USA 2022 Road Trip (page 5 of 8)

UTAH - CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK - GOOSENECKS TRAIL

GPS Coordinates: 38.29895, -111.29786 Parking GPS Coordinates: 38.29865, -111.29894 Goosenecks Overlook

From Panorama Point, just take the unpaved road leading to Goosenecks Overlook.

This viewpoint, accessible via a trail of about 130 meters (one way), offers a stunning panoramic view of the winding bends of Sulphur Creek Canyon.

The stream has carved a deep and colorful gorge that includes three distinct rock layers: the Moenkopi formation and the Kaibab limestone from the Permian era, and the white sandstone, the oldest strata represented in the park.

https://youtu.be/ml1dzyxHPQE

UTAH - CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK - VIEWPOINTS - FRUITA AREA

Twin Rocks GPS Coordinates: 38.32235, -111.33763

Twin Rocks is an amazing rock formation shaped like mushrooms.

Panorama Point GPS Coordinates: 38.30620, -111.29593

Panorama Point offers a breathtaking view of the massive sandstone cliffs. This viewpoint is easily accessible from Highway 24, just 4 km west of the visitor center.

From the parking lot, a very short walk leads visitors to a 360-degree view.

The stunning landscape can be seen at any time of day, though the colorful cliffs become especially vibrant as sunset approaches.

This high point also provides astronomers with an excellent view of the night sky.

The Castle GPS Coordinates: 38.2984, -111.2640

This rock formation is located near the Visitor Center. It’s named for its resemblance to a castle.

Fruita Historic District GPS Coordinates: 38.28811, -111.24818

The Fruita Historic District was once home to an old Mormon farming settlement that was active from 1895 to 1947. The Fruita School, built in 1896, still stands on the site. You can’t go inside the school, but you can peek through the window panes.

Fremont Petroglyphs GPS Coordinates: 38.28811, -111.24244

The Fremont culture lived in what is now Utah for about a thousand years, from 300 to 1300 AD. The petroglyphs (images carved or pecked into stone) are one of the most visible remnants of their culture. They’re accessible via two wooden boardwalks.

Capitol Dome GPS Coordinates: 38.28750, -111.22173

Capitol Dome, the park’s iconic landmark, is an 1,870-meter peak located 4 kilometers from the visitor center.

It’s a majestic white sandstone formation that strangely resembles the United States Capitol building. The park was partly named after this landmark.

Behunin Cabin GPS Coordinates: 38.28219, -111.17061

This small red sandstone house was built in 1882 by Elijah Cutler Behunin and his family. Behunin was one of the first settlers in the area.

Despite the tiny size of the house (4 m x 5 m), Elijah, his wife, and their 13 children all lived here.

They only stayed for a year because rising river waters unfortunately washed away their crops.

The house was restored in the 1960s by the National Park Service and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.

Fremont River GPS Coordinates: 38.28807, -111.16296 Parking GPS Coordinates: 38.28895, -111.16331 Waterfall

Less than 1 kilometer from Behunin Cabin, a parking area on the left side of the road provides access to a unique and beautiful section of the Fremont River.

https://youtu.be/wGc3XqQGJbk

UTAH - CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK - VIEWPOINTS - SCENIC DRIVE

This 13-kilometer scenic road starts near the Visitor Center. It's paved, but it ends in a dead end, so you'll have to backtrack the same way.

It lets visitors see many of the park's famous formations and also provides access to the most popular trails like Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge, which are reached via two dirt roads.

Danish Hill

GPS Coordinates: 38.26679, -111.24496

This viewpoint offers stunning views to the north and south of the Wingate Cliffs and the Chinle slopes.

Slickrock Divide

GPS Coordinates: 38.22441, -111.22043

Slickrock Divide separates two large watersheds. On either side of this hill, stream beds channel runoff and debris toward Grand Wash to the north and Capitol Gorge to the south.

