Sandstone Cliffs along Colorado RiverThis travel adventure consists of a Scenic Drive east on River Road (SR-128) that runs east following the Colorado River. While in Moab we did this scenic drive twice. Once in our Saturn then again in our motorhome as we made our way east along SR-128 from Moab heading to Fruita, Colorado where we visited Colorado National Monument. We were staying in OK RV-Park & Canyonlands Stables 3310 Spanish Valley Drive 435-259-1400. OK RV-Park & Canyonlands Stables is a Passport America PPA Campground meaning that as members we stay there for 1/2 price which came out to $15.50 a night.
There are multiple commercial campgrounds in Moab. All of them appear to be good or at least adequate------no slums anyway. We decided to stay in OK RV-Park & Canyonlands Stables 3310 Spanish Valley Drive 435-259-1400 because it was a PPA park thus 1/2 price. Even at half price it was $15.50 per-night for FHU with 30/30 amps and cable included. Most RV-Parks in the area are going to be around $25 plus a stiff tax. This park had some shade so we picked it but the nice Spanish Trail RV-Park has nice shade as well and both are within a mile of each other. All of the parks in Moab appear to have gravel interior roads and sites. Then we moved the motorhome to Monument RV-Park in Fruita, Colorado on May 23. Since we are in Moab we need to know a little about it. Moab was first settled in 1855 by the Elk Mountain Mission of the Mormon Church. Less than 5-months later, three members of the party were killed by Indians and the settlers fled, abandoning their holdings. The next permanent settlers came in 1878. A Post office was established in 1879, and Moab was given its name, probably from a Biblical source. Finally in 1890 Grand County was created with Moab as the county seat. Cattle and sheep grazing were the main economic activities until the 1940's. Then, occasional mining turned to a boom as Moab became capital of the the western Uranium mining boom which lasted into the 1960's with a revival in the 1970's. Since the 1980's recreational pursuits have come to dominate Moab's economy. Long connected with Colorado River travel and freighting, this historic crossing has become the "Gateway" to some of Utah's most unique scenery with river activities on the Colorado River (rafting, kayaking and sightseeing), mountain biking, jeep and off road vehicle excursions into Canyon Country along with visiting Canyonlands & Arches National Parks attracting tourist to this region.
Steep sandstone bluff cut by Colorado River
Steep canyon walls cut by the Colorado River dominate both sides of the river and SR-128 on this drive. Note the desert varnish, (dark colored stain on sandstone wall).
Sandstone bluffs created by the Colorado River east of Moab, Utah
This is a good view of the Colorado River along with the picturesque sandstone cliffs that have resulted from the River relentlessly eroding downward through the rock layers.
Sandstone cliff along the Colorado River east of Moab, Utah
Fin, hoodoo, desert varnish and talus slope all showcased in this sandstone exposure
Occasionally we will spot a thin "fin" such as this usually when the River is making a sharp turn. Note the large amountg of talus at the bottom if this fin.
Talus slope with desert varnish on sandstone cliff face
This is a good example of a talus slope - rock debris at the bottom of a cliff.
Desert Varnish & talus slope highlight this Sandstone bluff carved by the Colorado River east of Moab, Utah
Around every bend in the Colorado River along SR-128 east of Moab scenes such as this rock cliff pop into view.
The dark stain on the sandstone cliff wall is desert varnish.
Conglomerate exposed in roadcut
Somewhere along the way sandstone gave way to this conglomerate rock formation. It was so exciting for me to spot this old river bed running through this universe of sandstone. I am getting better at this geology stuff. VBG
Layers of sedimentary rock exposed
These are some of our other Travel Logs in this area: Arches NP-a ** Arches NP-b ** Arches NP-c ** Arches NP-d ** Arches NP-e ** Arches NP-f ** Arches NP-g Scenic Drive through Sandstone Cliffs ** Scenic Drive along Colorado River ** Scenic Drive through Canyon ** Historic Dewey Bridge Fruita, Colorado ** Scenic Drive along Potash Road in Moab ** Scenic Drive through Colorado River Canyon ** The John Wesley Powell Museum in Green River, Utah Sandstone Cliffs of Colorado National Monument ** Wingate Sandstone of Colorado National Monument ** Kayenta Caprock in Colorado National Monument Sandstone Tunnels in Colorado National Monument ** Fault in Colorado National Monument ** Grand Junction & Fruita, Colorado ** Volcanic Ash of Colorado NM Driving US-191 from Blanding to Moab, Utah ** Geology along US-191 south of Moab, Utah ** Moab, Utah visitor center flowers Until next time remember how good life is. Click here for more Utah travellogsUntil next time remember how good life is. More Utah AdventuresSome Key West Adventures ** More 2007 Travel Adventures
Mike & Joyce Hendrix
Mike & Joyce Hendrix who we are We hope you liked this page. If you do you might be interested in some of our other Travel Adventures: Mike & Joyce Hendrix's home page Travel Adventures by Year ** Travel Adventures by State ** Plants ** Marine-Boats ** Geology ** Exciting Drives ** Cute Signs ** RV Subjects ** Miscellaneous Subjects
We would love to hear from you......just put "info" in the place of "FAKE" in this address: FAKE@travellogs.us Until next time remember how good life is.
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