Photography by Mike Mander | 2009 / Capitol Reef and Canyonlands

The first shot in this gallery gives a nice view of Powell Point (over 10,000 feet and the highest point in southern Utah) which we did not drive to this time around. A view into Long Canyon (3-4) near the start of the Burr Trail shows where (5-16) we will be driving to get into the heart of Capitol Reef National Park. The Waterpocket Fold/Strike Valley area (17-19) has some of the most amazing rock formations and views but the flat midday light did not do the area justice. Some ND filter assisted time exposures (20-21) of a small waterfall in Capitol Reef NP and then we were treated to some truly gorgeous light (22-30) at the core of the park by the "Twin Rocks", just off the main road. Then we drove through Hanksville (31-33) and on to The Maze District of Canyonlands National Park, with a side trip to the Horseshoe Canyon Unit (34-37) where we hiked around for a few hours. Onward (38) to the Hans Flat Ranger Station (39-40) where they have a large solar array for power and then it was into the Maze District (44-55) via the legendary Flint 4x4 Trail (41-43). Near the top of the trail (41), you need to look down with binoculars to see if anyone is driving up (42) the very steep and narrow trail, and wait until it is clear before descending.