Canyonlands National Park (Backpacking & Photography) October 19-21, 2017

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This trip was spectacular. The weather was perfect, the park was not too crowded, and the company was great. Early on the 19th me and one of my good friends met up in Provo and drove to Green River. There we met with one of my other good friends. We carpooled from there down to the Needles District of Canyonlands, stopping at Newspaper Rock and driving past the spectacular cliffs on either side of the entrance.

     


Our objective for the day was Elephant Canyon, where we had EC2 reserved for the night. Out of all campsites in Elephant Canyon, I think EC2 is the best. We made great time and had camp set up and our cameras out, ready for the sunset. We got some great photos that night.




These 3 pictures are some of the favorite I have taken over the past year or so. I would have been happy if the trip ended after the first night, but luckily we had a full three days planned in the area. The next morning after breakfast, we pressed on to Chesler Park. We set up camp right in the middle of the park next to a rock outcropping.

              




After getting settled into camp, we went off and explored Devil's Kitchen. The slot canyon was the perfect place to beat the heat mid afternoon.


 That evening, we hiked to Druid Arch to reach the sunbursts. Unfortunately, my camera battery ran low and I left my spare batteries back in camp (rookie mistake, I know). Below is one of the images my good friend and amazing photographer captured.


We waited in the canyon for the sun to set and the stars to come out, but a cloud front moved in as the sun went down, so our wait was fruitless. We hiked back to campsite in the dark, but I did manage to grab a decent shot of the stars as the clods moved past us.


The next morning, we were up with the sun. I hiked around to the cowboy campsite, took some morning shots on my camera and overall just relaxed.


We packed up late morning and headed out. Got to the car early afternoon, and headed home. Wonderful trip and it was the perfect length for a weekend. I would however, like to go back again in the future and spend more time exploring the area more in depth. I also would like to find the secret entrance to Virginia Park. Until next time....

       


        




Location: Joint Trail, Monticello, UT 84535, USA

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