When it rains in Capitol Reef, it often pours. Large expanses of bare rock and thin layers of soil can't do much to absorb and retain the water.

Eph Hanks Tower

GPS Coordinates: 38.20833, -111.19443

Eph Hanks Tower is a peak with an elevation of 1,990 meters located at the mouth of Capitol Gorge where the Scenic Drive ends.

It’s named after Ephraim Knowlton Hanks, a Mormon pioneer and the first permanent settler in the Capitol Reef area. Along with his family, he settled in the Pleasant Creek area of Capitol Reef in 1881.

On the Road

The end of this video lets you see the colorful landscapes of the Scenic Drive, as well as a bighorn sheep we spotted along the way.

https://youtu.be/JG4uer6AqOg

UTAH - CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK - CASSIDY ARCH TRAIL

GPS Coordinates: 38.26374, -111.21590 Parking GPS Coordinates: 38.26376, -111.21568 Start of the hike GPS Coordinates: 38.26591, -111.21332 Left junction GPS Coordinates: 38.26095, -111.22597 Arch

From the scenic road, a 2 km dirt road leads into the Grand Wash. Cassidy Arch Trail starts near the parking lot at the end of this road.

The arch was named after the famous Butch Cassidy, who hid multiple times in the Grand Wash in the late 1880s.

The trail to Cassidy Arch is 5 km round trip. You first take the Grand Wash Trail, which is bordered by the impressive Wingate and Navajo sandstone walls of the Grand Wash Canyon.

After covering about 1.2 km, you turn left to follow the Cassidy Arch Trail.

The trail climbs up the cliffs to the arch, which sits on a slickrock plateau about 150 meters above the wash.

The hike along the cliffs offers breathtaking views, but the elevation gain is very quick, and the trail includes steep slopes, switchbacks, rough terrain, and areas that aren’t clearly marked.

Cassidy Arch Trail ends above the arch itself, providing great photo opportunities.

https://youtu.be/1AgD31P36UE

UTAH - CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK - ON THE WAY TO CAPITOL GORGE TRAILHEAD

GPS coordinates: 38.20884, -111.19421 Start GPS coordinates: 38.20956, -111.16941 End

The end of the paved road marks the official end of Scenic Drive, but a dirt road continues for 2.3 miles, providing access to Capitol Gorge.

This road can be driven by any type of vehicle. However, it’s best to avoid it on rainy days.

This very narrow road winds through a stunning canyon with towering cliffs.

Large rocks line the roadside, showing the significant and constant erosion of these cliffs.

https://youtu.be/I1FEgOcy_o8

UTAH - CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK - CAPITOL GORGE TRAILHEAD

GPS Coordinates: 38.20957, -111.16938 Parking GPS Coordinates: 38.20977, -111.16646 Petroglyphs GPS Coordinates: 38.21145, -111.16072 Pioneer Register GPS Coordinates: 38.21417, -111.15618 Junction for Tanks Trail GPS Coordinates: 38.21394, -111.15783 Tanks

To start this hike, you’ll need to take Scenic Drive, which leads to Capitol Gorge, and then follow a 3.7 km (2.3 mi) dirt road to the parking area where the hiking trail begins.

This is a 3.6 km (2.2 mi) round-trip trail that winds through impressive canyon gorges.

Right at the start of the hike, you’ll spot petroglyphs along the canyon walls, including handprints and a petroglyph panel that, unfortunately, has been vandalized.

A little further on, at the top of the right canyon wall, you’ll see inscriptions left by surveyors working in the gorge in 1911.

As you continue, you’ll reach Pioneer Register, marked by a sign. These are carvings left on the rock walls by pioneers who traveled through the valley. The oldest inscription appears to date back to 1870.

A bit further, you’ll turn left toward the formations called Tanks. These are natural reservoirs carved into the rock by erosion, filled with water that allows local wildlife to drink.

Avoid touching the water to prevent contamination.

This section of the trail has a steep slope and is much rougher. You’ll also need a good sense of direction to reach these reservoirs.

