While we started early, about 7ish (Deborah had already been awake for some time due to the time change), we took our time, enjoyed breakfast at the hotel (though it was industrial), spent some time together, and then checked out just before the required time. The desk was unstaffed for some reason (there was a sign saying they would be back in 5 minutes), so I used the app to check out. Deborah and others needed assistance and either waited or, in Deborah’s case, received help from the cleaning staff. The Park City IHG had small rooms and a lackadaisical desk staff. Hmmm.
On the road after getting items missed in packing or otherwise required at Walmart’s (we did not find a better choice nearby in Park City), we headed back through Salt Lake City and points Southeast, Moab, Utah. It is about a four-hour drive, but we made some stops and took some photos.
The Carbon Canyon area was fascinating and looked different than other areas. Below the surface was coal. The remains of the rich forests from the time around the dinosaurs. Once out of the SLC area, we stopped coughing as much. The air is thick with pollen or something, and my throat was sore in the morning.
The mountains changed from the Rockies that start in SLC to more worn and colorful structures. We were soon driving a few levels above the salt and sand of an ancient sea that was here when North America was part of the supercontinent, Pangea. We decided to mostly stop taking pictures and just enjoy the sights. It was a fantastic voyage to drive across Utah. We stopped in Price to get Wendy’s, only to discover the place was being rebuilt from the ground up. Deborah really wanted a potato. Arby’s was next on the sign. I bet Deborah a dollar (and lost) that it was closed too. It was open and clean. We had some sandwiches and then got back on the road.
I was about 1/2 down on gas; the Hyundai had excellent gas mileage, though it was sluggish when accelerating. I have been driving an EV, which has instant acceleration, so I might be a poor judge.
In Carbon Canyon, there is a rail line, and we stopped at a rest stop shaped like a depot, with a rebuilt platform that suggested a roundhouse and a full-sided model of a train that used to run the tracks in the area. I was commenting to Deborah that the area reminded me of a set from a steam train-and-robbery movie.
In the canyon, there was a pull-out with some signs. We stopped. One was a note that Butch Casdy had stolen the payroll from the nearby coal company office. Sadly, there were also two monuments to coal mine explosions, one in 2000. Lastly, there was a gate with an image of a coal-fired electrical plant, now gone, that was recently demolished. It told its story of years of supplying power for Utah.
We were definitely in coal country. I thought the area used strip mining, but the mines were deep, 1000 feet. Later, I learned that most mines in Utah are closed (likely too deep now to be safe or economical). Only five remain in 2024 (none open in the Carbon Canyon area), and one new one is opening.
The mountains and lands changed shape and color as we entered southern Utah, and the red stone started to show. Soon, the drive was just stunning. Every turn, another picture card view. Wow!
We stopped again at another rest area you drove up to, with a view of the area and picnic tables on the edge, so you could look out while eating. Here we would leave the large highways and head to Moab. The stone changed to red, and the shapes were incredible. We thought the first half of the drive was amazing; this was amazing again.
We reach our hotel passing by Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. It was after five, and we talked to the desk staff, and they gave us parking and food ideas for downtown Moab (a few miles away). We found Dewy’s, and it was perfect (if a bit loud with hard floors and ceiling to reflect the sound back). We both had steaks, and they were excellent.
Next, we got back in the car and tried out Arches National Park. It was after 6, and the sun was setting, but we might make the panoramic view in time. We missed the sunset as we were stopping and looking at all the incredible shapes. We did see a few arches. It was great, and we will be back on Sunday morning to catch it in the morning light. The drive was on cliff-side two-lane roads, and we wanted to be back before dark. It is very dark here, and this is an official night sky area (though tonight it is cloudy).
We got back to the hotel, and I wrote the blog, trying not to keep waking Deborah. I was only partially successful.
We are sure we will be back again, as we have discovered things we want to do all along the way. Nearby, there are dinosaur tracks to see. Petroglyphs are nearby, too. Carbon Canyon has things to see, not just drive through.
It is a good trip when you are just into a few days and you are already planning the return!
Thanks for reading.
Alohawild (Michael Wild's) Website 