Utah – Page 3 – ON THE ROAD with Maria + Stephen

Hells Backbone Road Scenic Backway

03/04/201730/04/2018 by Maria+Stephen, posted in Uncategorized

Today we attempted to drive the Hells Backbone Rd. We knew that it was unlikely we could make it through but wanted to see if we could make it to the Hells Backbone Bridge which spans Sand Creek. The Bridge is 109 feet long and 14 feet wide. The drop is 1500 feet on both sides! Unfortunately due to a late winter storm the road is closed just short of the bridge. We spoke with another traveler who proceeded past the road closure sign but turned back when he saw a vehicle ahead of him stuck in the snow.

Rim Overlook to Navajo Knobs

03/04/201730/04/2018 by Maria+Stephen, posted in Uncategorized

On Saturday we climbed to the Rim Overlook which provides great views to the east, west and south as well as the park directly below the rim. After a break at the rim we ventured further down the Navajo Knobs trail and then ventured up a side canyon before turning back and retracing our route back to the trailhead.

Hickman Bridge

02/04/201730/04/2018 by Maria+Stephen, posted in Uncategorized

Hickman Bridge is a natural bridge (not arch – bridge caused by water erosion) that sits at an elevation of apx 5700 ft above sea level. A short hike of 2.2 miles albeit the trip out is all climb to reach the bridge. The bridge is 133 feet across and 125 feet above the ground. A nice bridge to visit because you can travel under the bridge as well as climb above for a view from the top of the bridge.

Cathedral Valley Drive

01/04/201730/04/2018 by Maria+Stephen, posted in Uncategorized

On Thursday road conditions allowed us to venture into the remote Cathedral Valley district of CRNP. The terrain in this area consists largely of Bentonite which when wet is virtually impassable for any vehicle. So with several days of dry weather behind us we set out to reach the Sun and Moon Temples. Our average speed was only about 15 MPH due the significant washboarding present along with the many washes that need to be carefully negotiated. We again had many hours of solitude and beauty in this very unique portion of the San Rafael Swell.

Chimney Rock to Spring Canyon

01/04/201730/04/2018 by Maria+Stephen, posted in Uncategorized

Continue reading “Chimney Rock to Spring Canyon” →

Cassidy Arch and Frying Pan Trail

29/03/201730/04/2018 by Maria+Stephen, posted in Uncategorized

Strenuous hiking today with several miles of moderate to steep climbing but well worth the effort with tremendous views. We first climbed to Cassidy Arch and then continued the hike to the highpoint of apx. 6400 ft on the Frying Pan Trail.

Cassidy Hiking Map

Cohab Canyon and Frying Pan Trails

26/03/201730/04/2018 by Maria+Stephen, posted in Uncategorized

Today we hiked the Cohab Canyon to the North Overlook and a portion of the Frying Pan Trail. After a challenging initial climb consisting of 22 switchbacks and a 20% grade over a quarter of a mile we explored the canyon which included multiple slot spurs and a further climb to the North Overlook. We then made another climb up Frying Pan Trail which is completely on the Kayenta Formation. From there we retraced our steps back to the trailhead.

CohabCyn Hiking Map

Capitol Gorge and Pleasant Creek

25/03/201730/04/2018 by Maria+Stephen, posted in Uncategorized

Today we hiked the Capitol Gorge Trail from the trailhead to the boundary of the park. Beautiful day with temperatures in the high fifties – perfect for hiking. After the hike we drove to Pleasant Creek on a 4wd track.

Capitol Gorge Hiking Map

Price to Torrey

24/03/201730/04/2018 by Maria+Stephen, posted in Scenic Drive

Today we traveled from Price to Torrey where we will be staying while exploring Capitol Reef National Park. Along the way we traveled through the northern section of the San Rafael Swell to visit the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry which has one of the largest and densest concentrations of dinosaur fossils ever found.

From there we traveled further south with the intent of driving through the Buckhorn Wash to visit the Wedge (aka the Little Grand Canyon) but rain overnight made the sand and dirt roads impassable. Instead we ventured south on Route 72 which took us through Fishlake National Forest and over the summit at Hogan’s Pass where we encountered gale force winds and snow.

Tomorrow we begin our hiking at Capitol Reef National Park.

Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry

Paradise Valley, Fishlake National Forest

Foy Bench 8975 Elevation

Cathedral Valley

Torrey, Utah

Glacier National Park

17/09/201630/04/2018 by Maria+Stephen, posted in Hiking

First day of hiking – hiked up Avalanche Creek to Avalanche Lake. Then we drove to Logan Pass. A great start to our trip. Spectacular weather and scenery.