Tuesday, September 10 – Again this morning we had a downpour (over 1.60 inches in two days). It finally stopped around 1:00 p.m., so we “hit the road.” We checked into hiking but the rangers were advising hikers to stay out of the canyons and off slick rock because of possible flash floods and the risk of falling on slippery rock. Most of the trails we are interested in hiking have been closed by the forest service. The following are from the Arches and Canyonlands websites…
THE NEEDLES
Scenic Drive: open
Elephant Hill Access Road: closed…Where we begin our needles hike.
Colorado River Overlook: closed
Elephant Hill: impassable due to flood damage
Lavender Canyon: impassable due to flash flooding and quick sand
Davis Canyon: impassable due to flash flooding and quick sand
Salt Creek/Horse Canyon: impassable due to flash flooding, quicksand and cut banks
Wolfe Ranch/Delicate Arch and Salt Valley roads are closed due to flash flooding. Willow Flats 4X4 road is impassable. The roads will remained closed through the end of day 9/11/13.
There were many other warnings, so we took a ride through the La Sal Mountains and Forest and down the canyon along the Colorado River.
Moab waaaaay below.
It was further than we thought (over 3 hours) with tons of switchbacks and some pretty steep grades.
We were surprised to see so many cabins located in the mountains. They sure must like their solitude.
We found a little friend.
The return trip along the Colorado River is very beautiful. We sure love the red rock cliffs.
We also stopped along the way at the Red Cliffs Lodge and neighboring Castle Creek Winery. The Lodge is gorgeous! It would sure be an amazing place to stay or hold a wedding. What a wonderful setting among the red cliffs.
Red Cliffs Lodge
The winery was fun as usual. Free tasting, so we took advantage and sampled several of their wines. Marsha purchased a couple bottles for next summer's wine tasting party with family. She loves parties!
Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y'all back real soon. Have a great day!
That picture of Moab waaaay below is spectacular!
ReplyDeleteWOW do I admire your ability to buy a couple bottles of wine and hold onto them for a tasting NEXT SUMMER!!! Now that, dear friend, is willpower!
ReplyDeleteAt least you had a nice afternoon. Wine always makes things better!
ReplyDeleteOur first time in Moab we stayed at Goose Island, right on the Colorado River. That is such a pretty drive along there. Hope tomorrow is a better day for hiking.
You may not have been able to hike but you sure got some beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteIt may not have been the best weather day, but the photos are still beautiful. I love the red hills with the now red river...very cool!
ReplyDeleteGlad you got in a nice drive high in the hills:)
Great pics again! What a great place to tour!
ReplyDeleteHiking in the truck - nothing wrong with that!
ReplyDeleteQuite a view of Moab from way up there.
Wouldn't have figured on finding a winery in that area but you do seem to have an antenna for vineyards!
Love the pictures....I want to be there. Hope the rain stops soon so you get out there and do some hiking. A friend of ours said that is the only way to see that area..on foot.
ReplyDeleteAt least you got to tour in your vehicle and see some wonderful sights, great pictures!
ReplyDeleteIt IS beautiful there. Sure wouldn't want to get in that river though.
ReplyDeleteYou are definitely in a gorgeous area. There are lots of gorgeous places to check out around there.
ReplyDeleteAha, now we all know you've got wine, you think we are going to let you take it back with you?
ReplyDeleteToo bad about the hiking. I'm guessing that even without it the scenery is still spectacular.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous picture of Moab in the distance.
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