By Barbara Nelson
A Wild Adventure
The other half of this diverse State of Utah is the southern part. It is all red rock, mild climate, unique Anasizie dwellings and 5 national parks.
We journey into Canyon Country that begins a few miles south of Moab.
The Canyon Lands National Park
Canyon Lands are the largest national park in the state of Utah.
With diversity that staggers the imagination, it is divided into three districts by the two rivers that run through the park. The Green River and the Colorado River.
The three areas are Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze, named for their most prominent geologic characteristics.
Island in the Sky section of the park sits atop of a massive 1500 foot mesa, quite literally an Island in the Sky. This makes a panoramic view that encompasses thousands of square miles of Canyon Country.
The Needles and Maze districts offer 4-wheel-drive enthusiasts some very challenging terrain, the best in the United States.
Dead Horse Point State Park
This is the most spectacular of all the state parks in Utah. Towering 2000 feet above the Colorado River, providing a dramatic view of the Canyon Country and the snaking meandering of the Colorado River below.
Dead Horse Point got its name long ago when a mustang herd ran wild on the mesa near Dead Horse Point. The unique mesa provided a natural corral. The cowboys drove the mustangs here for capture. Some of the captured mustangs were kept for personal use and others sold to the eastern markets. The unwanted, wild horses were left behind to find their own way off the point. The only escape for them was through a narrow 30-yard neck of land and into the water to swim for freedom. That natural gate, as it was called, was left open so the undesirables could return to the open range. For unknown reasons the mustangs remained on Dead Horse Point and died of thirst within the sight of the Colorado River, giving this state park the appropriate name of Dead Horse Point.
Moab
Near these parks is the city of Moab. If you were to sum up the town of Moab it would be called a city that lives outdoors.
Moab is a high energy town. A town of movements. Hiking, rafting, base jumping, and jeep rallies. A town all about sports and doing things. With spacious visas, deep canyons, and located on the banks of the Colorado River.
Just a few miles from Moab is another National Park, Arches.
Arches National Park
Chase rainbows made of Navajo sand stone, with over 2000 arches. Travel over more than 22 miles to see these scenic arches. Each one is more stunning than the other.
Experience the park from your windshield if you must, but you need to get out and experience what is really there.
Photography opportunities here are endless, with natural balanced rocks, fins, pinnacles and spires. Creations appear to be giant sculptures.
One of the most photographed arches in the world is the Delicate Arch. It is on every postcard, magazine, brochure, visitors guide, and even our state licenses plates.
You will be overcome with owe at the first fantastic view of these distinctly different arches.
We were there last year when a light skiff of snow made the arches even more sparking with contrast.
How can one state have so many areas of red rock parks? It is surprising that they would not look alike. However, each one is separate and unique. They all have a common thread of red rock but that is where the similarities end.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce is more than an awesome badland, for which it is best known. It is majestic castles, towering pinnacles, deep canyons and the wildest, most wonderful scene that you will encounter. You look down on miles of exquisitely carved pinnacles and spires, the Indians called "hoodoos". All made out of sun drenched sandstone. It is one of the Wonders of the World.
Bryce Canyon is near another uniquely different state park, the Coral Pink Sand Dunes.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
The pink colored sand dunes is 2000 acres of rare pink sand, which comes form Navajo sandstone. This is a product of erosion from surrounding sand stone cliffs. High winds pushing and swirling sand as high as 200 feet in the air. A sea rippling pink colored sand invites you to get in and dip your feet in the soft sand.
The Coral Pink Sand Dunes is a magnet to ATV riders. The pink sand, blue skies, green vegetation, and yellow wild flowers are a photographer's dream.
Kanab, near to this park, is a city that needs to be explored.
Kanab got it nickname of "Little Hollywood" by the movies that were filmed there, when actors like John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Raquel Welch, Charlton Heston, Gregory Peck, James Stewart and Glen Ford came to town to make a film.
It was a time of great excitement. Movies like The Wagonmaster, Rio Grande, Warlock, Stagecoach, and Outlaw Josey Wales. People drove from miles around to catch a glimpse of the stars.
All of the locals or anyone who wanted to was used for bit parts and walk-ons. Even the animals, horses, dogs, and farm animals were filmed. It was a time of free flowing money and good times. Anyone who wanted to work could get a job with the movies. Many were hired and moved to Hollywood to be doubles for the actors.
If you have seen any of these movies, and many others, you have seen the beautiful red rock that makes up Southern Utah.
You can explore the old movie sets where the films were made. They have been moved from the original spots to preserve them from weather and destruction. They are at Frontier Movie Town.
Rent an authentic western costume for an old-fashion photo or video. Outside old wagons serve as seats for the gun battles and evening programs. This is a fun place for the whole family.
Moab is still being used for movies and commercials. This has been a filming location since 1949.
Monument Valley
This is another popular site for movies, with towering, majestic sandstone formations rising from the desert floor. Monument Valley has been the dramatic backdrop for many western movies. John Ford and the legendary John Wayne were regulars here.
Today cinematographers and photographers from around the globe flock here to tour and shoot scenery.
Lake Powell
Lake Powell is another film industry delight. Lake Powell in the Glen Canyon Recreation area sports nearly 2000 miles of shoreline fun. House boats and motor boats are for rent. Here guides will dip a paddle in the lake letting the rhythm of the water guide you into the many side canyons, narrow alcoves and hanging gardens.
Near here is Page, Arizona, where you can experience the world famous antelope and slot canyon, with a Native American guide. Let the slot canyon's fusion of sandstone and sunlight take your breath away.
Next we head to yet another of these red rock national parks.
Capital Reef National Park
Named for the geological features - "capital" for white domes of Navajo sand stone resembling the capital building rotundas. "Reef" for the rocky cliffs of the water pocket folds that form a reef-like barrier.
Bask in the rich kaleidoscope of color with its warm earth tomes of gold, red, orange, and brown. The regal formations of the castle and chimney rock.
Let your imagination run wild to trace the bold outline of cliffs that burst forth with color. Stand beneath stone sentinels as the sun crosses the sky casting deep shadows across the valley floor.
Capital Reef National Park is a place for those who dream in color.
Zion National Park
Zion Park is the oldest park in Utah. Zion is known for its soaring towers, and incredible slot canyons including the Narrows, which attract hikers from around the world.
Zion is Utha's most heavily used park with three million visitors per year.
The Virgin River gnawed through native sandstone to create this incredibly scenic canyon.
This is just a brief glance into the vast things to do in Southern Utah.
Pursuit the interest that you have and feel good knowing that this vacation to Southern Utah will not soon be forgotten.
Check out the author's website at www.doinstuff.com
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