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Leaving Moab for Grand Junction and the Black Canyon
We left Moab on Tuesday at 1:00 PM and headed eastward toward our final destination in Colorado: the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The drive was not entirely easy, as rain followed us along the highway. Fortunately, by the time we reached Grand Junction, the weather began to clear up.
- History of Grand Junction: Named for its strategic location at the confluence (or “junction”) of the Colorado River and the Gunnison River, Grand Junction grew from a modest agricultural settlement in the late 19th century into the vibrant economic and transportation hub of western Colorado.
From Grand Junction, we still had a 100-mile drive (about 161 kilometers) that took us nearly two hours deeper into the rugged landscape. Upon reaching the campground at the North Rim, we quickly put up our tents, prepared a warm dinner, and took a short walk to catch our first breathtaking glimpse of the canyon before nightfall.
A Rainy Night at the North Rim
Mother Nature decided to give us one final camping adventure. Unexpectedly, it rained heavily for nearly three hours during the night, forcing us to stay tucked inside our tents. It turned into quite an exciting challenge when the sides of our tents became slightly waterlogged from the intense downpour! Armed with kitchen rolls, we stayed busy dabbing and drying the fabric to keep ourselves comfortable. Thankfully, the storm finally passed just past midnight, and we were able to get some well-deserved sleep.
Exploring the Black Canyon
On our final morning, given the heavy rainfall of the previous night and the muddy trails, we decided to adjust our plans and skipped the steep hike down into the canyon depths. Instead, we drove the entire scenic rim drive, stopping at every major overlook to admire the dramatic landscape and take photographs.
- History & Geology of Black Canyon: The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of North America’s most striking geological wonders. Carved relentlessly over two million years by the rushing waters of the Gunnison River combined with the forces of weathering, it plunges over 2,000 feet deep. It gets its name—and its awe-inspiring appearance—because parts of the gorge receive only 33 minutes of sunlight a day, casting deep, mysterious shadows over the nearly vertical, dark Precambrian rock walls.
Looking Back on 14 Incredible Days
The Black Canyon marked the official end of our 14-day road trip. In the afternoon, we packed up our gear for the final time and drove back to Pueblo, where our grand adventure had begun two weeks earlier.
Reflecting on our journey, we realized that despite all the unexpected plot twists—from the scorching desert heat in Las Vegas and the sudden thunderstorm at Red Cliffs to the parking fine and the rain-soaked tents at Black Canyon—our positive experiences far outweighed the hurdles. Every challenge turned into a memorable story we will share for years to come. From the towering peaks of Colorado to the neon lights of Las Vegas, the slot canyons of Zion, the hoodoos of Bryce, the hidden waterfalls of Moab, and the dramatic depths of the Grand Canyon, this family road trip was an unforgettable masterpiece of nature, laughter, and bonding.
- Hector Pascua
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