USA 2022 Road Trip (page 4 of 8)

UTAH - PAGE - GLEN CANYON DAM OVERLOOK

GPS coordinates: 36.92385, -111.47716 Glen Canyon Dam Overlook GPS coordinates: 36.93570, -111.48552 Glen Canyon Dam Visitor Center

This very short trail (+/- 300 meters round trip) starts near the parking lot. It consists largely of uneven rocky steps. However, a metal handrail is in place to make getting around easier.

It leads to a viewpoint located at the edge of the canyon above the Colorado River, offering a stunning view of the river, the canyon, and the Glen Canyon Dam.

Afterward, we headed to the Glen Canyon Visitor Center and took a walk in the area, as well as on the pedestrian section of the bridge that spans the Colorado River, to get other magnificent views of the canyon.

The Glen Canyon Dam, completed in 1964, was built to hold back the waters of the Colorado River to generate electricity, store water for the arid southwestern United States, and create the vast Lake Powell, a popular recreational area along the Utah-Arizona border.

It took 17 years for Lake Powell to fill completely. It is the second-largest artificial reservoir in the United States.

https://youtu.be/B885idLo1NQ

UTAH - PAGE - GLEN CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

GPS coordinates: 36.93561, -111.48584 Carl Hayden Visitor Center GPS coordinates: 36.94299, -111.49347 Entrance via Lake Shore Dr GPS coordinates: 36.98900, -111.51600 Entrance via Wahweap Blvd GPS coordinates: 36.96890, -111.49900 Wahweap Overlook

Glen Canyon is located in southern Utah, with a small part of the park also extending into northern Arizona. Its main entrance in Arizona is in Page.

Here you’ll find Lake Powell, which was created by the Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River.

Wahweap Bay, accessible by car, is the first bay of Lake Powell and the most visited bay on the lake—not only because of its proximity to the Glen Canyon Dam, but also due to its facilities and its location near the town of Page.

The road through this part of the park offers several viewpoints over Lake Powell, as well as the colorful landscape and majestic rock formations surrounding it.

Lake Powell is a true oasis of coolness in this vast rocky desert. The lake’s waters are very calm, perfect for swimming and water sports.

The Wahweap Marina is a year-round complex that includes a hotel, the Lake Powell Resort, campgrounds, and a variety of restaurants.

You can also rent jet skis and pleasure boats or book a guided boat tour.

Lone Rock is another area of Wahweap Bay. It’s accessible via a road called Lone Rock Rd.

The name refers to the solitary rock that rises to 1,230 meters in the bay. The scenery here is truly stunning.

There are also campgrounds that don’t require reservations, though there are additional fees on top of the entrance fees.

Wild camping is done on a sandy beach or in the dunes. There are no designated sites.

Caution is advised when driving in this area, as the road is sandy. We even saw a car get stuck in the sand.

Additionally, during our visit, we experienced strong winds that blew sand around, significantly reducing visibility. The road was difficult to follow in those conditions.

We also went to Wahweap Overlook. You can drive there. This viewpoint, located at the top of a hill, offers a beautiful panoramic view of the bay and the marina on the stunning Lake Powell.

If you’d like more information about this park, I invite you to visit this website: https://www.nps.gov/glca/index.htm

https://youtu.be/DxZkXAqeE6k

ARIZONA - PAGE - HORSESHOE BEND OVERLOOK

GPS Coordinates: 36.87646, -111.50283 Parking

Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped incised meander of the Colorado River. A short and easy walk of about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) round-trip from the parking lot leads to the stunning overlook that towers above the canyon.

This viewpoint lets you admire the Colorado River, with its crystal-clear emerald-green waters, surrounded by towering cliffs in warm orange hues. The scenery is simply enchanting.

If you're visiting Page, this is a must-see!

However, keep in mind that this trail offers almost no shade. There are only two shaded structures along the path, but none at the overlook itself.

Even over such a short distance, the heat can be exhausting. Please come prepared.

The overlook is fenced for safety reasons. You can move to the edge of the cliff on either side of the fenced area to get different views of Horseshoe Bend. That said, be cautious—the sandstone cliffs can be unstable, and the wind can be very strong.

The tiny boats you see on the water really put into perspective just how deep this incredible canyon is.

This popular site has a well-maintained, secure parking area, including spaces for larger RVs.

https://youtu.be/l3z_vVEH0dg

ARIZONA - PAGE - UPPER ANTELOPE CANYON

GPS Coordinates: 36.91807, -111.45952 Check-in at Chief Tsosie Trading Post

Antelope Canyon consists of two slot canyons: Upper Antelope, which is easy to access, and Lower Antelope, which I’d describe as a bit more adventurous.

