Escaping the (NY)City - Into The Wilderness II

Here's our lovely rental car in aqua color!

On the second half of our journey (first half can be found here), we decided to get up extremely early for one major reason: Sunrise photos! (Just a little heads up - if you are traveling from another country, make sure the time on your phone is set to the actual time of your destination. We made this major mistake, and we almost missed our opportunity to see the sunrise!)

We arrived at the parking lot at 6:55am and it took us another 10 minutes to hike to our destination: Mesa Arch in Canyonland National Park. Luckily, we were just in time and fortunate enough to be able to witness this breathtaking moment. 

Rise and shine!!!

Within driving distance from Mesa Arch is the Green River Overlook. Elevation 6,000 feet.

Grand View Point Overlook

Monument Valley:

We drove pass the Mexican Hat on our way to Monument Valley. 

Monument Valley right behind me.

Wild horses were everywhere..

The panoramic view of Monument Valley.
It was so sandy that day that I had to cover my face with a scarf!
Photo credit: Liz L

*Click to enlarge

The famous Mitten, but to me it looks more like a right hand with a missing ring finger... haha

Photo credit: Liz L.

Do you see the sand now? (This makes a great car ads!)

Photo credit: Liz L.

It took me at least 5 minutes to see the elephant nose! 

Photo Credit: Liz L.

We caught this moment while driving back to The famous Mitten (on left).

Monument Valley at dusk.

Antelope Canyon:

On the very last day, we went to the upper Antelope Canyon (yellow arrow) for a 10 a.m. tour.
A 3 days advance reservation is highly recommended (during low seasons).
The prime touring hours are between 10 a.m. to noon for spectacular sunbeams photos.

The enormous crack = the entrance.

Blue hair looks pretty good on me, don't you think? : )

Looking up inside Antelope Canyon... (Photo credit: the tour guide who took them with my cameras)

Sand fountain....

That incredible moment when you see the sunlight comes through the cracks!

Photo credit: the tour guide

Horseshoe Bend:

Horseshoe Bend from distance

Viola!

Kids are fearless..... but I'm getting so old, and I wouldn't stand closer than 2 feet.

Spotted this interesting plant on our way out.

Grand Canyon at last:

Ending our trip with this epic sunset!

I really wish we had more time to enjoy each spectacular locale, but due to our compacted schedule, we were constantly pressed for time. It's amazing how much and how far we have covered in just four short days! Farewell!

Thank you Liz again for inviting me to this amazing experience : )

I took a lot of great photos from this trip, and I hope you enjoy them! Good night all.

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