In millions of years the Colorado and Green River cut and formed this canyons, mazes in the red rock. Huge mesas raise over the 800 m deep canyons. The number of this bizarre formed monolithes exeed thousands. We can only say this landscpae is „overwhelming“. This park is the largest „off-road“ playground in USA and Moab is the center. Here we met Rosmarie and Frith from Switzerland at the campground. They also have a „Langer+Bock“ expedition vehicle and we had enough to talk. And we got good advices which tour to make next day.

We took the „Potash Rd“ from Moab to Canyonland NP. This gravel road leads alongside the river Colorado - sometimes on its banks and sometimes 400 - 600 feet above with vertical rock walls. And the road directly on the rim - nice for the co-pilot.

At the the trail winds up to the „Island in the Sky Visitor Center“. This hair rising road leads with countless switchbacks - unpaved and not secured - Rita turned pale.

But the drive is just shmashing.

We stood overnight near Canyonland at the „Horsethief Campground“. From here we took the unpaved and rocky „off-road“ trail „Willow Spring“ and „Willow Flat Rd“ to the Arches NP. This road reminded me on the outback of Australia.

On the way are many free overnight camping spots. The trail is quite flat but few creek beds and rocky stretches are quite difficult. We were happy to have this high clearance and 4-wheel-drive. In some cases the clearance was just enough to avoild running aground.

This park has worldwide the largest amount of natural arches - formed by nature through wind and water. But this is not the only thing: thousands of slim and high rock formations with very particular and special forms and even a balanced rock. And again canyons in all colors and shades. And behind this desert landscape the high rising and snow covered „La Sal Mountains“.

Again we met Rosmarie and Fritz. And we got 2 places at the campground. We hiked together and had a wonderful evening at the camp fire.

The La Sal Mountains are nearly 3.700 m high and are east of Moab. Many peaks are even in summer snow covered. This „Scenic Byway“ is 175 km long and have is gravel road. It leads via the „Geyser Pass“ (3.300 m) between the two highest peaks „Mt. Peale“ and „Mt. Manns Peak“. Partly we had new snow and only with 4 - wheel drive it was possible to climb up.

The route is just stunning: Starting at desert type of landscape, then forest stretches and on top alpine area. And we have choosen the best time. Wonderful indian summer with unbelievable colors. Even the alpine area had so many different yellows, brown and red shades - unforgetable.

Friends recomended us to visit Mesa Verde with local Indian guides instead of visiting the National Park (thanks Don & Kim). Booking of the tour can be done under: 1- 800 - 847 - 5485. They have either a half day or full day tour. One can drive with the guide or drive in his own vehicle behind the guide. Meeting point is the Info - Centre of the Ute Indians which is located at the crossing of Hwy 160 with Hwy 491 south of Cortez. 

We drove with the guide who explains a lot during driving. This 80 miles trip leads to Ute Mountain Tribal Park which is part of Mesa Verde.

You learn a lot about Indian culture in generell, about the Pueblos specifically and about the difference of the nomadic Indians and the permanent settlers. As well as about their religion and way of life. The hikes  leads to the pueblo ruins and is very scenic and crosses 5 ladders (one was more than 30 feet high). You see rock paintings and learn how to read them. We were totally satisfied and can only recommend this tour. We skipped the National Park.

One week ago when we drove through the La Sal Mountains (100 km north) we already saw the impressive San Juan Mountains and decided to visit them.

We drove from Cortez via Dolores Hwy 145 to Telluride. This beautiful route along the „Dolores River“ was in the peak of the „Indian Summer“. And driving through this fertile valley you are surounded by the three and four thousand meter peaks. Telluride we couldn´t enjoy - already closed for season and too touristic. Campground closed but no chance to stay anywhere overnight. So we continued. Via Placerville and Hwy 62 to Ridgway. Here we stood 2 nights and enjoyed this friendly and much less touristic town. 2 km south are the Orsa hot springs. You can stay overnight (camping) and 24 hours bathing (the whole night) - with or without clothes, unique in USA.

We believe everybody knows about the „Grammy“ but nobody knows where it is made. By chance we stumbled into the production place and could talk to the owner. John Billings produces this object of prestige in Ridgway - and we could hold it in our hands. John, originally from LA, choose this beautiful town as his home and delivers every year hundreds of them - all of them handmade. It was terrific to talk to this very pleasant man and to see all his skills.

From Ridgway we took Hwy 550 south. First to Ouray (Switzerland of USA) and than via the „Million Dollar Highway“ to Silverton. Both are nice places but unfortunately we were 3 weeks too late. Everything was closed for the season. The road is breath-taking beautiful. Crossing two passes (3.350 m and 3.245 m) and surrounded by many peaks over 4.000 m. 8 km before Durango we stopped at the „Trimple Hot Springs“ and soaked again in the hot water.

The visit to the San Juan Mountains we can recommend full hearted.

Pagosa Springs - on the foothills of the San Juan Mts - is one of the most popular hot springs in Colorado. With 23 hot pools and excellent standard it is no problem to spent view days here. The heavy sulphur content water seams to be good for everything. We had a wonderful relaxing day.

CONTINUATION:

Please read under heading:  Worldtour_USA - part - 3   /  

                                         "New Mexico+Arizona_Nov. 2011"