Holbrook to Moab, UT

Our next stop on our trip is Moab, UT. Moab is the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Canyonlands is one of the two Big Five national parks in Utah that Pam and I haven't yet visited. The other is Capitol Reef NP. On our drive through Apache County in Arizona, we experienced dust storms, known as haboobs. The first of these were pretty mild where visibility was down to maybe a quarter of a mile, however, just past Many Farms, AZ, a dust storm blew across a field and reduced visibility to mere feet. I completely lost sight of the pickup ahead of us. We all came to a complete stop on the highway. The storm cleared in about a minute and I was only five yards from the pickup. Another vehicle was maybe fifteen yards behind us. Scary not knowing if you'll run into the vehicle in front or being rear-ended by someone behind. Beyond that, a really nice five and half hour drive.

Once we got settled in Moab, we set out for Canyonlands. Pam and I decided to only visit the Islands in the Sky District of the park. Islands in the Sky is a flat topped mesa with spectacular views. And the views were just that, spectacular. That morning was cold, around thirty two degrees. It snowed overnight and there was still snow on the ground when we entered the park around 0730. We spent the entire morning and early afternoon at the many overlooks and went on a few short walks. 

Canyonlands National Par

We also visited Arches NP again. Our last trip here we missed the hike to Delicate Arch. Delicate Arch is the symbol of Utah, it is represented on the state's license plates. Nothing quite prepares you for the view from here. The trail is moderately strenuous and fairly well marked, a total of 2-1/2 miles round trip. The arch isn't visible at the end of the trail, you have to turn around a corner to see the it. It is absolutely breath taking and inspiring. We spent the better part of two-and-a-half hours  hiking and looking at the arch. Well worth the effort.

Delicate Arch, Arches NP