Pic: Mesa Arch and Buck Canyon, Canyonlands NP, UT
I showed up at Canyonlands so early that the visitor center was closed. I hadn’t done any research on this park — I wasn’t even supposed to be here today! — but having driven so close to the entrance in search of a campsite, I felt compelled to take at least a quick look around. I hastily cobbled together an itinerary of short scenic viewpoint hikes totaling about six miles: Mesa Arch, Upheaval Dome, and Grand View Point.
I arrived at the first trailhead parking lot, poured a bowl of Corn Pops, and carried it up the hill to Mesa Arch where the Utah Chuckle struck again.
Danger Beyond This Point 