Moab Day 3: Needles

On our second day in Moab, we put more than 10 miles of trail behind us. That didn't stop us from getting an early start on another 10 mile day, though. This one was in the Needles section of Canyonlands National Park. This area is south of Moab, so after breakfast we made the drive into a totally different section of the park.

Mom had a 6 mile hike she really wanted to do. This was one of the longest hikes we'd ever attempted, but we really enjoyed it. The trail went to a place called Chesler Park Viewpoint. To be honest, we didn't much care for the viewpoint, which looked out over a large valley surrounded by red rock cliffs, but the hike was really beautiful. It alternated between traversing narrow mountains and climbing steep cliffs. There was a really narrow slot canyon as well as seemingly infinite rises to crest. We had an amazing time walking and talking on a beautiful sunny day. It took us a long time to complete this hike, but we did make it back to the parking lot in time for a late lunch.

Still smiling...must be early in the hike!

It was beautiful hiking into The Needles.

We liked climbing on the slick rock.

Everyone's favorite part was the slot.

Dad looking tough!!

We were grateful for shade anywhere we could find it.

Mom liked these striped rocks.

Mom found one flower on the hike!

This was the best overlook area.

The rock spires were amazing.

This was right before the last climb to finish the overlook.

Mom wasn't sure she is going to make it!

So she took a picture with Dad in case she didn't reach the summit! 

Overlooking into the other side of the valley.

We took a little rest before we headed back to the car.

Everyone survived!

After that hike, we decided to redo a few short hikes in Needles as well. We redid a small hike called the Potholes, which was fun. Then we checked out a few overlooks. Mostly, we rested our aching feet on a  few short walks.

Mark, Dad, and Dax hiked Pothole Point.

This is a quick little trail.

I just realized the boys were matching. 

The viewpoint at the end of the road.

Heading to Cave Spring, which is our favorite trail.

It's so cool and shady.

We love this little hike.

Seth is always climbing into holes.

There are ladders on this trail.

We made it through another hike.

Mom and Mark walked to the Stone Storehouse. 

We left Needles around 4 o'clock and headed south toward Monticello. We needed to have dinner, and we weren't sure what restaurant would be good. We settled on a Mexican place that turned out to be amazing. We left feeling full and satisfied. Our last stop of the day was at the Monticello Temple for baptisms. We got checked in at the temple and headed for the locker rooms. We were shocked to find two locker stalls. We had to do some waiting to get changed and into the font, but it was worth it. At the small temples there is always someone there to take care of you, and the Temple President spoke to us before we entered the font. It was really a perfect night. 

We loved the food!

We change in the car and parking lot.

The Monticello temple is tiny!