It’s not possible to visit Antelope Canyon without a guided tour. The tour lasts about 1 hour. Additionally, during our visit, masks were mandatory on the Navajo Reservation.

We booked the guided tour to Upper Antelope Canyon online and checked in at the Chief Tsosie Trading Post located on Lake Powell Blvd in Page.

From there, we boarded a very comfortable, air-conditioned van and headed toward the canyon. The ride took about 20 minutes.

Once we arrived, we followed our guide through the slot canyon, and she showed us the different points of interest. Some rock formations, depending on the light, resemble a rose, a flame, or even a bear.

She even offered to take several photos of each group member and helped us capture great shots of the site. We were really happy with her service.

Upper Antelope Canyon is truly a unique place, especially when the sun’s rays filter into the canyon and illuminate the smooth sandstone walls with their spectacular ripples.

From the outside, nothing suggests that stepping into a narrow opening in the cliff would lead to a deep, winding corridor taking us through several large sandstone chambers. The height of the sandstone walls is truly impressive.

When you see photos of Upper Antelope Canyon, you appreciate the site’s incredible beauty, but when you get the chance to experience it in person, you also feel the serenity it exudes. It’s a pure moment of happiness.

After the tour, we exited the slot canyon and had to climb ramps and stairs to return to our starting point where the van was parked.

The temperature inside the slot canyon is comfortable, but outside, the heat can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to bring plenty of water.

https://youtu.be/aMn-NpN2z1I

ARIZONA - PAGE - NAVAJO CANYON BOAT TOUR AT LAKE POWELL

GPS coordinates: 36.96183, -111.43249 Antelope Point Marina

After a few unsuccessful attempts, we finally managed to book a boat tour on Lake Powell in Navajo Canyon.

The tour departs from Antelope Point Marina, located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. There’s a fee to enter the park.

We left our vehicle in the Visitor Center parking lot and took a golf cart to the marina.

From there, we boarded a houseboat and set off for a two-hour cruise on the calm waters of Lake Powell in the Navajo Canyon area.

The sandstone cliffs, rising 183 meters around us, are truly impressive. They have different shapes and layers of color. Erosion has created a stunning landscape.

It’s great to see these rocks from water level.

Some of the cliff walls are covered with a black layer due to manganese oxides. This layer is called desert varnish or Navajo tapestry.

https://youtu.be/aZXwXnGkewc

ARIZONA - PAGE - ANTELOPE CANYON X

GPS coordinates: 36.82016, -111.30767

Canyon X consists of two slot canyons and is located about 19 kilometers east of the town of Page, Arizona, specifically on Highway 98 at mile marker 307.8.

It’s actually in the same canyon as the famous Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon.

Tours are only offered by one operator, Taadidiin Tours, which specializes in small groups to provide an exclusive and memorable experience.

Booking isn’t mandatory, but it’s recommended due to limited spots, and we need to arrive 30 minutes before our tour time.

We use our own vehicle to get to the canyon. The vehicles, lined up in a convoy, follow a lead vehicle along a dusty dirt road.

Once there, we have to descend several staircases to reach the entrance of the first slot canyon.

By definition, a slot canyon starts as a narrow crack in the rock. Over millions of years, rainwater and floods have widened and deepened this opening, creating a tall, narrow passage between the plateau’s rocks, sometimes stretching for several kilometers.

With our guide, we enter the first section of Canyon X and discover the same towering walls as those in Upper Antelope Canyon, which we visited the day before.

Erosion has shaped stunning rock formations whose colors shift with the light. It’s truly breathtaking. Canyon X is every bit as impressive as Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon.

We retrace our steps along the same trail, with the guide sharing details about the different rock formations.

Afterward, we take a short hike through a dry riverbed to reach the entrance of the second slot canyon. This one has an X-shaped opening at the top, which is how it got its name.

The rock formations are just as spectacular in this second part of the canyon, and the light filtering in makes them even more striking. The scenery is mesmerizing.

The orange sand underfoot is incredibly fine. We saw this when our guide tossed some sand against the cliff walls, and it cascaded down slowly like a waterfall. It was a beautiful sight.

After the tour, we took the same route back to the parking lot. Bring water—the heat can be overwhelming here.

