Western National Parks & More - Fall 2015

[Pmount]

Wednesday, September 23
First day of Autumn

Start: Moab, UT
End: Hamburger Rock campground (BLM), east of Canyonlands NP, Needles District

Quiet night in camp, until construction vehicles started up shortly after 7 AM in the lot next to the campground. Went into town for breakfast at McDonalds, gas, then a couple of letterboxes on our way back to Arches NP. The line was even longer at the entrance station than yesterday, but it moved quickly.

Besides working on the Junior Ranger activities I was also working on an objective for Quest Scouts (adult-oriented scout-style web based program). The objective was to photograph patterns. Wow- to be in Arches National Park and looking for patterns, I definitely went into overload!

Patterns


Besides hiking in the Windows area I hiked up to the rock art panel in the Delicate Arch area to complete activities for the Junior Ranger program. Back at the visitor center a ranger reviewed my booklet; we discussed several of the activities and then he gave the Junior Ranger pledge and badge.

Balanced Rock


Turret Arch - Arches NP


Before leaving the area we started to hunt for a couple of letterboxes; however the placers neglected to indicate the roads were more suitable for 4-wheel drive. Our Chevy Cargo van has good clearance, but part way in on these roads it became evident that continuing wasn't a good idea.

We headed south on US 191 and stopped at the rest area next to Hole in the Wall for a couple more letterboxes, hidden on trails behind the rest area. It was getting quite hot, especially when walking along slick rock. At the turn off to the Needles District of Canyonlands NP we headed west and stopped outside the park at a BLM campground, Hamburger Rock. It was gorgeous and remote. It was nice after being in and around Moab for the past couple of days. A handful of rocks had been collected and left on our picnic table, mainly agate and jasper. Eight of the 10 campsites were taken by the time we went to bed.

Hamburger Rock Camping area


Rocks collected


Evening light


Wildlife Sightings
Lizard
Cottontail Rabbit
Mourning Dove