Bob & Cindy's 2014 Travel Web Site
Location Links
Mesa Verde, Hovenweep, The Needles, and Arches N.P.
This was our 3rd time back in this area (around Cortez, Colorado). When we were around Mesa Verde National Park, we had some
incredible monsoon rains. How can it rain like that in such a dry environment??? Wish we could get some of it down
in Texas where our lakes are drying up (or maybe California also). Another spot we drove to was Hovenweep National Monument,
another area of interesting Ancient Puebloans (than's the new term in place of Anasazi). Anyway, after waiting some of the rains
out, we headed up to The Needles. Where is that? Well, it's another spot that is very isolated. Total dry camping,
no hookups, no power, no internet, no cell service and about 45 miles SW of Moab, Utah. We had been to this place back in 2006
on our way back from Alaska but did not have enough time to hike ... it's a great spot for that. So we pull into our camping
spot and get a knock on our door about 10 minutes after we had set up ... our neighbors down the way were informing us about appetizers
at 5 and we should join them (with appropriate beverages also). Actually, it was two retired couples traveling together
from the Albuquerque area. They were day hikers also and we enjoyed 4 days getting to know them and share RV and hiking stories.
Cindy on the trail in Mesa Verde. Actually doing pretty well with the dropoffs and climbing, notice her giving the edge
a wide path. Altitude is around 8,000 feet so climbing gets us winded quickly.
This is Balcony House in Mesa Verde.
We went over to an area of the park we had not been to, Wetherill Mesa, the area is frequently closed. Three or four years
ago they had amazing fires in Mesa Verde, this was one of them. It takes a long time for the vegetation to recover.
This is Long House, the 2nd largest ruins in Mesa Verde but much less visited by the tourists. Practically had the place to
ourselves.
From Hovenweep also. These structures were built on the rims or down in the canyons which had water sources, but not like cliff
dwellings at all. Much larger individually but not as large in total scope.
We drove over to Hoveweep National Monument to check it out. Not related to Mesa Verde at all, although the people
who lived here likely traded with the other groups in the area. It's about 60 miles of rough country between the 2 areas.
From Mesa Verde, we drove over to The Needles, which is a southern extension of Canyonlands National Park. What we like about
this place is its isolation from the tourists. Compared to Arches (which is overrun with tour buses), this is a dream.
First sunset from our camping spot.
First hike going up to Squaw Flat from Elephant Hill, a popular 4 wheel driving area (serious stuff!).
Our camping spot just outside the park boundary of The Needles. The solar panel came in handy here.
The trail winds up and down into and out of small canyons, each about 400 feet down or up. It was about this time that Cindy
thought I was trying to kill her.
Totally different geology in this area. Amazing!
Transitioning from one area to another we often went through fissures, but still involved climbing and scambling down rock.
Lots of rock!
These carved rock look similar to what we'll see in Arches N.P. Every turn in the trail provided a different perspective with
the scenery and geology.
On the way out, another view.
We lost a day of hiking because of rain, but got some wonderful view from our campsite of the rainbows and red color. We'll
be back again!
Iconic Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. It's steep long ascent to get up to this but only about 2 miles. All downhill
coming back. Perfect weather.
Cindy and I at Delicate Arch. Loving life. Must say this does not show some of the crowds that were hiking up here, Tour
buses everywhere, like ants on jellybeans.
Landscape Arch. This one is not going to be around much longer. They had an arch along this trail collapse 2 or 3 years
ago. Amazing.
On another hike in Arches, this one just for the isolation and exercise.
Our last day in Arches, we decided to do a trail off the beaten path. Tower Arch Trail, not too long but it's climb. This
was the road going to the railhead.
This is Tower Arch, we were able to walk right up to the arch, but this captures the view coming up to it. Lots of climbing
on this with fine beach like sand.
On the way back, close to Tower Arch is this one, Double Arch. Very unique.
Cindy is now totally convinced that I am out to kill her. But she survived (and so did I).
So from Moab, Utah, we are headed to Capitol Reef National Park. Click on the link at the top of this page.