Castle Valley and Canyonlands

This is a picture of Castle Valley, where I stayed for three nights while visiting Arches and Canyonlands. No special effects used...the rocks are really that color in the morning and evening hours! The valley is completely surrounded by red rock walls...it's like a lost world.

Here's a shot from the valley floor, near the B&B where I stayed. Castle Valley Inn...highly recommended! Hosts Jeanette, Jason, and Ashley (the Cat) are all friendly. Great brekkies, and a hot tub and hammocks too. And the setting...can't be beat! The tall spire on the right of the pic is Castleton Rock, the signature formation of the valley.

Here the Lizards are at Deadhorse Point, where the Colorado River almost doubles back on itself. This is a fine area west of Moab. You can find a chunk of slickrock, engage in slotation, and be at peace with the grandeur of nature.

Canyonlands NP, near Grandview Point. I first visited the park in the late 70s...just drove in and camped. Roads weren't paved, no services...nothing but dramatic landscape and solitude. The main roads have since been sealed but otherwise it's still about the same...a wild, remote, rugged, absolutely grand place.

This shot is on Utah highway 12, between Capitol Reef and Bryce. The light was just right. Breathtaking scenery is everywhere in southern Utah. The summer monsoon season provides dramatic cloud formations...it's probably the best time to go for photography from a light perspective. But the countryside will be spectacular in about a month, when the aspen leaves turn a brilliant gold. If you can combine the golden aspens with a late season thunderstorm day you've hit the jackpot.