Near Moab in San Juan County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)

There's Something in the Air

Photographed by James Hulse, March 30, 2025

1. There's Something in the Air Marker

Inscription. On a clear day, you can easily see the La Sal Mountains from this point. However, haze or dust sometimes obscure even the closest features. Agriculture, grazing, land development, and off-road vehicles disturb soils, and then bursts of wind stir murky dust storms. Power plants, cities, and cars also release pollutants that limit visibility.

Protecting scenic views is a priority for the National Park Service. Canyonlands is an important part of a scientific network that monitors dust and air pollution and how they impact the natural world. This research will guide efforts to preserve these scenic views for future generations.

Captions
(Photo #1) Visibility on a clear day may reach 152 miles (245 km), but that can change quickly: these photos were taken within 24 hours of each other.
(Photo #2) Prevailing winds carry dust and pollutants to this area.

Erected by Canyonlands National Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Parks & Recreational Areas.

Location. 38° 27.589′ N, 109° 49.209′ W. Marker is near Moab,

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Utah, in San Juan County. It is on Grand View Point Road 7 miles south of Utah Road 313, on the left when traveling south. The marker is located across the road from the Island in the Sky Visitor Center at Canyonlands National Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Moab UT 84532, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Canyon Country.

It is also in the American Mountain West,

in Colorado Plateau,

and at the Four Corners.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Indian Ricegrass (within shouting distance of this marker); The Neck (approx. half a mile away); The Origins Of a Name (approx. 4.4 miles away); The Legend of Dead Horse Point (approx. 4.4 miles away); Aztec Butte (approx. 5.7 miles away); John Wesley Powell on the Green River (approx. 6.7 miles away); Green River Overlook (approx. 6.7 miles away); Tracks in the Canyon

Photographed by James Hulse, March 30, 2025

2. There's Something in the Air Marker

(approx. 8.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Moab.

The view of the canyon behind the marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 30, 2025

3. The view of the canyon behind the marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 25, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 109 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 26, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.