On the afternoon of the third day of my journey along the Colorado River, I visited Colorado National Monument. Although not technically a National Park, this hidden gem is a must-see on any road trip through the American West. I learned that while National Monuments are part of the Park Service, they are established and managed differently than National Parks. In fact, it was only through the authority of President William Howard Taft that the Colorado National Monument came to be in 1911 after a bill to create a National Park failed to pass through Congress.
This is such a lovely spot. Great to see that you got out your hiking boots/shoes whatever. I'm gonna look through my thousands of pictures from three or four trips in that area, but it looks like you're hitting all the best spots anyway. Off the beaten track and such. Just looked at the map - most my tips would have been north of the river and since you've mentioned Flagstaff I guess you're heading south.
Anyway, love following you in postcards. Stay safe!
If you’re headed to Flagstaff from Moab, I think you’ve skipped us in Albuquerque?!! But at least now you can understand why I live in the beautiful SW US!! Have a wonderful trip-it’s so lovely to hear your enthusiasm for our region!! And as a former New Yorker loved those posts too!!! Enjoy!!!
Sorry to skip Albuquerque! But it’s too far from the Colorado River that I following. I’m now in Page, writing about Fruita. It will be ready in an hour or so. I haven’t been in Albuquerque since 1986! I remember the cable car 🚠. Would love to go back.
PS as always lovely photos-the prayer ribbons, and the canyons above that one my favs of this batch...you totally caught our spirit, and our infinite blue sky meeting our colourful high desert landscapes...
Your journey seems to be going very well while you slow down a bit to appreciate the beauty of this fabulous scenery. Take it day by day as you are; wouldn’t want to miss a single postcard! The last photo was simply incredible. Have you made any observations yet about water 💦? Should you be seeing more or not? Pleased you found some hiking shoes or boots. Looking forward to continuing the journey with you!😊💦🏜️🌎 PS so pleased to hear that Rita explained the ribbons; a beautiful story! 😍
Happy to hear of your journey and see the beautiful photos. I found Rita’s info about the colorful wish tree so fascinating. Alex, you are a wonderful guide to our world!
Alex could never tire of your photos or your writing. I am longing for a long hike in CO so will gladly enjoy your adventure while you are there.
How nice you discovered the story behind the ribbon tree. Many, many households in CO are adorned with prayer flags especially in the hiker / climber community (so nearly everyone)!!
Each photo deserves closer examination to appreciate the extraordinary details therein.
So much to see, reflect on, appreciate.
It’s really like a museum of priceless art by renowned masters but this is created by nature.
A true joy to read and be transported to the treasures you describe and share.
The added information about the decorated tree is fascinating and touching.
Continue on in safe travel and enchantment. Thank you.
So pretty! The contrasts of the US Southwest color palette are lovely to see. Thank you for sharing!
This is such a lovely spot. Great to see that you got out your hiking boots/shoes whatever. I'm gonna look through my thousands of pictures from three or four trips in that area, but it looks like you're hitting all the best spots anyway. Off the beaten track and such. Just looked at the map - most my tips would have been north of the river and since you've mentioned Flagstaff I guess you're heading south.
Anyway, love following you in postcards. Stay safe!
If you’re headed to Flagstaff from Moab, I think you’ve skipped us in Albuquerque?!! But at least now you can understand why I live in the beautiful SW US!! Have a wonderful trip-it’s so lovely to hear your enthusiasm for our region!! And as a former New Yorker loved those posts too!!! Enjoy!!!
Sorry to skip Albuquerque! But it’s too far from the Colorado River that I following. I’m now in Page, writing about Fruita. It will be ready in an hour or so. I haven’t been in Albuquerque since 1986! I remember the cable car 🚠. Would love to go back.
PS as always lovely photos-the prayer ribbons, and the canyons above that one my favs of this batch...you totally caught our spirit, and our infinite blue sky meeting our colourful high desert landscapes...
Tonights post will not have so many landscapes, but the ones after that will again be very much in that spirit: fascinating landscapes with blue skies
Your journey seems to be going very well while you slow down a bit to appreciate the beauty of this fabulous scenery. Take it day by day as you are; wouldn’t want to miss a single postcard! The last photo was simply incredible. Have you made any observations yet about water 💦? Should you be seeing more or not? Pleased you found some hiking shoes or boots. Looking forward to continuing the journey with you!😊💦🏜️🌎 PS so pleased to hear that Rita explained the ribbons; a beautiful story! 😍
These pictures are landscape artists’ dreams but number number 5 and 6 are breathtaking!!!
Happy to hear of your journey and see the beautiful photos. I found Rita’s info about the colorful wish tree so fascinating. Alex, you are a wonderful guide to our world!
🙂 📷
Alex could never tire of your photos or your writing. I am longing for a long hike in CO so will gladly enjoy your adventure while you are there.
How nice you discovered the story behind the ribbon tree. Many, many households in CO are adorned with prayer flags especially in the hiker / climber community (so nearly everyone)!!
Anxiously awaiting the next “postcard”!