Pay attention to the cairns along the trail—they’ll help guide you to them.

I’ve marked their locations to make it easier for you to find them.

The scenery in this area is stunning, and you’ll also spot a small natural bridge below one of the reservoirs.

https://youtu.be/NXu-uyYc0LU

UTAH - MONROE - MYSTIC HOT SPRINGS

GPS coordinates: 38.63384, -112.108474

When we visited, access was set at 25 $ per person for a 2-hour slot, and reservations were required.

The site features two concrete pools and six vintage cast-iron bathtubs filled with water from the hot springs.

The first pool is 2 feet deep and has a waterfall created by minerals cascading down the side of the pool.

The second pool is 4 feet deep and provides the perfect spot to float on the surface.

The water temperature in these different bathing areas ranges between 37 and 43°C, making it pleasantly warm.

The bathtubs are drained and cleaned several times a day, while the pools are drained and cleaned every two weeks.

With a constant flow, the water stays clean and hygienic. Its cloudy appearance is natural due to the minerals in the water, and there’s no sulfur present.

If you’d like to enjoy a breathtaking sunset view while soaking in these warm, relaxing waters, just book a reservation for that time slot.

https://youtu.be/SYaCE-W1X8c

UTAH - SCENIC VIEWPOINTS ALONG UT-24, UT-119 & I-70

Here are a few spots where we stopped along the way as we left Capitol Reef and headed toward Arches National Park.

Koosharem Reservoir - State Route 24 GPS Coordinates: 38.60069, -111.84141

Koosharem Reservoir is a small, shallow lake formed by the Otter Creek Dam above Grass Valley. It’s located on State Route 24 near Venice, Utah.

We decided to take a short break here and enjoy the pretty view of the lake, with snow-capped mountains in the background.

The reservoir’s facilities are limited to daytime use only, but there are restrooms, picnic tables, and a barbecue available.

It’s also a great spot for trout fishing.

Rainbow Hills - Glenwood GPS Coordinates: 38.77823, -111.94188

Just before reaching Glenwood, a viewpoint on State Route 119 offers spectacular views of Rainbow Hills, a series of colorful hills on the east side of the Sevier Valley.

I-70 West - San Rafael Swell Area

West of Green River, Interstate 70 cuts through the San Rafael Swell, which features mesas, buttes, petrified sand dunes, and canyons—much of it carved into Navajo sandstone and dotted with juniper and sagebrush.

Aside from the highway, very few roads access this remote area, and those that do are unpaved.

There are several rest areas on both sides of the highway, allowing you to take a break and enjoy incredible views of the region.

We traveled westbound on this highway, so below are the locations of these rest areas.

Sand Bench View Area GPS Coordinates: 38.82921, -111.11521

Devil's Canyon View Area GPS Coordinates: 38.84911, -110.92570

Ghost Rock View Area GPS Coordinates: 38.86154, -110.81161

Spotted Wolf Canyon View Area GPS Coordinates: 38.93250, -110.47219 Parking GPS Coordinates: 38.93089, -110.46924 Viewpoint +/- 484 m round trip

I-70 East - San Rafael Swell Area

San Rafael Reef View Area GPS Coordinates: 38.92124, -110.43091 Climb the small hill to the right of the parking area

We also stopped at this rest area on the opposite side of the highway. The view is stunning, but we had to take a long detour afterward to head back west since crossovers are rare on this highway.

https://youtu.be/Q4YViFmUjTE

UTAH - MOAB - ARCHES NATIONAL PARK - PARK AVENUE TRAIL

GPS Coordinates: 38.61654, -109.61992 Visitor Center GPS Coordinates: 38.62443, -109.59952 Parking lot and trailhead GPS Coordinates: 38.63645, -109.60009 End of the trail

Reservations are required depending on the time of year. A limited number of tickets is available for purchase one day before entry at 6:00 PM MT/8:00 PM ET via Recreation.gov. Since these tend to sell out quickly, it’s best to make a reservation in advance.

