Western Wanderlust Chronicles

Some places call to you, their beauty so striking that you can’t quite believe they’re real until you see them for yourself. Day 2 of our Utah adventure was filled with those moments—from standing beneath Colonnade Arch high above the Green River, to walking among ancient pictographs in Horseshoe Canyon, and finally, witnessing waterfalls emerge in the rugged beauty of Capitol Reef National Park.

A Sunrise Over Labyrinth Canyon & Colonnade Arch

The morning greeted us with a spectacular sunrise over Labyrinth Canyon, painting the desert in hues of pink and orange. We packed up camp and set out for Colonnade Arch (Five Hole Arch), a remote gem in the San Rafael Desert.

The hike to Colonnade Arch is as wild as the landscape itself—no signs, no trail markers, just open desert stretching toward the horizon. Following faint paths across Keg Knoll, we made our way toward the high sandstone rim overlooking Two Mile Canyon and the Green River.

Stepping through the arch, we were greeted with breathtaking views of Canyonlands National Park, the La Sal Mountains, and the deep canyon below. Each of its five openings framed the desert in a different way—like nature’s own picture windows. Looking down into Two Mile Canyon from inside the arch was a reminder of just how vast and untouched this landscape truly is.

Walking Among Ancients: Horseshoe Canyon

Our next stop was one I had been dreaming about for years—Horseshoe Canyon in Canyonlands National Park. I had read about this place for so long, but never thought I’d actually get to see it in person. And now, here we were.

Horseshoe Canyon is home to some of the most significant rock art in North America—pictograph panels that have endured for thousands of years. The hike into the canyon was stunning, with sheer sandstone walls, towering cottonwood trees, and patches of wildflowers brightening the desert floor.

As we made our way through the canyon, we encountered four ancient pictograph panels, each telling a silent story from another time:

• The High Gallery – The first set of pictographs, a preview of what was to come.
• Horseshoe Shelter – A rock alcove adorned with faded yet striking artwork.
• The Great Gallery – The most famous panel, life-sized human-like figures standing in a long, intricate mural. Some of these figures are over 8 feet tall and 200 feet wide, their reddish-brown paint still vibrant after thousands of years.
• The Holy Ghost Panel – A hauntingly detailed set of figures, their shapes and designs mysterious and mesmerizing.

Standing before these ancient works of art, I felt a deep reverence for the people who once walked this canyon and left behind these silent stories. It was surreal, humbling, and one of the most incredible experiences of the trip.

Capitol Reef National Park: Rain, Waterfalls & Scenic Backways

Leaving Horseshoe Canyon, we headed south into Capitol Reef National Park, one of Utah’s lesser-visited but equally stunning landscapes. Just as we arrived, the sky darkened, and rain began to fall.

We didn’t get the chance to do much hiking, but the rain turned the park into something even more magical—tiny waterfalls cascaded down the sandstone cliffs, bringing the desert to life. We spotted a deer grazing peacefully, pausing for a moment to check us out before continuing his dinner.

Instead of hiking, we opted for a scenic drive along the Notom Road Scenic Backway. This rugged dirt road follows the eastern edge of the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic wonder that stretches for miles. The rain only added to the beauty, making the colors of the rock even more vibrant.

From there, we took on the Burr Trail Switchbacks—a winding, dramatic climb that led us to one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Utah. Standing at the top, we looked out across an endless expanse of rugged cliffs, deep canyons, and towering sandstone formations. This road is often called one of the most scenic drives in Utah, and it’s easy to see why.

Camping Beneath the Stars

As night fell, we found a perfect dispersed campsite along Burr Trail Road, near the Waterpocket Fold. The fading light painted the sky in shades of pink, purple, and gold, a perfect ending to an unforgettable day.

We set up camp, made a quick dinner, and sat in quiet awe of the landscape around us. The stars slowly emerged, filling the sky with a brilliance only seen in places far from city lights. As I lay under the stars, I couldn’t help but think—today had been one of those rare, perfect days. Ancient history, epic landscapes, unexpected rain, and the kind of solitude that makes you feel truly alive. Tomorrow would bring new adventures, but for now, I was content just soaking it all in.