After a wonderful vacation out west, I will be showing you the “Best of the West” images of where I visited.

I will break down the trip into several parts, so make sure you check back to see what I have added.

So, I will start off this photo expidition with several of the most photogenic places I have ever been. Located in the desert of the southwest, they are two of our greatest land preserves.

Welcome to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks!

Arches are not all to see in this park.

Located just outside Moab, UT Arches National Park area are where water, extreme temperatures and underground salt movement are responsible for the sculptured rock scenery.

Here are some examples. Above, is a rock formation called “The Three Gossips”, a welcome sight as you enter the park.

Here is Balanced Rock. A seamingly impossible situation. All but true. To get a idea of the size of the rock, check out the hiker on the right hand side climbing down the rock.

The Cove of Caves, and the Double Arch. A little walk to get to, but worth it.

This is the North Window Arch.

This is the Skyline Arch. A favorite place to watch the sunset.

Other locations that you can see from the arches.

On to Canyonlands National Park!

After being simply overwhelmed at the the views of Arches National Park, here comes Canyonlands National Park.

Here I am grabbing a quick picture of the panorama of the canyons at Dead Horse Point Overlook, which is below.

Here is a shot an Arch inside Canyonlands. It is called Mesa Arch, just a short hike from the parking area.

Below is what you can see inside the arch.

 

This is a shot of the grand Point Overlook. Just spectacular! The mountain in the background are over 80 miles away.

A final view of what you can see just driving through Canyonlands National Park. What a great place to stop for lunch huh? I did.