As you drive South out of Moab you pass the Manti-LaSal Loop road at about ten miles. A few miles further down the road, right along the side of the road, is Wilson’s Arch. For me, this is a special treat because it doesn’t involve a cross-country hike!
While I was driving back from Wilson’s Arch I looked out to the West and saw an interesting formation. On a hunch, I turned onto Looking Glass Road and discovered this formation, which is known as The Hole in the Glass.
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Wilson Arch from Carl Roessler
The Anticline Overlook
A short drive southward on Rt. 191 is a paved road which is well-marked for the Needles Overlook. A few miles along that road, a dirt track takes off to the right (North) and after several miles delivers you to the spectacular Anticline Overlook. When the morning sunlight pours over your shoulder into the vast valley, photographs and videos are hard-pressed to even suggest the colossal scale of the scene. As they say, you actually have to stand there and see it to believe it.
Anticline Overlook Wide from Carl Roessler
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Needles Overlook
Returning southward on the long dirt track we eventually rejoin the Needles Overlook paved road and head West. This is another cliff top with a staggering view out over the Needles District of Canyonlands. The view encompasses at least fifty miles in all westerly directions (and on clear days, much more). Later, when we are down on Squaw Flats Road in the valley, we can look back up at these immense cliffs.
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Needles Overlook from Carl Roessler
Route 211—Squaw Flats Road
After enjoying the aerial views from the overlooks, you return to the Route 191 main road and turn South to reach Squaw Flats Road, Route 211.
This paved road descends into Needles itself, passing beneath a series of huge sandstone cliffs. At the end of a series of panoramic views of cliffs and broad valleys, you can stand on the valley floor and look back up at those wonderful cliffs where you stood on the Needles Overlook. Scenery on a grand scale is everywhere!
