Canyons, Arches and Awesome Rock Formations

/ ridingwithgary

Day Seven of our National Parks Tour takes us to two parks near Moab – one with spectacular canyons, the other with rock formations millions of years in the making.

We also visit a Utah State Park for good measure – at Dead Horse Point, featuring a dramatic overlook of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. Dead Horse Point was used in the final “Grand Canyon” scene of the 1991 film, Thelma & Louise.

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The climactic scene from Thelma and Louise was actually shot in Canyonlands National Park.

To see more of the sights we saw along the way, check out today’s Photos-of-the-Day (PODs), below.

Wanna see the actual route from today’s ride, using Google Maps? click here.

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And now, today’s Previous Blog Trivia Question:

Q: What is the best-known arch in Arches National Park?

A: Delicate Arch – formed of Entrada Sandstone –is the most recognized and photographed Arch in the park – and the artwork for Utah license plates.

Q: For extra credit – what is Corona Arch best known for?

A: Corona Arch, which is outside Arches National Park, spans 105 feet, and attracts “pendulum swingers,” adventurers who enjoy cheating death. Click here for a GoPro view of pendulum swinging at Corona Arch (with nearly 27 million views, it’s pretty cool!).

Corona arch
Corona Arch. Don’t try this at home!

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Gotta go.

Vroom, Vroom.

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Breakfast at Camilla’s Kaffe in Fruita.
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No more kidding around. This IS a breakfast health plate.
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Let’s just say this is a little less healthy, but a lot more tasteful.
Utah 128 to Moab
Highway 128 follows the Colorado River gorge into Moab.
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Randy and Dave at the Castle Creek Inn.
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Bad timing. We arrive at the Castle Creek wine tasting room before wine serving begins 😦
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Next stop after Moab: Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park.
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I’m thinking the edge of a huge cliff isn’t the best place for a family picnic in Canyonlands.
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In Canyonlands. Hey you up there, come down.
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There’s a line to get into one of the few bathrooms in Canyonlands.
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At the Green River Overlook in Canyonlands National Park.
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Dinner at Zak’s in Moab.
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Mediterranean Plate at Zak’s for Dave.
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Randy goes for the healthy option, whatever that is.