La Sal Loop

We had more clouds on Saturday morning than we had on any other day, but the sun was still shining through. We went south from Moab and then turned east onto the La Sal Loop Rd.

Through our drive we travelled significant elevation changes. We had highs of over 8000’ down below 5000’. Our road was paved the whole way. Unlike our time further south, there were few aspens and their colour was past. The red rocks and canyons, however, never disappoint.

We continued along the road to this canyon. People park here and then descend into the canyon to climb. However, they climb on the same side we were so we were unable to see anyone who had stopped to climb.

Probably one of the best views was near our descent down. From this point we had a great view of Castle Valley. It had beautiful red rock canyon walls. The colour contrast was pretty.

As we descended we had some unique mounds close to the side of the road.

Once we got down to Hwy 128, we drove along the Colorado River. There were a number of small campgrounds along the river and we also saw people rafting on the river. There were a few rapids, but generally not a lot of white water.

After returning to Moab, Paul wanted to drive another scenic road. Called Kane Creek Spring Rd., it was mostly a gravel road. Wider than some we’ve been on, it still had some sheer drops. At the start, we drove through some mining areas. Evidence of mines in the side of the cliff could be seen – they had been mining for uranium 70 years ago..

We still had some nice sky, but definitely more clouds than earlier in the day.

We drove in about 7 km and then turned around. We were starting to get more drop offs and I was having challenges again with the heights.

By the time we were back at the campground, it was soon time to make supper. Tomorrow we’re off to Dead Horse State Park and the north entrance to Canyonlands National Park.