We really enjoyed the visit and had an excellent guide who didn’t hesitate to share valuable tips for taking photos in this stunning canyon.

https://youtu.be/OohQdshGoWA

ARIZONA - CANYON DE CHELLY NATIONAL MONUMENT - CHELLY CANYON

Chelly Canyon - South Rim

The scenic drive (South Rim Dr Hwy, also known as Indian Route 7) starts at the Visitor Center and ends at Spider Rock, covering a total of about 59 km round trip.

Here are the various viewpoints you can see along the way.

Tunnel Overlook

This first viewpoint is a small side canyon filled with rocks, offering a partial view of the main gorge, which is shallow at this spot.

The trail to get there is very short and starts on the right side of the parking lot. When we were there, the wind was so strong that we stayed near the parking lot to admire the scenery.

If you want to go beyond this viewpoint to explore the canyon, you’ll need to hire a certified guide.

Tseyi (Tsegi) Overlook

Tseyi Overlook offers a stunning view of the canyon, the Navajo farmlands, and the rock formation called Blade Rock, at the base of which lies Chinle Wash.

Junction Overlook

Junction Overlook lives up to its name as it overlooks the confluence of Canyon del Muerto and Canyon de Chelly, providing beautiful views of the Chinle Valley.

Here, with binoculars or the powerful zoom on your camera, you can spot Anasazi ruins.

White House Overlook

White House Overlook, located 100 meters from the parking lot, is a viewpoint where you can see the ruins of the White House, which date back over 1,000 years. With its 80 rooms, it’s one of the largest ruins in the canyon.

The black streaks on the sandstone walls above the White House ruins are called desert varnish. These streaks are formed by water seeping in and reacting with the iron in the sandstone.

A 4-kilometer round-trip trail starts at this viewpoint, descending into the canyon and leading right below the White House ruins.

This is the only trail allowed to be hiked in this park. When we visited, it was closed for safety reasons.

The viewpoint also offers a great view of the canyon and some large buttes upstream.

Sliding House Overlook

Sliding House Overlook is located on a side road. From the parking lot, you’ll need to walk 200 meters to reach the viewpoint. Signs point the way.

Actually, there are two different viewpoints here. The first offers a view of the canyon toward Antelope Point. The rock formations are spectacular at this spot.

The second viewpoint is a short distance from the first. You can see the ruins of a dwelling (Sliding House) built on a precarious slope, which caused much of the cliffside to slide.

The ruin gets its name from the unstable slope it was built on, which eventually caused most of the cliffside to slide. If you zoom in on the photo, you can see pictographs painted on the cliff, likely made from the roofs of rooms that are no longer there.

Face Rock Overlook

Face Rock Overlook is located on the access road leading to Spider Rock Overlook.

The trail to this viewpoint is paved and wheelchair-accessible. It offers a beautiful view of the canyon.

Observation tubes have been installed to help spot certain attractions.

You can see ruins located in different spots, some of which were built in hard-to-reach places.

Spider Rock Overlook

A 7.2-kilometer access road leads to Spider Rock Overlook.

The trail starts near the parking lot and is paved up to the first viewpoint, which overlooks Canyon de Chelly and the monolith called Spider Rock.

According to Navajo mythology, Spider Rock is the home of Spider Woman, a deity who taught the people how to weave.

There are also a few spotting tubes at the start of the trail to help locate the ruins in the canyon.

There’s another viewpoint 125 meters from the first, but it’s not paved, and the terrain is quite rough. From here, you can see other ruins tucked into small alcoves.

https://youtu.be/KrKc4I_179g

ARIZONA - CANYON DE CHELLY NATIONAL MONUMENT - CANYON DEL MUERTO

* North Rim - Canyon del Muerto

The north rim is accessible via Indian Route 64, which stretches about thirty kilometers from the Visitor Center to Massacre Cave Overlook.

This part of the canyon is much less crowded than the south rim. However, the various overlooks along this route offer breathtaking views of the canyon.

Here are the different viewpoints you can see on the north rim of the canyon.

** Ledge Ruin Overlook

GPS Coordinates: 36.16260, -109.46550

The first overlook on the north rim was once Ledge Ruin, but it has been closed for many years due to safety reasons.

** Antelope House Overlook

GPS Coordinates: 36.15841, -109.44022 Parking GPS Coordinates: 36.15593, -109.44075 Antelope House Overlook

From the parking area, the trail loops around for about 700 meters, offering a wide viewpoint where the ruins of Antelope House, built by the Ancestral Puebloans (Anasazis), and other smaller sites can be seen in the canyon below.

