Had to go into the office for a 30 minute meeting Thursday morning and then we were on the road for the long weekend.
View from close to camp
Canyonlands is divided into three districts (Island in the Sky, The Needles and The Maze) by the Green River and the Colorado. It's a big park and it takes over an hour to go from north to south, in part because there is no direct routes. And because it is a National park, our canine kids had to sit this one out.
Horse Thief campground (BLM) is were we found an open spot for our home base. Actually, lots of open spots. Found out later it rarely fills up. Only down sides are pit toilets (clean and not too bad) and no water. Nearest water is at Dead Horse State park about 8 or so miles away. Need to plan ahead for the wet stuff. We looked at other campgrounds while out driving, and I think by luck we happen to get the best choice. Some of the other campgrounds would have been closer, but they sure pack you in. Weather also was on our side, highs in the upper 70's and low's in the 50's. Had a cool front come through over the weekend. Summer temps of 100+ are the norm. One thing to note, the winds tend to blow a lot in Utah which help you keep cooler, but means things need to be tied down if you want to keep them.
Couple pictures of the view heading back out to the main highway to head south to The Needles for the day.
Newspaper Rock State Historic Monument heading into The Needles district
Close up of the of the ancient art work. Wonder what it means ?
Road heading into the Needles district
Took a 4x4 road to Elephant Hill as far as a turn a round with parking and some pick nick spots. Had lunch and went back the way we came.
Views from some of the lookouts in the needle district.
more
in part two...... 
stay tuned
