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There was another spot, Canyonlands, I believe, but it might have been The Arches. Anyway, it was one of the spots the ranger suggested and as I was leaving the park it was starting to rain and this was the last thing to see.

I almost kept driving because of the weather, but decided, "Hell, Gus, you might not get back this way for awhile, better check it out."

So I started heading up the path toward the arch. (I'll dig around and try to find the name of that particular arch.) The path winded through typical high desert stuff, nothing too out of the ordinary, and when I got to a rise about a quarter mile from the road I looked down and saw the arch. Nothing spetacular, a simple small arch sitting alone.

But I decided to get an up-close look. It turned out to be one of the most breathtaking views I have ever witnessed. The arch was a like a gateway to the Grand Canyon. If you were to walk through the arch, you would plummet about 80 feet to your death.

But sitting on the edge, in the rain, and taking in the splendor that unfolded below me was absolutely one of the highligths of my trip.

I sat there until darkness forced me away.

Reyn- I found this explanation:

http://www.antelopecanyon.com/slots.html

Phoenix, I've been hanging around all the areas for the last 25 years and I haven't seen half of it.

That's because you never leave your house, dys.

Gus- I think that you and I have had a similar emotional experience with the area. There is something so extraordinary about the way nature has crafted the place, that it really defies explanation.

I am attempting to share my experiences, but one cannot really understand unless it is seen in person. One must actually be there to understand the magnificence of it.

dys- I envy you. I wish that I had "discovered" the area years ago, when I was a bit more agile!

I found a site which describes the Scenic Byway 12. Check it out. If you are ever in the area, check out this road....................and be sure to wear your seat belts!

http://www.scenicbyway12.com/

One of the places where I stayed, (where I took the picture from the motel terrace) was in Torrey. If you look at the map on the top right, the motel was just about where the marker for Route 24 is.

Sorry I missed this...Welcome back!!!!

I believe I was on a section of that road. I'll have to check my map.

Bella Dea- Thanks.............but I want to go back!

Gus- If you were on that road, you would know. It is sort of like being in an amusement park bumper car, but with all that scenery!

There's more than one road out west with that kind of scenery.

Thanks! The canyon is quite the sight!

Nice trip!

Yeah, but there is something very exciting about wondering about whether you will survive the next hairpin turn!

bookmarking phoenix you have some great pictures!!!

Just beautiful, thanks for sharing.

Welcome back, Phoenix!

And thanks for sharing your trip. Some stunning photographs you've got there!

Phoenix you have email - me

Welcome back Phoenix... those pictures are beautiful.... makes me want to travel... glad to hear you had a safe and fun trip :-)