Another of the popular sites is Newspaper Rock. Indians call it "Tse Ha Ni," or rock that tells a story. It is located near the entrance to the Needles area of Canyonlands. If it could be properly interpreted, it would tell the story of this land, for it is truly incredible with its variety of twisting gorges, reaching cliff walls, stone fins, broad mesas and symmetrical arches. It is a landscape as varied as names in a phone book. An area that is a true testimony to how powerful natural forces can be.

Again, with the higher cost of fuel and more demands on time, it is hard to tell at this point just how busy the parks are going to be. The feeling is, however, that visitor counts will be up this year, which makes scheduling trips during the shoulder seasons all the more appealing.

Camping areas within Canyonlands are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Half of the campgrounds within Arches can be reserved, while the remaining spots are on a first-come basis.

There are, of course, a full range of accommodations within the township of Moab.

For information on the two national parks, visit www.nps.gov/arch for Arches or call 435-719-2299, and for Canyonlands visit www.nps.gov/cany or call 435-719-2313.

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