Monday, October 6, 2014

Oowah Lake

Portal RV Resort
Moab. UT
October 4, 2014

Hwy 128 along the Colorado River...
OK, we have spent a lot of time in Moab between last year and this year...by far, October is just the most awesome.

Castle Valley Road...
 August was hot, September was rainy and October, at least so far, is just perfect. Chilly nights and glorious days filled with lots of sunshine and cool enough temps to have the windows and door open ALL day! Sunday morning (10/04) was no exception...I happen to like facing the day with a burst of crisp autumn air when I open the door to take the pups out. A picnic at Oowah Lake was at the top of my list for things to do. Its a pretty ride to Oowah Lake...first on Scenic Hwy 128 along the Colorado River, then a right turn onto Castle Valley Road and one more right turn onto LaSal Loop Road (not to be confused with the LaSal Loop 4X4 trail we went on last week).
LaSal Loop Road Scenic Backway...
 LaSal Loop Road Scenic Backway is a twisty, winding road that takes you up and down and all around with spectacular scenery that ranges from forested heights of the mountains to expansive views of red rock landscape. We traveled thru the scruffy oaks which were putting on a beautiful show of reds and oranges, thru the dark bluish green conifers full of cones, and the delicate light-stemmed aspens quaking in the breeze. It is paved and about a 60 mile loop if you don't take side roads. 


LaSal Range is part of the Manti-LaSal National Forest and the southern Rocky Mountains.



Mt. Peale is the highest elevation of the three clusters of peaks in the LaSal Range at 12,721 ft.  

About 43 miles into our trip, we did take a side road. A gravel dead-end road that goes to Oowah Lake...our destination for a picnic and walk.
Its a 6 mile round trip side excursion that mostly follows Mill Creek and well worth the time. On the way down, a brown bear cub ran across the road right in front of us... 



Entrance to Oowah Lake Recreation Area. There are hiking trails, camping slots and day use areas to enjoy...

Oowah Lake is a 2.9 acre lake surrounded by huge conifers. It is well stocked with rainbow trout making it a popular place for fishing as well as swimming and canoing...  


...or searching for some hidden talent. 


Did we have a great time? You betcha...just look at that smile! It just doesn't get any better!













So, until next time, take care and...
 
 
 happy trails!
 


18 comments:

  1. What an incredibly beautiful day you had! AND a bear sighting! YAY! You've convinced me, we will be in that area next October!

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    1. Yeah! I am so excited Lisa...we should be here too!

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  2. Replies
    1. We have sure enjoyed our rides in the mountains Judy! The leaves in west-central Georgia never looked like this.

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  3. Fall is definitely in the air. What gorgeous colors you captured.

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  4. Oh my goodness, that scenery is so gorgeous I can't decide which photo is my favorite. Looks like October is the perfect time to visit Moab. Have fun you two, lookin' good in those pics.

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    1. Thank you Gayle...
      I can't believe how nice the weather is here!

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  5. Wow, what a beautiful spot for a picnic! The fall colors look lovely!

    www.travelwithkevinandruth.com

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    1. It is a beautiful little lake Ruth...and the weather was just perfect!

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  6. Boy, the foliage colors are so brilliant. I never tire of looking at these beautiful trees. Your new header is my favorite from your last trip. So glad you had a nice day with a beautiful drive, a pretty lake, golden aspens, and a bear:) Love the smiles on your faces:)

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    1. The new header is compliments of you! I had a hard time deciding which picture to use so when I read your comment, I changed it! Joe is feeling sooo better Pam. More energy everyday!

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  7. Love, love, love the smile on each of your faces!!!! Gorgeous smiles and GORGEOUS photos from this post and the previous, leaf peeping, post! So grateful Joe is feeling better!!

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    1. Aww thank you Sheila. Joe is feeling really good and getting stronger everyday!

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  8. Love the header! It is really autumn there. Thank you for all those gorgeous foliage. Us? not so much, its been raining like crazy and not internet too. (in the heart of AR))Drove 11 miles just to get connected for a while.
    Glad to see both of you are smiling in the midst of the foliage.

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  9. Beautiful fall colors! But my favorites by far are the smiling Joe and Gay! I was SO happy to see those two!

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