We got to the RV park ahead of check-in and were given a place to temporarily park Diablo. We headed into town and went to grab some lunch at the Sultan Mediterranean Restaurant. Lunch was and Will also got the baklava for dessert. They serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and slightly warm. He declared it to be the best baklava he’s ever had. Back to the RV Park and quickly got set-up.
The next morning, we were headed to the Canyonlands National Park and were going to the Island in the Sky District. For some reason, we both thought the entrance was a right turn from the RV park. After going about 20 miles, we realized we should have turned left. And yes, there was the road we were looking for, just a quarter mile from the the RV park entrance. It’s still another 22 mile drive to the National Park entrance, but I guess we felt like driving some more.
The Island in the Sky has some amazing view points as you drive along the rim of the canyons. There are also a couple of roads where you can drive down into the canyon.
We did most of the recommended shorter hikes and we’re happy that it was partly cloudy and therefore not quite as hot.
Nope, that’s not Will and I
There are miles and miles of 4×4 vehicle and mountain biking trails to explore in the park, if that’s something that you enjoy. Also, note that the NP doesn’t allow OHV vehicles in the park. But, not to worry, there are miles and miles of other trails in the Moab area to explore on those OHV. There is also a paved bike path that has been added in the past couple of years. It looked like a nice trail and is said to be about 18 miles out and back.
The next morning, we had a long drive to get to the Needles district of Canyonlands. This one was more to Will’s liking as it’s about 2,000 ft below the Island in the Sky. Upon entering the park, the ranger had warned us that the temperature was expected to be 91 and therefore the “slickrock” surface would be around 120. So, she recommended that we avoid the longer hikes. We agreed and managed to do all the shorter hikes in the park., Cave Spring, Pothole Point, and Slickrock.
Cave Spring has a couple of ladders to climb and an old cowboy camp from when cattle was allowed to be run through the park until the mid-70’s. It also has a spring which is another reason it was used as a camp for the cowboys.
Newpaper Rock 
Slickrock is a 2.4 mile loop hike and it gives you some amazing viewpoints. But being that the majority of the trail is hiking on the rock, it was really hot and we were glad we took enough water with us. We also, did the drive down to Elephant Hill until it becomes a 4×4 road only. This particular 4×4 road is rated as one of the most difficult roads in Utah. Just looking at the entrance to the trail, I can see why. There are also a few trailheads there and hopefully, one day we will make it back to check out some of those, preferably not in the dead of summer.
Island In the Sky
The edge, the trail marker, and Will
You may be wondering why, we were in Moab and didn’t visit Arches National Park. Well, we had been there before and Arches has been really crowded lately. So, we opted to spend 2 days in Canyonlands where we hadn’t been before. We were happy to be leaving the heat of Moab and back to the mountains of Colorado
We were meeting friends at Ridgway State park in Ridgway, Colorado. This is one of those state parks that once the reservation window opens (six months before), you better reserve your spot. So, we originally booked our spot to arrive a couple of days before the rest of the crew and decided to keep that schedule and get in a day of hiking before the others arrived.
We hiked the Blaine Basin trail. Blaine is a 6.5 mile out and back trail that ends in the basin with views of the surrounding mountains, picturesque streams, and since it’s July, gorgeous wildflowers. There is also a beautiful waterfall and a few stream crossings to keep your interest along the way. The trail is fairly moderate until the last mile, when the burn begins. The trail starts from the same trail head as the Blue Lakes trail. Blue Lakes is a hugely popular trail and therefore finding parking was crazy. Almost, felt like a parking at a roadside attraction.
Enjoyed sharing a little time with you guys in CO!