10/27 Day 13

We weren't sure at the time, but Google tells me this is Birthday Cake Butte.

Today was kind of low-key.  Hester wanted to hike to a ruin in Canyonlands called the "False Kiva" (kiva-like structure, but actual use unknown) so she could paint it.  The hike is a fairly intense 3-mile out-and-back but we got some great views of a giant butte (either Teapot or Birthday Cake) and the white rims of the canyons below us.

 

False Kiva, in spite of being omitted from the park map and guide, isn't the most well-kept secret anymore.

The ruins weren't anything too spectacular but the alcove in which it's located was pretty cool.  On our way out, Hester suggested stopping to do the short loop to Mesa Arch, which sounded good to me.  It's a fairly broad and low one but the view of the La Sals and the canyons below was really impressive.  The setting sun turned the La Sals purple and much of the surrounding landscape pink, blue, and gold.

The arch itself is not so impressive, but . . .

. . . It frames an incredible vista.

Since this trip I've been seeing photos of Mesa Arch and the view beyond everywhere.  It graced the cover of Backpacker Magazine just a few months ago.

As we got back to the parking lot, the sky in the west was full of blazing pink clouds and was stunningly beautiful.  It's almost impossible not to have an incredible day here unless you stay inside all day, it seems.