Spring 2012: Sunday (4/8) – Easter in Canyonlands (The Needles)

We spent Easter Sunday in the southern portion of Canyonlands called The Needles.  On the drive there we saw antelopes, mule deer, and at least 6 turkeys.  We spent some time at Newspaper Rock (known for petroglyphs), saw Wooden Shoe Arch, Big Spring Canyon, Pothole Point, and Elephant Hill.  The last time we were here (with the Jollys) we did the Elephant Hill hiking trail.  This time Vaughan brought his Honda in hopes to ride the Jeep trail.  We decided to walk it some first and when we saw the ledges, holes, and deep sand pits he realized it was not suited to motorcycles. 

Newspaper Rock - petroglyphs in Canyonlands

It doesn't get much prettier than this.

Another cool rock formation

This is Wooden Shoe Arch - named for obvious reasons.

This is the entrance to Big Spring Canyon.

These were some interesting sandstone formations at Pothole Point.

(The actual potholes weren't all that interesting or photogenic).

From here you can see the "Needles" in the background.  

It was too far to hike today after all the hikes we've been doing (my legs began to protest).

This is part of the Elephant Hill Jeep trail

and this ...

and this.

Can you find Vaughan? This is on top of Elephant Hill.