We had to begrudgingly bid farewell to Moab this morning. The entire experience, including our LONG day off yesterday, was perfect. But it was time to continue west and south to our next stop in Torrey, Utah, home of Capitol Reef National Park.
The drive north out of Moab very quickly turned from the lovely red rocks we had become accustomed into a greyish-brownish, rather bland, landscape. We caught Interstate 70 for a short drive west before heading south on Utah route 24. Again, very little to report along that stretch.
Route 24 continues southwest off of I-70, starting off with the same scrub-covered tundra that 70 snaked through. In fact, this area of Utah is the San Rafael Swell, surprisingly desert-like. Low dunes peppered the flats along the road, criss-crossed with tracks from off-road vehicles. If you’re into that stuff, this is prime country. Or, if you’re into complete isolation, this area is for you as well.
We passed through the small town of Hanksville (where a sign indicated, “Stuff for sale, showroom.” It was literally a scrap yard.) I can’t even lie and say it was cute because it wasn’t. Time seemed to have passed by Hanksville long ago. Yet people live there nonetheless.
The transformation in landscape after Hanksville was abrupt and unsettling. Hills and cliffs began thrusting upward along the road, but there was nothing likeable about them. The rock colors, so vibrant in Moab, vanished. The monotonous greys and light browns were harsh, unfriendly, and unwelcoming. They glowered down upon us, seemingly angry that we dared pass. It reminded us of the lands surrounding the Morannon, as Frodo and Sam witnessed the awfulness of Mordor.
** Aside – It was actually just me that was reminded of a passage in Lord of the Rings. Karen is not such a nerd about it. **
Not long after that, however, the land changed dramatically as we gained altitude and entered the outskirts of Capitol Reef National Park. Much of this park is accessible only by backcountry roads with 4-wheel drive and high clearance a necessity. However, Utah route 24 cuts right through the park about 1/3 of the way south of its northern borders. We got a stunning sneak peak at what awaits us tomorrow. We quickly became VERY excited about this park!
Our home for the next two evenings is in Torrey, Utah, just on the western edge of the park. The campground is adorable, set in a high valley surrounded by cattle and horse grazing (see main image above). Daisy, of course, got super excited to see more big friends. The temps are in the upper 60’s as we sit outside. The next few days are going to be cold, so we are enjoying all the fresh air we can. Tomorrow, it’s off to Capitol Reef.
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