Home with a view!

We’ve enjoyed the past four days camped at Goosenecks State Park in Utah, but the itch to move on has set in.  adventureWith Moab a mere two hours up Highway 191, hubby and I hit the road but not before taking one final look around camp.  We find ourselves doing a quick recap of our stay at Goosenecks State Park and what made our stay so enjoyable;Goosenecks State Park

Socializing with our RV neighbors, Linda and MikeValley of the Gods

Exploring Valley of the GodsTrail of the Ancients

Touring the Trail of the AncientsMexican Hat

Discovering how the town of Mexican Hat got its nameSan Juan River Utah

Fearlessly enjoying inclement weather and high winds camped on an open, exposed mesaGoosenecks State Park

Enjoying sunrises and sunsets with a view that stretches endlessly.

Adventure and DiscoveryIt was such a positive and fun experience that Al and I feel this may just become a regular stopping point as our travels take us between Colorado and Arizona.  I will add it is very remote country; perhaps some might even use the word desolate to describe it.  Thus, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.  However, it’s hard to dispute the beauty of the landscape.

After an uneventful scenic drive (we like uneventful), we arrived in Moab, Utah.  We originally planned to stay at Ken’s Lake Campground where we stayed last fall, but changed our minds wanting to explore new territory.  However, I would definitely recommend this BLM campground.  There are a bunch of sites that can accommodate almost any size RV and the internet connection was relatively good.

Hum, wherever shall we stay?  We found a large parking lot in Moab to park the RV while hubby and I set out in my truck….the “scout vehicle”…..and scout we did.  We already knew we didn’t want to stay in any of the BLM campgrounds along Highway 128 and thus we didn’t even bother checking them out on this trip.

Hwy 128 meanders along the Colorado River in a canyon and is very scenic.  However, the campgrounds are designed more for tents, pop up trailers, or small RV’s.  Of course, there are always a few sites that might accommodate larger RV’s, but they first need to be available.  Spring and fall are very popular times to visit Moab, Utah, and the BLM campgrounds fill up fast.   Finding an open site isn’t always easy.

Most of the campgrounds along Highway 128 are very tight and almost impossible for us to maneuver our truck pulling a 31 foot 5th wheel around.  That said, we skipped the BLM sites and ventured further north along U.S. 191 toward the Moab airport in search of a boondock spot. I’m looking for a home with a view!   FYI…….. Moab offers a ton of RV Parks with full hook-ups and lovely accommodation’s as well as plenty of hotels.  home with a view

We found a great spot about 15 miles north of town on state land with beautiful views in all directions.  This is popular Jeep and ATV country so one needs to embrace dirt, dust, and the vroom, vroom of engines to fully enjoy.  With amazing views and a nightly fee of nada, we were a couple of happy campers and most of the four-wheelers were rather respectful.  Yep, I found my home with a view and now it’s time to explore………camping in Moab

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69 responses to “Home with a view!”

  1. cindy knoke Avatar

    Pure heaven and great photos!

    Like

    1. Ingrid Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Like

  2. ChgoJohn Avatar

    Your photography and narratives could easily be used by an RV dealership to answer the question, “Why RV?” So many stunning sights.

    Like

    1. Ingrid Avatar

      Aw, thank you John for such a lovely comment. Perhaps I should do a post on the benefits of RVing…..hmmm!

      Like

  3. laurel Avatar

    Such a beautiful landscape, and a beautiful photo of you at Goosenecks, Ingrid! We also love Moab and have visited numerous times, but always in the fall — we learned that it’s best to go mid-October or later (Eric dubbed our late September visit a couple of years ago “The Epcot Moab Experience”). We’ll need to try a spring visit sometime!

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    1. Ingrid Avatar

      Hmm, perhaps I need to go check your blog archives for “the Epcot Moab experience”. We were there at the end of Sept. last year and it seemed a lot more crowded than our April visit. But according to the ranger, this past April visitor traffic was unusually low and March was a record high. I guess one never knows the ‘perfect’ time to visit a place; all part of the adventure 🙂

      Like

  4. LuAnn Avatar

    Your photos, as always, are wonderful Ingrid. Give me desolate any day, particularly after spending so much time on the densely packed east coast. Thanks for some great tips on where to go when we head back out west. 🙂

    Like

    1. Ingrid Avatar

      Between several of you bloggers exploring the east, I have less and less desire to venture into that territory myself. Also, it’s not as if I have never been, just not in the RV. I sure don’t miss the grey skies, humidity, and inclement weather found east of the Rockies. Desolate works for me too!

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      1. LuAnn Avatar

        Can’t blame you one bit! Although there is much to see and do here, it is far different than the wide-open spaces of the west, which is where my heart longs to be. 🙂

        Like

  5.  Avatar
    Anonymous

    What a place to call home for a bit, there’s just something about the Moab area, been there twice already, hope we get back there in the next year or two.

