Landscapes of Utah

A close look at the amazing landscapes of the areas that surround the Colorado River Basin of Utah   . . . 

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Around 300 million years ago The Colorado River Basin was home to a vast inland sea. Over time the water evaporated, leaving behind a bed of salt that would be responsible for many of the natural wonders that visitors enjoy today.

A Geological Look at the Park Systems of Utah

While travelling though Utah, you will hear much talk of "The Big Five".
​This refers to the five most popular National Parks of the area:

• Arches
• Canyonlands
• Capitol Reef
• Bryce Canyon
• Zion

​We'll start with these, then look at some bonus areas that you will not want to miss. 

Arches National Park

We will begin this geological adventure with Arches National Park which is located just north of Moab. This is one of the most popular parks in the state, so be prepared to fight the crowds. Upon entrance over 35 miles of road will treat you to countless photo opportunities as well as trails to explore. In fact, there are over 2,000 of these rock formations in the park including this one known as Double Arch.

Double Arch

If this interesting wonder of nature looks familiar, it is because it served as a backdrop in the 1989 film "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade". 

​It was the salt bed left over from the evaporated sea that helped to create many of these interesting formations. Through a long process of erosion this sandstone would become the magnificent landscape we see today. Over time water would gather in voids, freezing, and expanding as it broke away the weaker parts. Sand would eventually be flushed away leaving behind these impressive stone structures. The entrada sandstone was left behind while the winds continued to chisel away forming the arches you see today. 

Park Avenue

Balanced Rock

Don't think this park is just about the arches. Many other impressive sights are also waiting to be enjoyed. One of the first pull-offs encountered is at the stone hallway known as "Park Avenue". Just a few miles beyond, you will have the chances to view "Balanced Rock" from multiple angles. There are a multitude of other interesting structures to be found. Allow yourself plenty of time to explore this vast wonderland. It could easily take two or three days to thoroughly cover Arches ​National Park

Canyonlands National Park

Next on our list (due to its close proximity) is Canyonlands National Park. This amazing natural wonder is located about 30 miles outside of Moab. The Island in the Sky is situated at the junction of the Green River and the Colorado River which have spent millions of years carving the landscape we now enjoy. Be sure to make a stop at The Island in the Sky Visitor Center before continuing this adventure. Along this pleasant drive you will find many amazing views such as this one at Shafer Canyon. 

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This park consists of over 520 square miles of desert landscapes to explore, and the Grand Viewpoint shows just how expansive the area really is. At first glance it may look barren, but this desert is very much alive. The area is home an abundance of plant life as well as wildlife such as wolves, bighorn sheep, and even beaver in the rivers below.

Canyonlands National Park is more than just a big hole in the ground. There are many activities to be enjoyed here ranging from primitive camping and hiking trails to river rafting and 4-wheel drive adventures. 

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is located along Utah State Route 24. Many colorful layers of rock make this one of the most beautiful landscapes around. This impressive scenery is due to the events that created what is known as The Waterpocket Fold. This wave-like warp in the earth's crust runs around 100 miles through the central region of the state. Over the years, erosion has eaten away at the surface, revealing the many layers below. 

Hickman Bridge Trail

There is much to be enjoyed in the area. A short hike along Hickman Bridge Trail will treat the visitor to an amazing view of Capitol Dome, and just a bit further is the natural bridge for which the trail is named. If you are feeling extra adventurous, The Grand Wash Trail will take you from the main road, through a set of narrows, and to the park's campground area. 

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Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is positioned a bit further to the south and boasts yet another impressive change in scenery. The main attraction seems to be the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater, located just beyond the visitor center. There are many viewpoints you can drive to, but I recommend taking a hike on The Rim Trail to get a real feel for this wonderous landscape. The trail stretches over 5 miles along the edge of the canyon and provides access to other trails that lead in and around the canyon. 

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The amphitheater area is amazing, but don't think that is all there is to see. heading further south, you will find many more miles of canyons to explore. So grab a map at the visitor center, stock up on water, and get to it! 

Zion National Park

Heading westward, you will next encounter Zion National Park. It is hard to accurately describe the sense of awe that this mountainous terrain can provoke. ​​Once again we see a multitude of colorful layers in the earth's surface. Notice the greenery along the slopes of the mountainsides. Vegetation is a bit more abundant in this, as the air seems cooler in the gorges with enough shade to allow for a much moister environment.

It is The Virgin River that supplies much of the life-supporting water to this area, but other streams, such as Pine Creek and Oak Creek, can also be found flowing through the valleys below. This powerful force of nature has spent millions of years carving out many of these geological wonders like The Narrows. 

Hiking is of course one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery of Zion National Park. One of the important things to remember when visiting is to stay on the trails, as the desert landscape is far more fragile than it may appear. Many areas can be quite dangerous as well, so pay close attention to park regulations. 

​The extremely popular trails such as Emerald Pools and Angel's Landing are only accessible by shuttle, which requires a fairly complicated reservation process. If you don't feel like fighting the crowds, there are many options in the area where you can enjoy a bit more solitude. ​

Bonus Parks:

Goblin Valley State Park

Though not considered a part of "The Big Five" Goblin Valley State Park should be on every geology enthusiast's bucket list. This interesting natural wonder was once at the epicenter of the great inland body of salt water that occupied the river basin area. Left behind are the sandstone goblin-like figures that many call HooDoos.

This interesting location also makes for a great place to camp, as the park is dark sky certified. This means there is no light pollution to interfere with stargazing under a beautiful desert sky. 

Dead Horse Point State Park

Located along the way to Canyonlands, this is an amazing place to watch the sunrise and do a bit of exploring before taking on the much larger nearby national park. From the main overlook you can see The Colorado River making a horseshoe shaped bend through the valley below revealing millions of years worth of layers along its path. 

​There is a trail that runs from the parking lot and treats the visitor to multiple vantage points along the canyon rim, each with its own unique view. There are also restrooms and a pavilion on site, making this a very hospitable place to enjoy the wonderous landscape. 

Utah is absolutely full of an impressive array of scenery that is sure to satisfy even the most well traveled of adventurers. I packed all this excitement into just one week, but wish I had taken at least two to more thoroughly enjoy this amazing state. 
Take your time, breath in the air, and live in the moment.
Most importantly … ​Get out there and start exploring!

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