Utah Day 4: Route 279 along Colorado River

We left the park about 2:30 PM because we were curious about another road marked as scenic on the map--Rt 279 along the Colorado River south of Moab. It was essentially the continuation of the route we took off I-70 (128) when we arrived yesterday. Well worth the trip.

The cliffs along our side were awe inspiring.

This one had petrographs scratched in the black surface of the rock just above where Steve and Mom and looking. There were more on the road side of the cliff. and yes, I took more pictures, but won't post them all here.

We turned off at Jug Handle Arch.

The gravel road beyond it was very enticing.

We turned back when it really did start to require 4-wheel drive.

And we continued past the end of 279 on what would have been the outlet if we had stayed on Shafer Trail this morning, turning back when it began to deteriorate.  Next time with 4-wheel drive.

It took some driving up and down to find the wood-fired pizza place we saw last evening, but it was worth it. We have enough left for lunch tomorrow on our way to the Needles portion of Canyonlands National Park.

But first... I dropped Steve and Mom and the hotel and headed to Arches for the sunset show.