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    1. Ingrid Avatar

      We love it and we’re hoping to return regularly 🙂

      Like

  6. Sheila Avatar

    We have been to Moab only once, years ago and when we had our Airstream! Still working back then and just taking short vacation trips. It is a beautiful area that we would like to visit again. Enjoyed seeing it through your eyes!

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    1. Ingrid Avatar

      Thanks Sheila. Moab is a place we hope to return to time and again. There’s so many areas to explore and things to do. Welcome home!

      Like

  7. Nancy Avatar

    So you are in Moab… one of my most favorite places! I am sure you will enjoy your time there. If you are able… please hike up to Delicate Arch…! All the arches are beautiful but Delicate Arch is breathtaking. Oh, and Ingrid… your photos are once again AMAZING!

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    1. Ingrid Avatar

      Thanks Nancy. I’m a tad behind on my blog posts and have already moved on to Colorado but plan to make Moab a regular stopping point in our travels. So whatever I missed on this trip, I’ll catch on the next one 🙂

      Like

  8. Bear Tracks Blog Avatar

    We loved Moab and can’t wait to get back there! Thanks for saving that great spot for us!

    Like

    1. Ingrid Avatar

      It was a pretty awesome spot. I’m hoping it’ll be available on our next time through as we think Moab may just become a regular stopping point for us 🙂

      Like

  9. bulldog Avatar

    Love your photos… specially those next to the valley… that is one deep fall, so stay away from the edge…

    Like

    1. Ingrid Avatar

      No problem….this gal had no intention of sliding down that slope 🙂

      Like

  10. queenjester Avatar

    Hopefully you are enjoying warmer weather than here in Wisconsin, What were we thinking? We are not coming back to the midwest this early again. Cold. Wet. Windy. Lost the awning in a windstorm and just found out State Farm won’t cover it because we did have the separate policy for awnings (like $7 a month). Had we been told about it, we would have had it. Oh well…live and learn. What insurance do you guys use? We’re taking a poll of our friends.

    Like

    1. Ingrid Avatar

      April in WI? Pass! We’re in western CO now and although we had some cold days they have moved on and we’re back to sunny skies and comfortable temps…..loving it 🙂

      Like

  11. Bob Avatar
    Bob

    Utah is probably going to be one of the first of our longer trips. Can’t wait! You’re posts will be very helpful. Thanks!

    Like

    1. Ingrid Avatar

      Plan on spending a month meandering around Utah but do pay attention to elevation; temps can vary greatly. It’s an amazing state with jaw dropping scenery 🙂

      Like

  12. Larry Avatar

    Moab was one of our favorite stops last fall and we could have easily stayed longer – enjoy your stay in in the area.

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    1. Ingrid Avatar

      It is a favorite of mine too and we’re hoping to spend more time exploring this unique landscape 🙂

      Like

  13. quietsolopursuits Avatar

    I really enjoyed the look back, great photos of beautiful scenery!

    With all the wide open spaces out west, it seem strange to hear that there are campsites too small for your fifth wheel.

    Like

    1. Ingrid Avatar

      Thanks…..If a campground was designed and built with narrow roads, tight turns, and small campsites then there just isn’t room to maneuver around trees, rocks, and other obstacles. Truck and fiver connected I’m 45′ long. And just because there seems to be wide open spaces, there are rules and regulations out west like any place else and I can’t just park anywhere I want. I have to camp in designated areas. 🙂

      Like

  14. The Lowe's RV Adventures Avatar

    Love of your landscape shots. Beautiful. Happy that you are telling us where to park with a view when our time comes.

    Like

    1. Ingrid Avatar

      Thanks ML. I’m always happy to be located in the west this time of year. That weather back east scares me. Stay safe 🙂

      Like

  15. Karen @ Sock Monkey Trekkers from NM Avatar

    Amazing photos. mMy favorite is the socializing on the edge. The pic draws you in. Love it!

    Like

    1. Ingrid Avatar

      Thanks Karen. That is one of the fun things about this lifestyle…. socializing with like minded folks amongst stunning scenery!

      Like

  16. Angelia Sims Avatar

    Oh goodness! I’d say you found the sweet spot. Woowee! What views. Looking forward to your adventures. 🙂

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    1. Ingrid Avatar

      Thank you Angelia…..what you could do with your camera out here!!! I thinks it’s hard to take a bad photo with this kind of scenery 🙂

      Like

      1. Angelia Sims Avatar

        I would love it. I would want to catch the light at different times of the day for the shadows and the colors. Oh, listen, when we don’t have FOUR dogs at home, I will be traveling more often. 🙂

        Like

        1. Ingrid Avatar

          Ah, travel versus fur kids…..tough one. After the loss of Bear last year, I still struggle and miss him but the travel is definitely easier. Just another one of life’s dilemmas 🙂

          Like

  17. cozybegone Avatar
    cozybegone

    A room with a view indeed!!!

