We planned to miss the Needles section of Canyonlands National Park because the road to the entrance was an additional 50 miles off the highway. Then a ranger told us about an alternative called Needles Overlook that was only 22 miles off the main road. That fit our schedule better so we decided to have a look. I think there was one other vehicle the entire time we were there. This gem is definitely a well kept secret. We hiked to Needles Overlook and Indian Creek Viewpoint which were both easy walks with stunning rewards.
Jim on the trail to Needles Overlook
View from Needles Overlook
View from Indian Creek Viewpoint
Colorado River Overlook
Me on the trail where the soil surface and hard surface meet
Just west of Blanding on Utah SR 95 we stopped for a one mile roundtrip hike to Butler Wash Ruins, cliff dwellings of the Anasazi dating from 1200 AD. The trail begins on gravel but quickly becomes slickrock so be careful and mind the cairns to stay on the trail. Much of the trail is uphill going to the ruins which makes the return more pleasant.
Jim on the trail to Butler Wash Ruins
Jim climbing the trail to to Butler Wash Ruins
Butler Wash Ruins where Anasazi lived in cliff dwellings
Our final stop for the day before dinner and a hotel, was at Natural Bridges National Monument. Fortunately, we still had enough energy to tackle the bridges because it was intense. Or so we thought until we encountered an 80 something year old woman who went to the bottom of all three bridges…making us look like hiker pikers.
Natural Bridges National Monument
If you read my earlier post about Arches, your first thought may be, “What’s the difference between an arch and a bridge?” A bridge crosses some kind of water at one time or another whereas an arch does not . Both are formed by erosion, however.
Your second question may be, “What’s the difference between a national monument and a national park?” A monument preserves a significant natural resource and a park protects a variety of resources within a significant area. Bridges National Monument, the first national monument in Utah, was established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908 to preserve the three natural bridges found here.
The trail to Sipapu is billed as a strenuous hike. Elevations ranging from 5500 to 6500 feet provided an additional element. The trail began with stairs and as I climbed down, I told myself, “I have to climb back up at the end of the hike so keep a little in the tank for later.”
Stairs at Sipapu Bridge trailhead
Jim and more stairs on Sipapu Trail
We encountered a class that was listening to a lecture as we hiked to Sipapu Bridge. I wondered if they were resting on the way back.
Sipapu Trail
When we saw the views after some fairly rigorous hiking, we decided not to go all the way to the bottom.
Sipapu Bridge
The second bridge was Kachina and we decided right away not to go to the bottom since the view from the overlook was superb. If you can’t tell where the bridge is on the photo below, the green trees in the center of the photo are below the bridge.
Kachina Bridge
Finally, we hiked to Owachomo Bridge. We did go all the way to the bottom of this one.
Hiking to Owachomo Bridge
Owachomo Bridge
Selfie with Owachomo Bridge behind us
Beneath Owachomo Bridge
Owachomo Bridge above us
Whether you’re a hiker or not, this is a great place to spend some time. There’s a driving loop with stops and views of each bridge along the way and you can hike all or a portion of the trails with overlooks, too.
We planned to tour Capitol Reef National Park the following morning and wanted to spend the night near the eastern entrance. The drive on SR 95 was impressive.
Driving north on SR 95, Utah
Reception on my smart phone was very spotty in this area but I did find a room at the Rodeway Inn in Caineville. I also read there were no restaurants in Caineville so to prevent a restaurant search while hangry, it would be prudent to eat before our arrival. I think there were two or three eateries in Hanksville and we chose Blondie’s, a family owned burger joint. The extended family all seemed to be in attendance and our food was cooked while we waited–nothing fancy but tasty, nonetheless.
Blondie’s in Hanksville, Utah
Burger at Blondie’s
We easily found the Rodeway in Caineville, Utah, population 20, because it was the only building in this unincorporated town. The hotel was basic and overpriced including a gluten loaded breakfast of cereal and donuts. But it was the only option this side of Capitol Reef and our evening view was priceless.
View from the Rodeway Inn in Cainville, Utah
Check back next week for our tour of Capitol Reef National Park and prepare to be amazed. We were.
Based on events from September 2015.
