Denver to Moab, Utah. 355 Miles.
Day 6 on the road featured a dramatic drive from Colorado to Utah, followed by an even more dramatic encounter with the rock formations of Utah's canyon land.
Leaving Denver and heading west, I got on I-70, which would take me well into Utah. Colorado's portion of I-70 is a breathtaking stretch of road, twisting through the gorges of the the Rocky mountains. The road is blasted out of the mountains themselves and follows a series of streams through the mountains. I crossed the continental divide at the Eisenhower tunnel and was soon into Utah and on my way to Moab.
Just outside of Moab is Arches National Park. Arches gets its name from the otherworldly rock formations that adorn the park. As tall as sky scrapers, they've been formed over millenia of erosion and weathering. Pictures really don't do these formations justice - they are massive and breathtaking to behold, especially at sunset. I've posted some pictures in the "Moab Utah" album on the right, so you can see what I mean....you have to see it to believe it. It was fun (and a little scary) to climb around on the rocks, as huge boulders, precariously balanced, loomed overhead.
I've found that the mile high altitude is definitely noticeable, especially when I've been hiking a bit. Not only is the air noticeably thinner, but it's also incredibly dry. I am constantly thirsty, even though I'm drinking water non-stop.
Tomorrow - Bryce Canyon.
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