    Like

    1. Ingrid Avatar

      That’s what it’s all about 🙂

      Like

  18. Midwestern Plant Girl Avatar
    Midwestern Plant Girl

    I’m counting down the days. .. You’re temp home looked so kewl! Another pin in the map for me to visit. Do you have a review for Off The Beaten Path? Do you use any websites to find campgrounds? I like rvparkreviews. They seem to have been pretty spot on for our area.

    Like

    1. Ingrid Avatar

      I have a page titled “RV Resources” (just over from our “About” page) that lists a bunch of sites we use. I do own “Off the Beaten Path” but my daughter currently has it. It has some great recommendations all over the country and lovely photos.

      Like

      1. Midwestern Plant Girl Avatar
        Midwestern Plant Girl

        Thanks! Will check out.

        Like

  19. Wayne Scott Avatar

    Looks like another great one. Has the wind eased yet? Broke around here yesterday and looks calm for a while.

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    1. Ingrid Avatar

      The weather has been crazy lately but I think today is the turning point. Yep, we lucked out and found a sweet spot. We’d return in a heart beat 🙂

      Like

  20. placestheygo Avatar

    Glad you found a spot you liked. The view from just about everywhere in Moab and surrounding is just beautiful.

    Like

    1. Ingrid Avatar

      You are so right about views from just about anywhere. We’re thinking Moab needs to be a regular stopping point for us 🙂

      Like

  21. whichwaynow101 Avatar

    Isn’t it great to reminisce with lovely scenic photographs?

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    1. Ingrid Avatar

      Yes it is 🙂

      Like

  22. cravesadventure Avatar

    Beautiful Country – Safe Travels 🙂

    Like

    1. Ingrid Avatar

      Thanks Renee……you’ll need to add to the list 🙂

      Like

      1. cravesadventure Avatar

        I am going to do just that 🙂

        Like

  23. imagesbytdashfield Avatar

    Why did the cow cross the road? 😉 I so wish I was there! Beautiful.

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    1. Ingrid Avatar

      Cute! A photographers dream 🙂

      Like

  24. Gunta Avatar

    Like that “most” are rather respectful. Who would be crazy enough to spoil a spot like that one.

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    1. Ingrid Avatar

      One would hope! I’m sure you and hubby explored most of Utah. Any favorite that you think I just have to see?

      Like

      1. Gunta Avatar

        I’m sure things have changed quite a bit since the 80s when we did our meanders. I know the Parks were getting more crowded toward the end. I’m wondering if http://stateparks.utah.gov/park/kodachrome-basin-state-park
        might still be less well known. We meandered through there with the Jeep and loved it. Otherwise I’m pretty sure you’ve hit all the more well-known spots.

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        1. Gunta Avatar

          OMG Just took a closer look at Kodachrome’s website and there are FEES now!!! Wow and sigh… 😮

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        2. Ingrid Avatar

          I have my eyes on Kodachrome and Capital Reef with return visits to Cedar Breaks NM, Zion, and Bryce. Ah, to be back in the 80’s with fewer crowds, no fees, and big hair….well maybe not the big hair 🙂

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          1. Gunta Avatar

            Hubby used to drive the bus for geology field trips for what was Utah Tech back in that day. They mostly went to Canyonlands. Can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve kicked myself for letting housework and other such stuff get in the way of going along!!! In all our travels, that’s one I’ve never been to. 😦

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            1. Gunta Avatar

              PS Never did the big hair back then. 😮

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  25. pmbweaver Avatar
    pmbweaver

    One word for your new home spot…Gorgeous.

    Like

    1. Ingrid Avatar

      Totally agree…..stunning, beautiful, and gorgeous!

      Like

  26. Nan Avatar

    The views are outstanding

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    1. Ingrid Avatar

      Yep, I think you guys would enjoy it very much 🙂

      Like

  27. dcave518 Avatar
    dcave518

    It looks like you have discovered another great boondocking spot…We have yet to try that, but hopefully we will sometime..Enjoy your great views…Now…lets get a campfire going and open a nice Merlot!

    Like

    1. Ingrid Avatar

      Boondocking can be addictive. There’s a liberating freedom you don’t get in a campground. You’ll need to give it a go sometime ….perhaps tag along with an ‘experienced’ couple 😉

      Like

  28. sueslaght Avatar

    Love the cow crossing in the middle of nowhere shot. 🙂

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    1. Ingrid Avatar

      After this lone guy passed, the rest of the bunch decided to move across the road as well. Our version of rush hour traffic as we sat waiting for all to mosey across the road at a snails pace 🙂

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      1. sueslaght Avatar

        Isn’t that great Ingrid? It happened a lot while cycling in Turkey between the goats, sheep and cows 🙂

        Like

  29. Scott Marshall Avatar

    a dream of mine – I truly hope to realise it

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    1. Ingrid Avatar

      I’m sure in time. Thanks for stopping by and commenting 🙂

      Like