Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument drive

Well here we are almost 4 weeks into our trip, May 29, 2014.  I can't believe we've been gone for over 3 weeks. In some ways it feels like we have been gone forever and at the same time we've just left. We've seen so much; so many miles.  This part of Southern Utah is spectacular!  

It's endless. 

These signs mark the way along highway 12 showing the path that the pioneers took. 

Our first stop is Escalante Petrified Forest State Park. They have a short 1 mile hike up into a Pygmy forest that has a large amount of petrified tree specimens. The walk is signposted with descriptions of the flora of the area. We overlook the reservoir far below. Another amazing stop. 

These were fine specimens of a Pygmy Juniper and Pine tree. 

The largest piece of petrified wood on the trail. 

Lots of small pieces as well. 

A great path. 

All was going wonderfully until we stopped for fuel in Escalante and then pulled a tail light off the back end of a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 with the ass end of our trailer. Oops🙀. A $50 bill fixed the problem and we were on our way.

I believe we are travelling through the Grand Staircase - Escalante for the entire drive. It's incredible!  We stop at a little cafe in the middle of nowhere called Kivi Koffeehouse where we share a ham sandwich and a couple of cookies. It's amazingly busy. It's built right into the side of the mountain. 

The view from our table. 

In Boulder we stop at the Anasazi State Park Museum where we get an idea of the history of the area and how the Hopi Indians migrated there from the south leaving behind many artifacts and archeological finds. Interesting. 

An example of a typical Anasazi village. 

And now we must climb the Boulder Mountains on our quest to complete our drive of National Scenic Byway 12 - An All-American Road. Only a few National Scenic Byways achieve the status of All-American Roads, making Byway 12 one of the most unique roads in the United States. 

Up atop the Boulder Mountains. 

Beautiful Aspens. 

Another view from the top. 

We have taken a campsite at 1000 Lakes RV and Campground in Torrey on highway 24. Tomorrow we will continue our adventure in this beautiful part of Southern Utah. 

A view from our campsite. 

The resident moth. Isn't he georgeous??