Antelope House gets its name from the antelope paintings found on a nearby cliff wall, which date back to the 1830s.

As you continue toward the second overlook, you’ll see a large sandstone island at the junction of Del Muerto and Black Rock Canyons, known as the Navajo Fortress.

This short hike in the area reveals a grand and colorful landscape. Erosion has created numerous alcoves and stunning arches in the cliffs.

** Mummy Cave Overlook

GPS Coordinates: 36.22859, -109.36123

Mummy Cave, with over 80 rooms and three kivas, is the largest Ancestral Puebloan village preserved in Canyon de Chelly.

Located more than 90 meters above the valley floor, it looks like a miniature village clinging to the cliffs.

The Navajo call this place "Tseyaa Kini," meaning "the house under the rock."

Below the ruins, two mummies were reportedly found in funeral urns in 1880, which led archaeologists to name the site "Mummy Cave."

Archaeological evidence indicates that this giant amphitheater, made up of two caves, was occupied from 300 to 1300 AD. The central structure between the two caves includes a three-story building.

** Massacre Cave Overlook

There are three overlooks at this spot. The first two are wheelchair-accessible, while the third is more primitive.

The first overlook, Massacre Cave Overlook, is the site of a cave where, in 1805, a Navajo tribe took refuge during a battle against a Spanish military expedition led by Lieutenant Antonio Narbona.

The location was difficult to access from below but highly visible from the canyon rim. As a result, after just one day of fighting, over 110 people from the tribe were killed.

The second overlook overlooks Canyon del Muerto, and you can also see the third overlook along the rim below.

The third overlook offers a nice viewpoint of alcoves that house the ruins of Yucca Cave and a granary.

https://youtu.be/8fM9uA01MKA

ARIZONA - MONUMENT VALLEY NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK

GPS coordinates: 36.98216, -110.11186 Visitor Center

Monument Valley is a legendary natural site located on the border between Arizona and Utah in the United States. It’s home to the Navajo people, who live off agriculture, sheep farming, and selling handmade crafts.

The Valley Drive, a 27-kilometer dirt road, loops through the park and lets you see many truly spectacular rock formations.

* The Mittens and Merrick Butte

GPS coordinates: 36.98045, -110.10374 East & West Mitten Overlook GPS coordinates: 36.97667, -110.09706 Merrick Butte

These are the most famous rocks in Monument Valley. The best viewpoint for these formations is from the Visitor Center terrace.

* Elephant Butte

GPS coordinates: 36.9685, -110.0896

Elephant Butte, as the name suggests, looks like an elephant.

* Three Sisters

GPS coordinates: 36.96038, -110.08722

On the way to John Ford's Point, you’ll see three tall rock spires called the Three Sisters.

* Camel Butte

GPS coordinates: 36.95145, -110.08272 Parking GPS coordinates: 36.95282, -110.07654 Camel

Camel Butte, as the name suggests, looks like a camel.

* John Ford's Point

GPS coordinates: 36.95350, -110.08747 Parking GPS coordinates: 36.95441, -110.08737 John Ford Point

This spot is dedicated to the work of John Ford, who used Monument Valley as a backdrop for several of his Western films. Many other directors, including Sergio Leone, have also filmed here.

* The Hub Point

GPS coordinates: 36.93590, -110.07834

The Hub is a unique 45-meter-high rock formation. At its base, you’ll find Navajo dwellings.

* Bird Spring

GPS coordinates: 36.93644, -110.06139

Bird Spring Overlook, near Sand Springs, offers a panoramic view of the Totem Pole and Yei Bi Chei rock formations.

* Sand Springs

GPS coordinates: 36.9398, -110.0630

Sand Springs is an area of the park where the orange hue of the desert’s sandy soil can be seen in every direction.

* Totem Pole and Yei Bi Chei

GPS coordinates: 36.9384, -110.0592

Totem Pole is a tall, narrow rock spire next to a cluster of thicker spires called Yei Bi Chei.

* Spearhead Mesa

GPS coordinates: 36.94154, -110.06302

This imposing mesa-type rock formation lines the road leading to Artist's Point.

* Artist's Point

GPS coordinates: 36.9573, -110.0593

Artist's Point is a viewpoint in Monument Valley that offers a stunning view of the desert and several rock formations you’ve seen along the way.

* North Window

GPS coordinates: 36.95712, -110.07279

North Window is a spot where you can get a clear view of East Mitten Butte, between Elephant Butte and a smaller formation called Cly Butte.