Located 8 kilometers northwest of Moab, Utah, this park features a wide variety of geological formations, including over 2,000 arches, which you can explore from scenic viewpoints along the park road or by hiking the park’s trails.

Courthouse Towers is the first section of the park, just past the Visitor Center. The massive, isolated monoliths in this area were sculpted by wind and water.

From the Park Avenue parking lot, a paved path leads to a viewpoint offering a stunning view of the canyon.

You then descend stone steps to the canyon floor and continue along a dirt trail that eventually gives way to slickrock and sand.

This 1-mile (1.6 km) linear trail lets you admire many photogenic rock formations.

At the start of the trail, you’ll spot a formation called Queen Nefertiti because it truly resembles the profile of an Egyptian queen.

Since this is a linear trail ending at the Courthouse Towers viewpoint along Scenic Drive, you can start at one point and get picked up at the other. Otherwise, you’ll need to hike round-trip, doubling the distance.

Don’t forget to bring water—it gets hot in the canyon!

https://youtu.be/MzFhlUvuCj0

UTAH - MOAB - ARCHES NATIONAL PARK - COURTHOUSE TOWERS SECTION VIEWPOINTS

*** Moab Fault

GPS coordinates: 38.61807, -109.61062

This roadside viewpoint offers a spectacular view of the Moab Fault, created by intense upward pressure that caused the Earth's crust to shift about 240 million years ago.

*** Park Avenue

GPS coordinates: 38.62523, -109.59979

From the parking area, a paved path leads to this viewpoint overlooking a stunning canyon with impressive sandstone rock formations.

*** La Sal Mountains

GPS coordinates: 38.6263, -109.5912

This viewpoint offers a 360-degree view, including the La Sal Mountains—the second-highest mountain range in Utah—as well as the magnificent rock formations in the Courthouse Towers area.

*** Courthouse Towers

GPS coordinates: 38.63689, -109.60006 Parking GPS coordinates: 38.63645, -109.59852 The Organ GPS coordinates: 38.63578, -109.60377 Three Gossips GPS coordinates: 38.63957, -109.60656 Sheep Rock GPS coordinates: 38.64120, -109.60190 Tower of Babel

This viewpoint provides a grand view of four rock formations: The Organ, Three Gossips, Sheep Rock, and Tower of Babel.

*** Petrified Dunes

GPS coordinates: 38.63648, -109.60005

Over 200 million years ago, northwest winds carried tons of fine sand into this region, creating a vast desert. After a long process, the sand was cemented into rock.

This viewpoint also offers a breathtaking view of the La Sal Mountains.

https://youtu.be/9KBNFhZ0l4k

UTAH - MOAB - ARCHES NATIONAL PARK - BALANCED ROCK, POTHOLE ARCH, HAM ROCK & GARDEN OF EDEN

The Windows Section is the second part of Arches National Park. A 4-kilometer road winds through this area, which contains a high concentration of arches and stunning rock formations.

**Balanced Rock**

GPS Coordinates: 38.70168, -109.56632 Parking

This rock formation is one of the park’s iconic landmarks. A large boulder perched atop a narrow stone pedestal defies gravity.

A trail about 490 meters long loops around it, offering a close-up view of this phenomenon.

**Pothole Arch**

GPS Coordinates: 38.69754, -109.55122 Roadside parking GPS Coordinates: 38.69968, -109.55303 Arch

This natural arch is located at the top of Ham Rock. It can be seen from a distance from the road.

**Ham Rock and Garden of Eden**

GPS Coordinates: 38.69800, -109.55030 Parking GPS Coordinates: 38.69964, -109.55371 Ham Rock GPS Coordinates: 38.69849, -109.54749 Garden of Eden

Ham Rock is a rock formation that resembles a canned ham. It’s a climbing spot, but you’ll need to get a permit from the visitor center.

