Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument was the focus of some recent controversy. Trump and his spineless appointees reduced the size of the monument in order to facilitate oil and gas exploration. Fortunately adult, not to say sane, control has returned to the White House and the acerage has been restored.
We traveled through the heart of the Escalante on Highway 12 from Capitol Reef to its intersection with Highway 89 on our way to Zion. We travelled just ahead of a major storm that brought high winds and precipitation to the area. Of course since much of our journey was between 6000 and 10,000 feet, that would have meant snow.
The few photos are near the high point. The yellow leaves of the aspens were beautiful. A few weeks earlier, they must have been spectacular.
Midway through the long descent, we came across Calf Creek State Park nestled in a pretty little valley. The park offers one long-ish hike and camping creekside. We stayed just long enough to stretch our legs.
