We left Bryce to travel over US 12 in Utah which I had always thought went through some of the most colourful and spectacular scenery in the state. Apparently other people thought so too because the area has now been declared the Escalante Staircase National Monument. The road (and Monument) extends from Panguitch in the West through Torrey in the east and makes its way through the Escalante River system and up and over Bolder Mountain. It is definitely worth the drive anytime you can do it!

The Aquarius plateau and Powell Point from the east (you saw it from the west at Bryce).A shot looking west from the start of the climb up Bolder Mountain. You can still see the Aquarius plateau in the distance. The town of bolder is below out of sight well off the left edge of the picture.The valley of the Escalante River as it flows past the town of Bolder UT. Bolder is hidden in the valley just to the right of the picture, but you can make out some buildings and the electrical power lines run across the picture if you look carefully.Looking East from the eastern edge of Boulder Mountain near the summit. In the immediate east is the Capitol Reef and the Water Pocket Fold. In the far distance are the Henry Mountains. This picture was taken at mid-day so the sun has not lit up the distant features. If you can contrive to be here as the sun sets then the view is truly spectacular (see my 1995 trip).

 

Bryce Canyon 2001
Capitol Reef National Park 2001