Well howdy folks. Â Our kids have been out of school for spring break, so we spent the last few days doing what we generally do during school breaks: visit a nearby National Park. (We're nothing if not predictable.) Since it's a pretty spectacular (and unique!) part of the world, I thought I'd throw out a few pictures. There are also a few quilty sneak peaks at the end, so if red-rock scenery is not your thing, stick with me.
We spend most of our time in and around Moab, Utah and Arches National Park. Delicate Arch is one of the iconic elements of Arches and a symbol of Utah. The hike to the arch takes you around a bend and suddenly, there it is! Seeing it is surreal - it's so unusual and such an icon, it almost looks fake!
Other arches include this Double Arch and Corona Arch (in the top picture.) (Another favorite in the top picture, besides my main squeeze, is my Makers Gonna Make t-shirt from Maker Valley.)
Balancing Rock is another Arches National Park icon. (Both Balancing Rock and the Double Arches make an appearance at the beginning of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.)
Another famous Arch at nearby Canyonlands National Park is Mesa Arch. Check out that view across the distance! Just past the arch is a sheer cliff drop-off.
We explored a new area this time called Fisher Towers.
 I love the contrast of the green trees growing out of the red rocks.
Here's a different view of Fisher Towers with a view of the Colorado River in the background (see middle distance of the picture).
And here's the Colorado River up close. For you folks east of the Mississippi this isn't too impressive, but for us western-ers, this is a big river! A few hundred miles downstream, this river cuts through (and carved) the Grand Canyon.
If anyone is planning a trip to the area, Moab also has a great quilt shop - It's Sew Moab. (Which was very handy since I'd forgotten my thread for the hand work project I'd brought with me.)
And here are the sneak peaks I promised. This quilt just made it's way back to me from a glamour photo shoot. So naturally I took it with my on our road trip for even more exotic photos. I'll be sharing more about this quilt + where you can find the pattern next week!
And finally - last weekend I finished binding 2 of my 4 new quilts/patterns made with my Gingham Girls fabric! Gingham Girls will be hitting stores in the next few weeks and I'll have patterns to share next week too! Stay tuned!
Robby H. says
Thanks for the killer scenery, both kinds. I only live one state away and cannot explain why the only time I've visited your beautiful state I never got beyond downtown SLC. This should obviously be remedied.
Dee Whisnant says
Two thumbs up!!
Anorina says
What a gorgeous backdrop for your quilts! Hope you all had a great spring break. We have one more day and it's our Autumn break. Yay for school holidays!!
Kerry Leach says
Stunning landscape. A while ago my daughter visited Utah - but the National Parks were closed but she did manage to see some of it even so. Blue sky certainly sets it off! Thank you 😀
Lisa Marie says
Loved seeing your photos! We visited many of those places (including the quilt shop) when we traveled to Utah several years ago. The scenery in that area of the country is so spectacular! We often recommend Arches and the other National Parks in the region for those looking for a great place to vacation.
Little Quiltsong says
So excited for your new fabric line! Love the stunning quilt you have shown! Also thank you for all the lovely National Park pics - I just had to show my husband who is a real Geography and History buff - (wish he had been my teacher in high school - he makes it so interesting). Thank you for a lovely post again!
Jennifer says
Beautiful, my favorite part of the country. Love the new quilt too.
izateacher says
Beautiful pictures of an area that is nothing like the geography in the east. I wish I had known about the quilt shop when we visited Moab for the day last summer...I needed a place to go and cool off...it never hurts to shop for fabric at the same time! Thank you for sharing the eye candy!
jantaber says
Your photos just reminded me of how much I loved our trip to the parks in southern Utah. When we were in Moab two years ago in October, Kokopelli was sewing away outside the quilt shop! Arches was spectacular -- and I know we didn't begin to see it all. Time for a return trip soon! And ... I'm so looking forward to having my hands on some Gingham Girl fabric. Can't wait!
karen says
Love the Arches. It's such a beautiful place. When we went, years ago, the weather was so hot.
Amy Smart says
Yes - I highly recommend spring or fall for southern Utah. 😉
Vicki in MN says
Your title had me running over to check out your post! We visited Moab for the first time last summer. Spent time in Both Arches and Canyonland, such gorgeous scenery!!!! I almost felt like I was there again by viewing your pictures:)
Rosemaryflower says
Amy, thank you so much for sharing the photos of YOU and your beloved, and these wonderful views.
I have never been planted of the Mississippi. I did fly over on our way to Hawaii about 30 years ago... business trip/hubbs
I just love your photos and the quilts are superb!!
Karen Goad says
I love that area and been to it about 3 or 4 times. Nice little quilt shop, I remember getting some fat quarters there - we love wandering around this area of Utah and the southest side of the state too
Mary on Lake Pulaski says
Just gorgeous photos Amy! Your fabric and quilts look so pretty with that backdrop! Wondering how much of Arches could we enjoy if we are not able to do much hiking?
Amy Smart says
There's quite a bit of good stuff you can see just by driving through the park and pulling off at the short pull-outs. Some of the best stuff is only a short walk from your car. I recommend it if you can! Even the drive along the Colorado river is really cool. Look-up Red Cliff's Lodge - that setting is gorgeous in a south-western kind of way.
Barbara says
I love Arches and Canyonlands. We hiked to Delicate Arch for sunset and it was a good thing we had headlamps because coming down was a bit tricky in the dark. Likewise for Mesa at sunrise but what a beautiful spot. I sure want to return someday and explore canyonlands more. Thanks for your beautiful photos.
Amy Smart says
Oh how cool to see those at sunrise/sunset! That would be amazing!
Valerie says
Love Arches! It's been a few years since we visited, but I have high hopes of returning soon. Last summer took us to Zion and it's a favorite as well. That red rock is beautiful!
Amy Smart says
Oh yes - Zion is a favorite of ours too!
Carol Cook says
Your photos are wonderFILLED, and I'm sending them on to other friends out of state!! Some have seen the beauty up close and personal, while others 'should'- and I'm NOT someone who uses 'should' very often. They're missing out!!
billiemick says
Gorgeous photos and quilts.
Judy Blauer says
Thanks for your wonderful photos. We visited all the parks in Utah several years ago on motorcycles. It was a great trip. I wasn't quilting then, so did not notice the quilt shops. I will have to remedy that on the next trip that way. We are only 1 state away too and sometime take that route on our way to see family in Phoenix.
Teena says
Awesome trip. Ive been there 12 years ago. Time to make another trip with my family. I love the quilt. I believe I spied that quilt pattern will be at Modblock Vol. 3 magazine by Missouri Star Quilt Co. :0) Gonna order that magazine just to get your pattern.
Marian Pena says
Those are awesome pictures.. I love the Arches, by far and away one of my most favorite places to visit. I've never been to Fisher Towers.. Did you get a chance to go over and see Dead Horse Point while you were visiting. It is am amazing site to see.. It's a Utah State Park.. I'd love to go to Canyonlands, but health wise, I'd never survive all the walking and hiking necessary to indulge... but I appreciate that you showed us some wonderful pictures. Thank you.
Mary Beth says
Made a few purchases at That's Sew Moab when we explored Arches and Canyonlands last fall. Love the way you share your beautiful quilts at the National Parks.