My friend John quit his job (again) and I went out to help him move and celebrate his second temporary retirement. We visited new parts of Canyonlands NP as well as Capitol Reef NP and Goblin Valley State Park for the first times.
We did an 18mi overnight backpacking trip in Canyonlands (Alcove Springs to Syncline) but I didn’t drag either my phone or big camera along for that. Six liters of water was plenty of extra weight. Besides that, we did a bunch of day hikes and a couple 4×4 trails in John’s truck.
I was outside of cell service more than I was in it, which was exactly what I was hoping for!
First dispersed campsite in Manti-La Sal National Forest outside of Moab.
Starting out the Gemini Bridges 4×4 trail. Yeah, the truck is leaning a bit, don’t worry about it.
Reminds me of the “Death Road” in South America.
Looking back at part of the Gemini Bridges road.
The overhanging bit at Gemini Bridges. You approach from the far side and don’t realize what you’re walking on until you walk around the giant hole.
At Gemini Bridges, for scale.
Trusting the rocks at Gemini Bridges.
Looking over an un-named 4×4 trail in the canyon below Gemini Bridges.
Second campsite at the BLM “Camping Area” just outside the north Canyonlands entrance.
Tailgate gourmet on the second night. Despite appearances, dinner is not a combination of Mucinex, Fat Tire, water, orange Gatorade, and pistachios.
Sunset from the BLM “Camping Area.”
Northeast from the White Rim Overlook on Grand View Point Road in Canyonlands.
Why it’s called the White Rim Road.
Looking southwest from White Rim Overlook.
Trusting the sandstone at White Rim Overlook.
Panorama from Aztec Butte in Canyonlands National Park.
John’s shooting a beer commercial at our dispersed campsite in Dixie National Forest.
I copied John’s idea and shot my own beer commercial.
Looking north from Strike Valley Overlook in Capitol Reef National Park.
South from Strike Valley Overlook in Capitol Reef National Park.
John’s truck on Upper Muley Twist 4×4 trail to Strike Valley Overlook.
Burr Trail Road switchbacks in Capitol Reef National Park. I promise my camera was level. Look at the switchback turns.
Striations in the dirt piles (not rock) along Notom-Bullfrog Road in Capitol Reef National Park.