* Cly Butte Overlook

GPS coordinates: 36.95137, -110.06657

Cly Butte is a monolith near North Window Overlook and The Thumb Overlook.

* The Thumb

GPS coordinates: 36.95235, -110.07272

This rock looks quite different from the others. Its rounded shape gives it the appearance of a thumb. The Thumb is also the last officially marked rock on the Monument Valley tour.

https://youtu.be/QkxPICLOpao

UTAH - MEXICAN HAT

GPS coordinates: 37.14727, -109.85408 Access to the San Juan River GPS coordinates: 37.17644, -109.84892 First viewpoint GPS coordinates: 37.17107, -109.84899 Second viewpoint

Mexican Hat gets its name from a geological formation near the village that resembles a sombrero (a hat originating from Mexico).

In the small town of Mexican Hat, we first took a dirt road of about 650 meters to reach the edge of the lovely San Juan River, with its emerald waters, which is also ideal for water activities.

We then went to see the rock formation shaped like a sombrero, located on the northeast outskirts of the town.

Two dirt roads accessible by regular car allow us to get different views of this natural monument, which is 3.7 meters high and 18 meters wide.

On the way to Goosenecks State Park, we stopped at the intersection of routes 163 and 261 to admire mountains of exceptional beauty. Erosion has created unique geometric shapes on these mountains—it looks like they’ve been painted.

We also saw a dust devil form at the foot of a cliff. These form in fair weather when dry, unstable air starts rotating and lifts sand from the ground.

https://youtu.be/MJEHbe3zWcc

UTAH - MEXICAN HAT - GOOSENECKS STATE PARK

GPS coordinates: 37.17417, -109.92740

Located in Mexican Hat, Utah, Goosenecks State Park offers a spectacular view of amazing rock formations created by erosion over more than 300 million years.

The San Juan River has carved its way through a deep canyon in the desert, creating impressive meanders through a series of cliffs and terraces.

The landscape here is truly exceptional. The site reminds me of Horseshoe Bend, but with multiple examples.

The viewpoint is easily accessible since you can park just a few meters from the edge of the cliff.

When we visited, the entrance fee for Goosenecks State Park was $5 per vehicle.

There are also eight campsites available for $10 per night. No reservations accepted—first come, first served. There are no services, except for pit toilets.

https://youtu.be/o9yzTWFXVRA

UTAH - MEXICAN HAT - VALLEY OF THE GODS

GPS coordinates: 37.23500, -109.81450 Start of the scenic road

Valley of the Gods isn’t a park, but rather public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Entry is free.

A leveled gravel and clay road forms a 17-mile loop. It has a few tight turns and crosses several washes (often dry riverbeds).

This scenic drive lets you discover stunning Cedar Mesa sandstone monoliths, spires, and other geological formations. It’s like Monument Valley, but on a smaller scale.

Several rock formations have been named for their resemblance to things, like Seven Sailors, Setting Hen Butte, Rooster Butte, Franklin Butte, Battleship Rock, De Gaulle and His Troops, Castle Butte, Rudolph and Santa Claus, and Lady in the Bathtub.

It’s a paradise for photography lovers.

Plan for about two hours to explore. The road is suitable for regular cars when dry, so it’s essential to check weather conditions and road status before heading out.

Due to its remote location, it’s important to be self-sufficient and carry emergency supplies—there are no services, shops, or gas stations.

When we visited, we only came across a few other travelers. If you love wide-open spaces and quiet spots, this is the perfect place.

https://youtu.be/CDj9veD8S1g

UTAH - THE MOKI DUGWAY SCENIC BACKWAY

GPS Coordinates: 37.27248, -109.94428 Start of Moki Dugway (at the base of the cliff) GPS Coordinates: 37.27396, -109.93956 Muley Point Overlook

Moki Dugway is a 3-mile stretch of steep, unpaved switchbacks on UT-261 in Utah, climbing to the top of Cedar Mesa plateau.

It was built in 1958 as a haul road for transporting materials extracted from Fry Canyon to a processing plant in Mexican Hat, Utah.

This stretch is also part of the "Trail of the Ancients," a national scenic byway where travelers can see multiple archaeological sites and truly unique geological formations that played an important role in the history of the Native Americans of the Southwest who once inhabited this region.

It’s a fairly easy road to navigate if you drive slowly and carefully and the weather conditions are favorable.

Additionally, the state of Utah recommends that only vehicles under 28 feet in length and weighing less than 10,000 lbs attempt this road.