Garden of Eden is the perfect place to see numerous spectacular rock formations. There’s no designated trail—it’s more of a hiking area where visitors can explore the different geological structures at their own pace.

https://youtu.be/BTNa-mMZBm0

UTAH - ARCHES NATIONAL PARK - DOUBLE ARCH TRAIL, COVE ARCH, COVE OF CAVES & PANORAMA POINT

** Double Arch Trail **

GPS coordinates: 38.68832, -109.53837 Parking and trailhead GPS coordinates: 38.69156, -109.54033 Double Arch

An easy 800-meter round-trip hike leading to a truly spectacular double arch. You can climb the rocks for a bit of elevation and get a nice viewpoint over the valley.

Fun fact: you can see this arch in *Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade*!

** Cove Arch **

GPS coordinates: 38.69340, -109.54267

Cove Arch is a small arch, 10 meters high, embedded in a cliff.

** Cove of Caves Viewpoint **

GPS coordinates: 38.68790, -109.54254 Parking GPS coordinates: 38.68820, -109.54302 Viewpoint

This lookout offers a view of a series of caves that will likely become future arches as erosion does its work.

** Panorama Point **

GPS coordinates: 38.71930, -109.55410 Photo stop

This lookout provides a stunning panoramic view of the park and the La Sal Mountains.

It’s also mentioned as an excellent spot for stargazing and admiring the night sky.

https://youtu.be/kl78FKQjYl0

UTAH - ARCHES NATIONAL PARK - WINDOWS LOOP & TURRET ARCH TRAIL

GPS Coordinates: 38.68720, -109.53677 Parking GPS Coordinates: 38.68437, -109.53492 Turret Arch GPS Coordinates: 38.68581, -109.53286 North Window GPS Coordinates: 38.68497, -109.53235 South Window

A 1.1-mile loop hike that’s a must-do if you’re visiting this park, as you’ll get the chance to admire the stunning beauty of three incredible arches.

The dirt trail is wide and easy to follow.

We first headed toward Turret Arch while enjoying amazing views of North and South Windows.

Turret Arch is the smallest of the three, but it’s part of a rock formation that looks like a castle with a turret (hence the name).

There are two holes in this formation—one you can walk through and another higher up on the rock face.

North and South Window are arches in the same sandstone fin. South Window is the larger of the two, standing 65 feet tall, and it’s the third-largest arch in the park.

These two arches are also known as "the spectacles" because the formations resemble a face wearing glasses.

https://youtu.be/AwTsybBn9cU

UTAH - ARCHES NATIONAL PARK - DELICATE ARCH TRAIL

GPS coordinates: 38.73567, -109.52057 Parking and trailhead GPS coordinates: 38.73747, -109.51868 Petroglyphs GPS coordinates: 38.74351, -109.49928 Delicate Arch

Delicate Arch Trail, located in Arches National Park, is a 3.1-mile round-trip hike that’s super popular. The trail starts at Wolfe Ranch parking lot.

The path steadily climbs and passes by the Wolfe Ranch cabin and a wall of petroglyphs depicting riders, bighorn sheep, and small animals. These are believed to have been carved between 1650 and 1850.

The trail then winds through massive sandstone domes. Cairns are placed along the path to mark the way.

The trail climbs to the top of a cliff. It’s narrow and follows the edge of a rock wall.

Just before reaching Delicate Arch, you’ll spot another arch on your right known as Twisted Doughnut Arch. By carefully climbing onto its ledges, you get an amazing view of Delicate Arch.

Delicate Arch, at the end of the trail, is a widely recognized symbol of Utah and is also famous worldwide.

The opening under the arch is 46 feet high and nearly 33 feet wide, making it the largest freestanding arch in the park. It’s stunning, and the surrounding landscape is absolutely breathtaking.

You can walk under the arch to take photos, but since it’s such a popular spot, you’ll want to do it quickly to allow other hikers access.

