Probably the most well-known sight in Arches is Delicate Arch, which is pictured on the Utah license plate. Delicate Arch is perhaps one of the most photographed rock formations in the world. The last time we visited Arches, we hiked up to within touching distance of Delicate Arch and will never forget the experience. This time, however, we opted to hike to a dramatic viewing area of the Arch, looking across an impressive canyon at the formations perched a quarter-mile away. Delicate Arch is definitely not to be missed, and you'll come away from the experience a changed person.
Our F-250 Power Stroke/Komfort trailer combo found a comfortable home in Green River's Shady Acres RV Park. | 
Window Arch offers a view into geologic history. | 
Our trusty F-250 negotiated all the right turns to lead us to our chosen destinations. |
The next stop on our southeast Utah itinerary was Canyonlands National Park. Canyonlands, like Arches, has been dramatically shaped by the forces of nature. Water and gravity have been the prime architects of this land, cutting flat layers of sedimentary rock into hundreds of canyons, mesas, buttes, fins, arches, and spires. A great way to see the Canyonlands is driving to the Island in the Sky, which leads to awesome viewpoints looking into the depths of the canyon itself. Views from the Island in the Sky reach from the Green and Colorado Rivers to the mountaintops and above. They stretch across canyon after canyon to the horizon 100 miles away. This area, a broad mesa wedged between the Green and Colorado, serves as Canyonlands observation tower. Down below, the canyons fan out in a remarkable display of Mother Nature at work-the view has to be seen to be believed.
We went with the Island in the Sky route the last time we visited Canyonlands. This time, however, we decided to drive into the depths of the canyon itself to achieve a different view. Seeing Canyonlands from eye level is, indeed, a dramatic experience. Rather than seeing these magnificent formations from afar (which is more than worthwhile), driving through the canyons puts you on a different plane-you become part of the scenery. From the bottom, you can go on numerous hikes, explore 4x4 trails, or simply drive the paved road that winds through the area. Whatever you choose, you are rewarded with dramatic views around every corner.
Canyonlands National Park is a dramatic collection of rugged canyons shaped by years of Mother Nature's work. | 
The unpaved Scenic Road in Capitol Reef is a must-see. Our Power Stroke never missed a beat while traveling through the terrain. | 
The unpaved Scenic Road in Capitol Reef is a must-see. Our Power Stroke never missed a beat while traveling through the terrain. |