We woke up and left Moab this morning. As I mentioned yesterday we’re all pretty sure we’ll be back again soon. There is just so much to do and see in that area that there’s no way we could do it all in just 4 days. After some legit bread for breakfast, so legit that it took two toaster cycles, two packs of jelly, and two hands to eat, we hit the road. Since the forecast for today was once again over 100 for the Canyonlands area we decided to head a little further south to Natural Bridges NM.
This little stop was one that we had on our list of alternate destinations. Molly gives me a lot of shit for having everything planned out, but I strive for maximum flexibility within a set plan. Today that paid off. Our original plan had been to visit the Needles section of Canyonlands, a part that none of us have ever been to, but the heat combined with our still sore muscles from yesterday’s Arches adventure left us wanting something more low key. Natural Bridges NM was one of the very first national monuments created. It was designed to be completely viewed by car by following along a nine mile loop around the perimeter with numerous pull-outs to view the canyon below.
After a quick stop at the visitor center to stamp our passports and pick up junior ranger books for the girls we headed off to the first overlook. As we were admiring the bridge a ranger came up behind us and started talking about the park with us. She asked if we were planning on hiking down to see the bridge and we explained that we were on our rest day and hadn’t really planned on it. She pressed on and told us about how cool it is to stand underneath, then sealed the deal by telling us about the ruins halfway down the trail.
We were convinced, so we pulled out our boots and hydro packs and headed down the 500 foot high, 0.6 mile long trail (that’s steep). The ranger was right about the whole hike, the bridge was impressive from below and the ruins were cool to see. Even the 500 foot climb back out of the canyon wasn’t that bad, we must all be getting into pretty good shape for hiking. Hopefully that bodes well for our first mountain climb which is less than a week away now!
Our next stop on the loop was my first ever view of cliff dwellings. They were across a canyon and several hundred feet down, but even through the telephoto zoom of our camera they were amazing to see. They have me super excited for the next couple days that we have coming up: Yucca House NM, Canyons of the Ancients NM, and Hovenweep NM tomorrow and then two days at Mesa Verde, all of which have remains from native people. On one of the houses the mud roof supported by a lattice of logs was even visible.
We made a few other stops to view the other two bridges in the park and enjoy our traditional PBJ&C lunch. Then, made another stop at the visitor center for the girls to earn not only their Natural Bridges NM Junior Ranger status, but also their National Park Service Centennial badges. We also learned more than we knew was possible to learn about lizards. Somehow it continues to amaze me how the rangers know so much about so much.
The last stretch of the day was a two and a half our drive to Cortez, CO. We stopped at the Colorado welcome center to pick up tickets for two of the houses at Mesa Verde. We were lucky enough to be able to score tickets for a third, much less frequently given tour as well when they went on sale a couple months ago. If all goes well we’ll pick up the fourth and final possibility tomorrow on our way out of town tomorrow.
So now we’re in Colorado! Notable for many things, but right now in my mind for serving beer without guilt (or food!). The trip is great, so, honey, I’m good!
