This was a last-minute decision to explore here vs. Mesa Verdes. It’s less crowded and has a lot of ruins and petroglyphs. Besides, I had an invite to visit a friend in Pinetop, Az, so a nice halfway point for the night. The first day was driving the canyon rims, both North and South rims. Stopping at a number of overlooks. The next morning was a Jeep tour into the valley with a Navajo tour guide. This is still Navajo land, and you can only go into the canyon with a Native American guide.

This was a Harvest Hosts stop and one of the best Dinosaur museums I’ve been to. Great exhibits and I was blown away by the amount of information there. From time periods and what was around to movie posters and information on how those movies were made. As well as fossils both found and still living.

And the best part of parking here for the night…beautiful view of the building and Russian Sage Blooming

This state park is located between Arches NP and Canyonland NP. It was a stroke of luck getting a spot for 1 night. I wondered about the name as it’s a little peculiar. What I found was that in the 1800s, cowboys would round up the wild horses and corral them on this point and pick out the best ones. One time, after picking out the best, they left the rest corralled, where they starved to death on this point. SO SAD! The trails were great as long as you’re not afraid of heights and falling over…like me. Lol! I did some but it was very scary!

Okay, so Bryce was spectacular and hiking distances. Arches is driving with short hikes at every overlook or viewing area. Again, there are incredibly beautiful landscapes. Mother Nature sure blessed this area of the US.

I had a Harvest Hosts recommended this state park and I was lucky enough that night to book 1 night here. It was so cool. Drove for miles through flat lands and mountain passes and Capital Reef NationalMonument. If you have the opportunity to drive highway 12 and 24 in Utah, do it. Fantastic country.

Goblin Valley is a wonder land. I had no idea what to expect. From the campground and 1st walk, the mountain carvings are amazing. The Valley is a world all its own.

I got so lucky getting a spot in this park last minute. It was unbelievable! I stopped at the Grand Escalante National Monument visitors center on the way into the park. I didn’t realize that the state park was situated inside the National Monument land. We are so lucky people years ago were aware of what unique places these were and set them aside for future generations.

This was a great surprise for me. I had no idea there was such great treasures hidden in this park. I have been to Petrified forests before but the size and amount of Petrified wood scattered along a 2 mile trail. There is much more in the park itself that is not accessible to us visitors. And legend has it that it is bad luck to take any of the Petrified wood. There were letters from people who sent back what they had picked up and the bad luck that happened to them. I didn’t pick anything up!!

Wow!!! The pictures speak for themselves as to what an incredible place this is. I was lucky enough to get 2 nights here. I would encourage anyone to visit. The pictures don’t do it justice. Besides Bryce, there are a number of other National Parks and some great State Parks within a hour or 2.

I must have a knack at finding out of the way places. This campground was another long drive thru beautiful country and in the middle of nowhere. As it was more for ATV enthusiasts, I kicked back and relaxed.

This was a one night stop as I made my way out of Idaho into Utah. I love Alpaca products and to be able to engage with these beautiful animals is a bonus. And there were 3 babies born just 2 days prior.