If you’re afraid of heights, it might be best to plan an alternate route. There are no guardrails on this road.

Muley Point Overlook is a viewpoint located at the very top of this road. It offers one of the most stunning panoramas in the American West!

From this spot, you can see The Valley of Gods in Utah, Monument Valley in Arizona, Sleeping Ute in Colorado, and the canyons of the San Juan River and Shiprock in New Mexico.

https://youtu.be/i2Bs6meWnkE

UTAH - BLANDING - NATURAL BRIDGES NATIONAL MONUMENT

GPS Coordinates: 37.60938, -109.97709 Visitor Center

Natural Bridges National Monument is located in southeastern Utah. The park features three natural bridges named Kachina, Owachomo, and Sipapu in honor of Native Americans, as well as numerous Native American ruins.

Sipapu and Kachina are actually considered the second and third largest natural bridges in the world, behind Rainbow Bridge located in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Utah.

These natural bridges were carved by a riverbed in very ancient rocks, unlike arches which result from rock erosion caused by weather.

A 14-kilometer scenic drive, Bridge View Drive, provides access to all the attractions in this park.

* White Canyon

GPS Coordinates: 37.61404, -110.00450

Natural Bridges National Monument is situated at the confluence of White Canyon and Armstrong Canyon. Over time, water has sculpted swan necks in the sandstone.

Natural bridges formed when floodwaters broke through the rock walls of the canyon’s horseshoe bends.

The landscape is breathtaking in this area. You can even see Sipapu Bridge when you're at the top of White Canyon.

* Sipapu Bridge Trailhead

GPS Coordinates: 37.61324, -110.00926 Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 37.61494, -110.01322 Overlook

Sipapu Bridge Trailhead is a 1.9-kilometer round-trip trail that leads to the base of this natural bridge. We only did a section of this trail to reach the overlook above it.

Sipapu Bridge is the largest and most spectacular of the three bridges in the park. Sipapu is a Hopi term meaning "door" or "opening between worlds." It’s older than Kachina Bridge but younger than Owachomo Bridge, having taken thousands of years to form.

* Horsecollar Ruin

GPS Coordinates: 37.61140, -110.02018

A hike (1 kilometer round-trip) leads to an overlook that offers a view of one of the best-preserved Anasazi sites in the region.

This site was abandoned over 700 years ago. The ancestral Pueblo structures are remarkably well-preserved and include, among other things, a kiva with its original roof and two rounded structures.

* Kachina Bridge

GPS Coordinates: 37.59738, -110.02843

A 400-meter round-trip hike leads to the overlook above Kachina Bridge. It’s larger than Owachomo Bridge but smaller than Sipapu Bridge.

In June 1992, approximately 4,000 tons of sandstone fell from the inside of the bridge’s opening, widening it.

There are petroglyphs and pictographs at the base of this bridge depicting Kachina dancers.

* Owachomo Bridge

GPS Coordinates: 37.58443, -110.01369 Owachomo Bridge Overlook GPS Coordinates: 37.58235, -110.01406 Owachomo Bridge 400 m round-trip GPS Coordinates: 37.58147, -110.01297 Owachomo Bridge Photo Point 600 m round-trip

Owachomo Bridge is the smallest and thinnest of the three natural bridges and is considered the oldest.

Owachomo means "rock mound" in Hopi and was named after the rock formation at the top of the bridge’s east end.

You can observe it from the overlook near the parking lot or take a short hike to get closer.

We did this hike to get near the bridge, but we were on our guard because there was a sign warning that a rattlesnake had been spotted in the area. Fortunately, it didn’t make an appearance during our visit.

https://youtu.be/hAhkJ8rXl5s

UTAH - LAKE POWELL - HITE CROSSING BRIDGE

GPS Coordinates: 37.888941, -110.368365 Overlook

The Hite Crossing Bridge is an arch bridge that carries Utah State Route 95 across the Colorado River northwest of Blanding, Utah, United States. The bridge informally marks the upstream limit of Lake Powell and the end of the Colorado River’s Cataract Canyon, but when the lake is at normal elevation, water can back up more than 30 miles upstream into Cataract Canyon.

The bridge is the only road bridge spanning the Colorado River between the Glen Canyon Bridge, 185 miles downstream near the Glen Canyon Dam, and the US Route 191 bridge, 112 miles upstream near Moab.

The bridge is located near Hite Marina on Lake Powell, and a small airstrip is immediately adjacent to the north side of the bridge.

