Colorado National Monument

This day I had wanted to take certain back roads that I hadn’t visited, but bad weather to the west of me prevented this novice “snow driver” to opt for something closer to where I was staying. I was disappointed, as I knew my “free” days before once more becoming gainfully employed were coming to an end. It was a “ho hum” day. I had never heard of Colorado National Monument. I remember thinking “there’s not going to be much here for me to see”. Boy, was I mistaken! I had gone in the back way, so there was no park ranger or entrance to warn me of the beauty ahead. The day on “this” side of the mountains promised (gloom?) – rain, an occasional peak at the sun – and possibly snow. As I climbed the 2,000 feet up (with 50 switchbacks) I encountered all three. The bottom third – sun, 2nd third – rain, and the last – ice and snow. This was the perfect day to see it, I just didn’t realize it yet (as I occasionally slid in places and mumbled bad words). I had occasional ‘peeks’ while climbing, but the clouds obscured those. When I got near the top the clouds had parted, allowing me to see wonderful canyons with a light dusting of snow in places. This picture was one of the views of multi colored sandstone that is so rich in pinks, purples, oranges and brown. At times I could see across to the snow capped mountains east of me – I understand on a clear day, if you look to the west you can see Canyonlands. I had beautiful views of canyons that had been sculpted by floodwaters and more recently wind, rain and frost, which had continued the process. This process had created large holes in the sandstone and made monoliths in the canyon. I was on the rim of everything looking down into a kaleidoscope of colors. It took your breath away. Brick red cliffs, with white – black bedrock, gray ridges – interspersed with pink and orange sandstone – granite with occasional crystals sparkling in the light. This was dotted with greens and yellows from juniper, pinion, sage, and yucca plants, which completed the picture. In places the clouds hung low in amongst the spires – other places fog took hold hanging between spaces giving it a look of mystery.
It was here, at the visitors’ center, that I was introduced to a CD by Peter Kater, “Homage”. I was told it was made for the Colorado Nat’l Monument. The music seemed to reflect the area and my heart soared with the beauty I saw and listened to that day. I play it often when traveling through Canyonlands.