Day 176 – Bryce Canyon Country Grand Staircase Escalante

Day 176 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways
Torrey and Boulder

So Torrey has about three restaurants, three motels, a few RV parks, two gas stations and TWO coffee shops.  I’m amazed a small town and through traffic could support two coffee shops.  I guess that’s why a shot of coffee is three bucks! We took advantage of the free wi-fi at the RV Park across from the Days Inn this morning, so we got a bit of a late start.  VANilla wound past groves of leafless aspen, startled a few mule deer, and chugged over a 9,600 foot summit patched in snow before we finally reached Boulder, Utah where we briefly stopped to gather some information about the Grand Staircase Escalante area.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!
double arch

Day 175 – Utah Byways – Part 4

Day 175 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways

The average precipitation in Moab for May is 0.8 inches of rain…I think I witnessed most of it the last two days.  Saturday, however, was simply glorious…sunny with a cool breeze.  The weather and weekend invited plenty of visitors to Arches National Park.  It required some patience, quick reflexes, and geometry to snap photos of the arches without people in them.  I understand wanting to stand beneath the arches to look up in awe, but enjoy them and move on so others can do the same.  It seemed like one couple sat down for a picnic in the middle of an arch which left others waiting tirelessly for a photo without them in it!

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!
hamburger rock campgrounds

Day 172 – Monument Valley Meander (Part 2) and Utah Byways

Day 172 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways

Muley Point in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

I’m glad I didn’t go with the 17 mile dirt road drive at Monument Valley Meander yesterday, as I spent most of this morning off roading.  My first destination for the day was to Muley Point which can be reached after climbing 1,100 feet over three miles along a dirt road with 10% grades and 5 mph switchbacks.  A variety of road signs prohibit RV’s, vehicles over 10,000 pounds, and trailers. 

Within the first mile, I encountered all three signs…giving me second thoughts about making the ascent given I have a 9,500 pound vehicle.  After the three mile scramble up Moki Dugway, visitors must turn left on Muley Point Road that is “Impassable When Wet”.  I presume due to the softness of the road given it was relatively smooth and flat.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!