The Colorado River served as a major barrier to early settlers and explorers in the region. In 1880, a prospector named Cass Hite established a ford near the mouth of the Dirty Devil River, about 2 miles downstream from the bridge’s current location. This ford, called "Dandy Crossing," was one of the few places in the area where travelers could cross the Colorado River. The settlement that formed at the crossing took its founder’s name, Hite.

In 1946, a settler named Arthur Chaffin built a car ferry using an old car engine and a thick steel cable to keep it in place. The ferry operated for 20 years before rising waters from Lake Powell flooded the Hite settlement.

The bridge was completed as part of the realignment of State Route 95, which was approved in 1962 due to the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam and the subsequent flooding of Lake Powell, submerging the original road alignment and the original river crossing at Hite. The bridge was inaugurated on June 3, 1966.

Source: Wikipedia Page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hite_Crossing_Bridge

https://youtu.be/aFErVxiDqH8

UTAH - LAKE POWELL - GLEN CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA - HITE OVERLOOK

GPS coordinates: 37.8815, -110.4081

Hite is a remote district located at the top of Lake Powell, near the confluence of the Colorado and Dirty Devil rivers in Utah.

Jeep trails, hiking, canyoning, mountain biking, cycling, canoeing, kayaking, boating, and fishing are just a few of the many recreational opportunities available. Rafting on the famous Cataract Canyon from Moab to Hite (permit required) is also a favorite.

Hite Overlook is a short hiking trail that follows the edge of Glen Canyon and offers stunning panoramic views of Glen Canyon, the Colorado River, Lake Powell, and Hite.

When Lake Powell’s water level is high, the reservoir extends beneath the overlook and further north into Cataract Canyon. The Hite Marina and boat ramp are visible on the east side of the canyon.

When the water level is low, the Colorado River flows freely below, leaving the marina and boat ramp unusable.

Before Lake Powell existed, this spot was the site of the small town of Hite, originally settled by a man named Cass Hite.

https://youtu.be/-ODyiRp1Cic

UTAH - CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK - CHIMNEY ROCK LOOP TRAIL

GPS Coordinates: 38.29143, -111.26194 Visitor Center

Capitol Reef is located in south-central Utah. The park encompasses the Waterpocket Fold, a geological uplift of the Earth's crust that dates back over 65 million years and stretches nearly 100 miles.

* Fruita Area

This park has three sectors. However, Fruita Area is the most accessible and most visited. In this area, you’ll find a desert dotted with red rocks, lush mountains, colorful canyons, domes, monoliths, arches, and natural bridges.

Two roads cross this area. UT-24 (free access) is the main road that runs east-west through the park and allows for a quick visit to the Waterpocket Fold.

The Scenic Drive (paid access) is a 10-mile scenic route heading south into Capitol Reef.

The historic Fruita district lets visitors learn more about the people who have called this green valley home for thousands of years.

** Chimney Rock Loop Trail

GPS Coordinates: 38.31564, -111.30401 Parking

The Chimney Rock Loop Trail is a 3.3-mile loop hike leading to a memorable viewpoint over the valley. Considered moderate, it can be more challenging due to the lack of shade and the steady, fairly steep climb.

The trail starts on sandy ground, winds through colorful mounds, and climbs to a plateau offering a great view of Chimney Rock—a tall, eroded red sandstone pillar—as well as a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding area.

The trail then heads east, featuring several short ascents and descents. This section provides lovely views of Capitol Reef and the Waterpocket Fold.

It then curves northeast, offering a view of Mummy Cliffs—beautifully colorful rock formations—and descends into Chimney Rock Canyon toward Spring Canyon.

The trail reaches a junction where you turn left (west). It gradually climbs for about 1 mile and brings you back to the trail intersection at the top of the hill.

From there, just descend the steep switchbacks back to the trailhead.

https://youtu.be/Y_Xpq-GqSvs

UTAH - CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK - HICKMAN BRIDGE TRAIL

GPS Coordinates: 38.28870, -111.22773 Parking and trailhead

A 2.7 km trail that ends with a loop around a natural bridge. Challenging at first, then moderate.

Here are some highlights you can see along the way:

Fremont River

GPS Coordinates: 38.28825, -111.22581

The Fremont River was and remains at the heart of the topography and human history preserved in the park. The erosive action of the river and its tributaries continues today, especially during floods. For nearly 2,000 years, the river supported agricultural communities on the arable lands near its confluence with Sulphur Creek.