Check the weather conditions before starting this hike, as summer heat can be overwhelming since there’s almost no shade along the way.

https://youtu.be/6aedY0KNWVY

UTAH - ARCHES NATIONAL PARK - UPPER DELICATE ARCH VIEWPOINT TRAIL

GPS Coordinates: 38.73390, -109.50215 Parking GPS Coordinates: 38.73411, -109.50123 Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 38.73419, -109.50020 Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint GPS Coordinates: 38.73770, -109.50183 Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint

Delicate Arch is the park’s most famous arch and a must-see for many visitors.

This trail lets you enjoy some great views of Delicate Arch without having to hike the full trail to the arch itself.

The Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint is the first overlook on this trail. At just 61 meters round-trip, it’s very easy to walk and wheelchair-accessible.

From here, the arch is clearly visible. It’s about 1 kilometer away from this spot. With a zoom lens, you can get a decent shot of the arch perched on a distant rock wall.

The trail to the second viewpoint, Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint, is 800 meters round-trip.

Considered moderate, it climbs a rocky outcrop using stairs and rock slabs, ending at the edge of a steep canyon.

It obviously offers a better view than the previous overlook, even though the arch is still far away.

It’s important to note that there’s no way to reach the base of Delicate Arch from this trail. To get to the base, you’ll need to take the Delicate Arch Trail from Wolfe Ranch.

https://youtu.be/g3uTLRIUhHo

UTAH - ARCHES NATIONAL PARK - FIERY FURNACE SECTION - VIEWPOINTS

Viewpoints - Fiery Furnace Section - Arches National Park - Moab - Utah

Fiery Furnace is a maze of very narrow sandstone canyons. This section of Arches National Park, located between Delicate Arch and Devils Garden, is a popular hiking destination named for the reddish hue it takes on at sunset.

A permit is required to visit this area, either an individual permit or one with a ranger.

However, a few roadside viewpoints let you take in the stunning landscapes that make up this region.

*** Salt Valley Overlook

GPS Coordinates: 38.74022, -109.57104

A short drive on this side road leads to a breathtaking view of the lower Salt Valley.

*** Fiery Furnace Viewpoint

GPS Coordinates: 38.74273, -109.56600 Parking and trailhead GPS Coordinates: 38.74228, -109.56471 Viewpoint (130 m round trip)

This viewpoint offers a stunning panorama of the many incredible rock formations found in this area, as well as the La Sal Mountains visible in the background.

*** Skyline Arch Viewpoint

GPS Coordinates: 38.77200, -109.59098

A quick stop by the roadside gives you a lovely view of Skyline Arch. It’s named that way because it can be seen from many spots in the park.

https://youtu.be/YMg0xCByZ9o

UTAH - ARCHES NATIONAL PARK - SAND DUNE ARCH TRAIL

GPS coordinates: 38.76475, -109.58341 Parking and trailhead GPS coordinates: 38.76430, -109.58110 Sand Dune Arch

Sand Dune Arch is located in the northern part of Fiery Furnace. This arch can't be seen from the road. Its name comes from the sand dune found in this spot.

The trail, about 500 meters round-trip, leads to a narrow passage in a canyon that takes you to this secluded arch surrounded by sandstone fins.

When we were there, the wind was blowing really hard in the canyon. The pretty orange sand, swept up by the wind, was blinding us, and we even had to cover our mouths and noses to keep the sand out.

But it was totally worth the trip because the area is really beautiful.

https://youtu.be/IvcCWsnIoRQ

UTAH - ARCHES NATIONAL PARK - SKYLINE ARCH TRAIL

GPS coordinates: 38.77202, -109.59094 Parking and trailhead GPS coordinates: 38.77440, -109.59012 Skyline Arch GPS coordinates: 38.77629, -109.58934 Also accessible via the amphitheater

A short 600-meter round-trip hike on a well-defined trail leads to this arch perched atop a high cliff.

This area also features many beautiful rock formations.

Please note that you can't access the base of the arch from this trail.

