Trip #16: White Rim Trail, Canyonlands National Park, Utah

May 12 – 16, 2009

WHITE RIM TRAIL, CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK

Three couples, three days driving along the white rim trail above the Colorado River, (sorry, no trailers allowed on this trail) and two warm and windy nights camping (yes, that’s “tent” camping) in the canyon campgrounds. OK, ‘nuff said about that. I’ll just have to make sure it doesn’t happen again. The first night we camped at Hardscrabble along the river, and the second night at White Crack with a tremendous overlook, and if one went exploring, Indian paintbrush and potholes and hoo-doos. Interesting sites included Moses & Zeus, a straight-up climb on Murphy Hogback, Musselman Arch, and river canyon overlooks. After that trip we decided to go to Arches one more time and get an early start and beat the crowds on Delicate Arch. 

The White Rim Trail of Canyonlands National Park.

The players. Happy Hour the first night in a Moab RV park, where we left the Armored Hot Dog.

DAY 1

Lunching at Moses and Zeus.

First night camping at Hardscrabble Campground.

In a borrowed tent.

 DAY 2

Off to a slow start the next morning: the Jeep's sway bar disconnected. McGivor fixed it.

A steep drop.

The blooming cactus were incredible! The Touareg did a lot of stopping bringing up the rear.
Check out these colors:

The Green River.

Hoo-doos

Indian Paintbrush growing from the dry ground.

Campsite for Night 2 (why does this name always make me laugh?)

And again we dined like kings. Actually I wandered off at cook time as usual....

Standing atop Musselman Arch.

The colors were fantastic.

The Colorado River.

Did anyone else notice the rock creature?

Delicate Arch in Arches National Park

Taquito. The world's cutest doggie. Met him at a rest stop.