…there’s no limit to the human capacity for the homing sentiment. Theologians, sky pilots, astronauts have even felt the appeal of home calling to them from up above, in the cold black outback of interstellar space. For myself I’ll take Moab, Utah. I don’t mean the town itself, of course, but the country which surrounds it—the Canyonlands. The slickrock desert. The red dust and the burnt cliffs and the lonely sky—all that which lies beyond the end of the roads.
— Edward Abby
Date Created: September 12, 1964.
Location: Southeastern Utah, USA.
Size: Approximately 337,598 acres (136,621 hectares).
Canyonlands and the surrounding area is a landscape full of surprises. From scenic outlooks to ancient living quarters, each has a distinct sensational impact. At times the landscape felt spiritual – like people of long ago left a piece of their soul. Puebloans built stone dwellings, granaries, farmed, collected edible plants, medicinal herbs, hunted and etched their art into the rocks. The Cave Spring Trail hike includes several long wooden ladders to reach an old camp used by cowboys and old prehistoric rock markings. The striking Wooden Shoe Arch makes me believe that yes, God really does have a sense of humor. The quiet, clean air, rich diversity of plants and stupendous views are an incredible, humbling experience that should not be rushed. (The nearby areas of Monticello, Blanding, Natural Bridges, Bears Ears and Trail of the Ancient are equally as important to preserve as the Canyonlands. Photos of Newspaper Rock (petroglyphs) are in Monticello; and, ancient dwellings are in Blanding.)
