Category: **States We Explored

Camera, Action! Monument Valley and Surrounds

Posted on by Joy

Roy Rodgers and Dale Evans, Gene Autry, the Lone Ranger–am I dating myself? Remember Forest Gump? Monument Valley and surrounds have been used in many forms of media for decades, but it all started with Zane Grey’s silent western, The Vanishing American, in 1925. Southern Utah became the new Wild West for many films through the 1930s, 1940s, into the early 70s. John Wayne fell in love with South Utah’s landscape, filming 11 westerns in the Monument Valley area all directed by John Ford. So let’s see what is so very special.

Let’s go . . .

Cedar Breaks National Monument: Walking the Rim

Posted on by Joy

The best place to start when visiting a National Park, Monument, etc. is the Visitor Center. Lots of wonderful history, unique features explained, telling of critters they protect and encourage us to, and personalized information to help us enjoy our stay. Who could ask for more? Here at Cedar Breaks the overlook behind the Visitor Center takes us to the view we came to see–the massive geologic amphitheater, 3 miles across and 2,500 feet deep called Cedar Breaks. Let’s go . . .

Stunning!

FINALLY! Cedar Breaks National Monument

Posted on by Joy

Here we are, at last! Cedar Breaks National Monument in western Utah. I tried to visit three times prior, each between mid April and late May. The entire area was closed because of snow. So finally planned a dedicated trip to the Monument in early June. Hooray, not much snow left and roads clear. Let’s go!

You’ll love this!

Ride~About: US-550/Million Dollar Highway–Stunning and Scary!

Posted on by Joy

US-550 is part of Colorado’s San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway. We’ll be traveling from Durango to Ouray, Colorado, about 70 miles of the 305-mile US-550. The 25-mile stretch between Silverton and Ouray is called the Million Dollar Highway. No one knows exactly why it got that name, although the whole area was home to very productive silver, gold, lead, copper, and zinc mines. The Million Dollar Highway served those mines, but is best known today for it sharp curves, steep grades, and narrow road edges. Sound scary? It is, but as we head north from Durango, we slowly climb into the beautiful mountains along US-550.

Come ON and find out why I will only drive north on this road!!!