However, if you head to the amphitheater, you'll get a completely different perspective of the arch, and you can also take a trail that leads to its base.

Be cautious, as the rocky surfaces can be slippery, and a fall could be fatal.

https://youtu.be/iLElS3WwtgE

UTAH - ARCHES NATIONAL PARK - DEVILS GARDEN TRAIL

Devils Garden is the second most visited section of Arches National Park, after Delicate Arch. It also features the park’s longest trail, which is actually a 12-kilometer loop that includes several spectacular arches.

** Devils Garden Trail (partial)

GPS Coordinates: 38.78290, -109.59480 Parking GPS Coordinates: 38.78288, -109.59497 Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 38.78550, -109.59640 Tunnel Arch Viewpoint GPS Coordinates: 38.78742, -109.59873 Pine Tree Arch Viewpoint GPS Coordinates: 38.79080, -109.60590 Landscape Arch Viewpoint 1 GPS Coordinates: 38.79114, -109.60697 Landscape Arch Viewpoint 2

We only hiked part of the Devils Garden Trail. Actually, we covered a distance of 3.9 km round-trip to see the following arches: Tunnel Arch, Pine Tree Arch, and Landscape Arch.

Tunnel Arch and Pine Tree Arch are located on a small side trail about 400 meters from the start of the main trail. This path is easy to walk.

Tunnel Arch is a double arch with a larger hole toward the center of the fin and a smaller one on the upper left corner. It can only be seen from a distance, but it’s worth the look.

Pine Tree Arch is more accessible, and you can see it up close since it’s possible to reach the base of the arch.

To get to Landscape Arch, you need to return to the main trail, which is relatively flat with hard surfaces to walk on.

There’s no significant elevation gain, just moderate hills up and down. The trail winds through tall rock formations until you reach a spectacular view of Landscape Arch.

Landscape Arch is the longest natural arch in the world. It spans 89 meters and stands 32 meters tall. At its thinnest point, it’s only 3.35 meters wide and 1.80 meters thick. It’s truly breathtaking.

https://youtu.be/3RJeV4GC5C0

UTAH - DEAD HORSE POINT STATE PARK - WEST RIM TRAIL

GPS Coordinates: 38.48765, -109.73555 Visitor Center

Dead Horse Point State Park, located in southern Utah, is crossed by the Colorado River and features stunning landscapes.

This park has several viewpoints and a network of trails for mountain biking. Most of the viewpoints are only accessible by hiking the East Rim and West Rim trails.

However, Dead Horse Point Overlook and the viewpoint from the Visitor Center are accessible by car.

* West Rim Trail

GPS Coordinates: 38.47037, -109.73982 Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 38.47859, -109.74585 Meander Overlook GPS Coordinates: 38.47942, -109.75052 Shafer Canyon Overlook GPS Coordinates: 38.48726, -109.74718 Rim Overlook GPS Coordinates: 38.48765, -109.73555 Visitor Center

The West Rim Trail is the longest hiking trail in Dead Horse Point State Park.

We parked our vehicle at the Dead Horse Point Overlook parking lot and hiked this trail all the way to the visitor center, covering a total distance of 5.2 km when visiting the three viewpoints mentioned above.

This trail is easy to hike. It runs along the edge of the cliffs that form the western boundary of the park and is generally less crowded than the East side. It’s marked by cairns placed on the exposed sections of sandstone and smooth rock.

It offers beautiful views of the canyon and the Colorado River.

** Meander Overlook

Meander Overlook is located about 50 meters off the main trail. From there, you can see the meanders of the Colorado River.

** Shafer Canyon Overlook

Shafer Canyon Overlook is about 370 meters off the main trail. The views are similar to Meander Overlook. You can see the Colorado River, which is 610 meters below the viewpoint, and enjoy lovely views of the canyon.

** Rim Overlook

Rim Overlook is about 435 meters off the main trail and also offers great views of Shafer Canyon.

https://youtu.be/w0q4TFC3Q-E