Canyonlands Wilderness Campsite

Canyonlands National Park - Needles Overlook

Larry at Needles Overlook - Canyonlands National Park

GLAD there's a fence!

"Five Shooter" and "Six Shooter" on canyon floor
From Needles Overlook

Newspaper Rock Petroglyphs - on road to Squaw Flats

Petroglyph Close-Up - Horse and Hunter



Wooden Shoe Arch - near Squaw Flats State Park Campground

Sunset at Canyonlands BLM Campground

"Six Shooter" from the canyon floor

Our "To-Do" list yesterday included a drive to the Needles Overlook into the "Islands in the Sky" district of Canyonlands National Park; then on to see Newspaper Rock - a petroglyph which served as a sort of communication board among the residents of the area,  and finally, to Squaw Flat State Park for a few days of camping without connections to the outer world.          On our way South from Moab, we briefly discussed whether or not it would be worth the effort of a 45 mile round trip to the Needles Overlook.  Dead Horse Point yesterday had been breath-taking!  Could Needles Overlook be any better?  Besides, we HAVE been to The Grand Canyon!  ........I have to say, we were NOT disappointed!     Spectacular!                   Back to the main highway and a bit farther South, we turned off  the beaten path once again, for a look at Newspaper Rock.  It WAS a wall of stories - documentation of the lives of the clans in the area.  They CERTAINLY were BUSY people!            From there, we continued.....in pursuit of a coveted primitive camp sight at Squaw Flat State Park - a first-come, first served situation.  Our "kampsight karma" was absent - - the campground was FULL!      We did NOT relish the idea of 50 miles back to Montecello at a time when all we could think of was a frosty, cold beverage at a shaded camp sight.....    What to do?  What to do?  The ranger at the Information Center directed us to a nearby BLM campground about 5 miles away.  We were skeptical, but willing to check out the campground that boasted fire circles, picnic tables, primitive potties and nothing more - - PERIOD!      We were MIGHTY thirsty!        Plan B turned out to be a VERY nice alternative!  A few other hearty souls also opted for peace and quiet, an amazing sunset that turned the cliffs fiery red.....followed by a black velvet sky filled with a curtain of diamond-bright stars and a rare, clear view of the Milky Way.......    We slept well.......