Expedition Team: Dave Miller, Rosie Miller Expedition Date: September 25, 2019
The drive to Canyonlands NP and on to Bryce Canyon NP was beautiful. We went through Red Rock Canyon tunnel where the canyon is the site of Butch Cassidy history. Along Scenic Byway 12, we passed small towns and crossed the scary Grand Staircase-Escalante, a narrow strip of highway along steep cliffs an area where many dinosaur bones have been found. We gassed up at the unique Hollow Mountain in Hanksville, a gas station and convenience store carved into the side of a large rock.
On Highway 24 a few miles before reaching the park in a tight valley of sandstone cliffs, we passed through the village of Fruita. This village, named after fruit orchards, was founded by pioneers who still today raise peaches, pears & apples.
Capital Reef National Park is composed of cliffs, canyons, domes & a geologic monocline. We hiked a beautiful trail beside a meandering stream that had colorful wildflowers.
