as possible and waited for them to pass by. Although most the others were in trucks or big four wheel drives, we had a regular, mid-sized car, and had no problem. Just remember, it will take quite a while to drive around. There is some sort of bathroom facility at the beginning of it, if needed. There are seasons when there are a lot of birds. If you call, they'll send a brochure explaining when to find certain birds there.
My husband's eyes lit up when I told him about the eagle 'warning' on 70. We didn't see it, or for sure I would have been driving that leg as he kept an eye out for them! I'd also recommend heading to Antelope Island on a good day. They have some hiking paths and beaches and the buffalo were plentiful when we were there.
Once again, thanks to all who offered advice. It truly made a difference.
Mike, I agree that some of the best experiences can happen when you 'wing it'. However, this trip was as good as it was because of the good advice [and reassurance!] from all of you here on this site. I rarely travel anywhere without checking this site out first, at least, for first time visits. Any time any of you are heading east [way east -- as in Long Island and vicinity] I'll be happy to help out!
obxgirl, I'm glad you enjoyed the report. I enjoy reliving it!
Utahtea, the road through the nature preserve is passable, though there are many ruts and potholes. When cars/trucks pass from the other direction, it can be tight, but I just pulled over as far as possible and waited for them to pass by. Although most the others were in trucks or big four wheel drives, we had a regular, mid-sized car, and had no problem. Just remember, it will take quite a while to drive around. There is some sort of bathroom facility at the beginning of it, if needed. There are seasons when there are a lot of birds. If you call, they'll send a brochure explaining when to find certain birds there.
My husband's eyes lit up when I told him about the eagle 'warning' on 70. We didn't see it, or for sure I would have been driving that leg as he kept an eye out for them! I'd also recommend heading to Antelope Island on a good day. They have some hiking paths and beaches and the buffalo were plentiful when we were there.
Once again, thanks to all who offered advice. It truly made a difference.
Nov 20th, 2004 | 07:06 AM
#15
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Hi Lois!
I'm so glad you had a great trip! You can see why I live in Utah. Yes, you will defintely want to come back and spend more time. The variety is endless and you are right - the more time you spend, the more you know there is to see and the more you love it.
I'm so glad you had a great trip! You can see why I live in Utah. Yes, you will defintely want to come back and spend more time. The variety is endless and you are right - the more time you spend, the more you know there is to see and the more you love it.
Nov 20th, 2004 | 09:13 AM
#16
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LosL, this was a great report. My husband and I are in the early stages of planning a road trip from South Carolina to the Grand Canyon and the Southwest. I've printed this thread for reference. I must admit that Utahtea has frightened me about highway 12. We are planning to drive that road from Bryce Canyon to the Grand Canyon.
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