It’s Tuesday night and ready for bed. I wanted to share a bit about this road trip I just finished. This impulsive idea turned out to be an eleven day adventure. I covered 2,680 miles. I saw the Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capital Reef National Park, Escalante National Monument, Colorado National Monument and a half dozen cool mom and pop coffee shops. I played the tourist rather than a photographer so most photos are more about pressing the shutter. I camped 6 of the 11 nights, spending 3 nights in Phoenix with my parents. I saved money due to my senior status as all the parks were free and the camping sites were half price. Now we can’t even get in. 🙁 A couple of nights were cold as a cold front moved through the area. One morning it was 29 degrees and the next morning it was 25 degrees. The above image was taken the morning it was 25.
The aspens were in all their glorious colors as I passed through the Dixie National Forest on my way to Torrey, Utah and Capital Reef National Park.
I want to go back and spend more time in each of them. I found myself emotional several times as I took in the beauty of this Colorado Plateau lands. I loved seeing all those stars at night. I loved the quiet and solitude that surrounds you while you’re there. All of the parks and monuments have hiking trails for day trips or overnight trips. I would like to venture into some of those canyons, to be closer and more intimate.
If you look closely in the above image you can see some of the self-guided trails that lead down into the canyon. These are what I’m interested in taking in the next time I’m there. I have a lot of catching up to do after being gone for 11 days: blogs to read, respond to comments and laundry.
14 Comments
Tom Dills
That sounds like the Epic Monte Stevens Adventure to me, Monte! I can’t wait to make a similar journey myself. Although probably without the camping! 🙂
Looking forward to seeing more posts and photos!
Monte Stevens
You would enjoy something like this. Paul and I have talked about making a trip to Arches National Park. Maybe we can make it a group photo trip. Would you be interested?
Tom Dills
Kathy & I would definitely be interested. We’re making plans for next year’s travel, and somehow the West keeps coming up in our discussions. 🙂 Colorado in particular is a place we’re interested in, but Arches has been on my “list” since the days of Edward Abbey.
Monte Stevens
If that really does interest you then send me an email with dates that can work for you. Arches does require some hiking to get to them but that is the way it should be.
paul
Let’s go! Let’s go! Let’s go! 😀
Monte Stevens
LOL
John
My my… what an adventure. Some great images and I bet there are more to come.
Monte Stevens
My intent was not with photography although I took a few images. My real motive was to visit them. They profoundly touched me and I think that was my subconscious intent.
Steve Skinner
Sometimes it fun to just experience the place and not spend a lot of time messing with the camera.
Monte Stevens
One morning after the sun had come up, I just sat along the canyons rim and had morning prayer/meditation. A very good way to start the day.
paul
You know, I’ve thought many times about doing what you did; however, I’ve never been camping and, honestly, I think that I’d like to stay in a hotel. However, seeing all of those stars and having a chance to actually see The Milky Way, might make a little bit of discomfort worthwhile.
I think that I’d love to get in my car and just drive to different locations; however, the locations that I want to see are mostly in the southwest, or perhaps fairly far north, like the Dakotas, both of which would ‘require’ flying and then driving. It’s still within the realm of possibility, though. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Monte Stevens
Camping can be a miserable experience unless you have some decent gear or you’re a tough guy. If I’d not had a good tent the first night I would have been soaked after that 2 hour rain. And it is an awesome sight to see all those stars we’ve heard about. Having that bear walk within 20 feet of my tent was a plus on the experience side but not recommended. I only spent one night at each place so I really did not get a chance to see everything I wanted. I did get a feel for them and have a good idea of those I really want to spend more time with.
I think you would like such an adventure and already have those seeds of dreams planted. It can take a bit of planning or an impulsive moment like mine. Just do it!
Cedric Canard
As whirlwind as it was, it sounds like you had a grand adventure. Glad you had such a good time and thanks for sharing the moments and the photos.
Monte Stevens
It went by too fast. I’ll take it slower next time. And, there will be a next time!