Utah Slickrock

I went hiking in a politically incorrect spot in Utah...it's called Negro Bill Canyon.  Til the 1960s the name was much more politically incorrect than that.  You could simply call it Bill's Beautiful Canyon.  Here's a typical shot...the canyon has a perennial stream, towering bluffs on both sides, and lots of desert varnish.

The canyon creek (Negro Bill Creek, officially).

Cool desert varnish.

Massive rock face.  The lines visible in the indented areas look like petroglyphs but are natural. 

A small prickly pear cactus produces a big flower.

Sculpted slickrock.

Streaks of desert varnish.

Now we're in Arches NP.  Balanced rock is on the left, the La Sal mountains in the background.  Also a thunderstorm anvil.

Double Arch.  You can hike a trail and lay on the slickrock under the arches.  If you do, you get a view...

Like this!

Turbulent clouds; neat rocks; and the La Sal mountains.  Blow up the pic for best effect.

The rocks in the foreground are essentially petrified sand dunes.  La Sals in the back.

Castle Valley.  It's surrounded by red rock cliffs except at the southern end, where the La Sals tower over the landscape.  A narrow two lane road is the only way in and out, except for a winding road that goes through the mountains and emerges near Moab.  Castle Valley to me is a place apart, isolated from the rest of the world.  The scenery and tranquility here is magical.  The serenity is wonderful.

The valley has some homes, farms, and horses.  To get most supplies you have to go to Moab.  Despite the valley's serenity, it's only a 25 minute drive to the bustling town.