Capitol Dome

GPS Coordinates: 38.28896, -111.22535

Just ahead is Capitol Dome, which resembles the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, DC. The other part of Capitol Reef’s name comes from a regional use of the nautical term "reef" to describe steep ridges that act as obstacles to transportation.

Pithouse Foundation

GPS Coordinates: 38.28888, -111.22571

Walk about 30 paces northeast on the side trail. You can spot the remains of a pithouse foundation by the ring of black rocks. The prehistoric Fremont people inhabited the Capitol Reef area, settling in these pit structures between 300 and 1400 CE. The Fremont people left many of these sites and other cultural traces of their life here.

Wash

GPS Coordinates: 38.29083, -111.22980

You’re walking through a wash, so named because water flows through here during storms. Between rains, the sand acts as insulation to limit evaporation, and enough moisture is retained below the surface to support large trees and shrubs. Near the post, you’ll find sturdy examples of piñon pine, Fremont cottonwood, skunkbush, juniper, and Utah serviceberry. Washes and narrow canyons are prone to flash floods, especially during thunderstorms.

Fremont Granary

GPS Coordinates: 38.29063, -111.23048

Look at the base of the cliff to the north. The remains of a granary built by the Fremont people are nestled in the layers of the Kayenta Formation. Here, they stored their food and had a view of their crops of corn, beans, and squash, which they grew in the rich soil of the floodplain below.

Nels Johnson Natural Bridge

GPS Coordinates: 38.29056, -111.23116

A small natural bridge below the trail showcases the erosive power of water. Floodwaters, loaded with sand and pebbles acting as grit, do most of the work. Erosion has widened the canyons carved by flowing water. The small bumps on the trail ahead are erosion-resistant iron deposits.

Solution Cavities

GPS Coordinates: 38.29043, -111.23176

The rock wall across the canyon is dotted with many holes called solution cavities, which form as slightly acidic groundwater dissolves the calcite that cemented the sandstone grains together.

Hickman Natural Bridge

GPS Coordinates: 38.29116, -111.23321

Hickman Natural Bridge stands ahead. It’s 40 m long and 37 m high. It was named after Joseph Hickman, a local school administrator and Utah legislator. Hickman was an early advocate for this area, which he called "Wayne Wonderland."

Kayenta Formation

GPS Coordinates: 38.29131, -111.23406

This is a good spot to observe how the natural bridge formed. The Kayenta Formation consists of hard beds alternating with much softer layers. The bridge is made of firm sandstone, while next to the trail is crumbly red shale that erodes easily.

During wetter periods, water flowed behind the fin where the bridge was cut and eroded the soft shale until it broke through. Later erosion widened the span.

The trail then passes under the bridge and turns left to form a small loop that brings you back to the main trail, which you’ll follow in reverse to return to the parking lot.

https://youtu.be/wq6eBYt6bLo

UTAH - CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK - GRAND WASH TRAIL

GPS coordinates: 38.27825, -111.19244 Parking and trailhead GPS coordinates: 38.27105, -111.20885 End of the hike at 2.5 km

Grand Wash Trail is a 3.6 km linear trail that crosses a wash (dry riverbed) from Scenic Highway 24 to Scenic Drive. You can start at either end.

We started our hike from Scenic Highway 24, walked 2.5 km, and then turned back.

It’s a gorgeous, super easy hike that’s family-friendly and offers great exploration opportunities.

The trail winds through a sandstone canyon with cliffs up to 240 meters high. There’s even a narrow section where the walls are only 4.5 meters apart.

Make sure to check the weather before heading out to avoid flash floods.

https://youtu.be/_kWG4kZaCDc

UTAH - CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK - SUNSET POINT TRAIL

GPS Coordinates: 38.29897, -111.29782 Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 38.29696, -111.29427 Sunset Point Overlook

To get to the trailhead, you’ll need to drive just under a kilometer on a gravel road. While it’s definitely doable with any vehicle, there are sections that are pretty rough and bumpy.

Once you’ve parked, look for the sign marked "Sunset Point Trail 1/3 Mile" to find the start of the trail.

The trail is easy to hike and gains a little elevation as it climbs up to Sunset Point.

There are benches along the way where you can take a break and enjoy some nice views.

The overlook at the end of the trail offers spectacular views of the park and is indeed a perfect spot to watch the sunset.

One side of the overlook gives you a sweeping view of Sulphur Creek Canyon. On the other side, you’ll find an outcrop of large, flat rocks that are fun to climb.

https://youtu.be/CbLGk8EE5dU