Halloween in the Swell

[IntrepidXJ]

October 31, 2009

Since Amanda is in Illinois for the next week, I decided that I would head out to the San Rafael Swell for Halloween this year. I was originally planning on camping and making it a weekend trip, but since a cold front came through earlier this week, I changed my mind and didn't feel like camping anymore, so I made it a day trip instead :)

My first destination was a rock art panel that I have been meaning to get to for a while. I've driven by and near Black Dragon Canyon a number of times, but this time I would make it a point to check it out.

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_0942.jpg

Pictographs in Black Dragon Canyon (unfortunately at some point in the past, someone thought it was a good idea to outline some of the pictographs in chalk).

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_0960.jpg

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_0971.jpg

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_0979.jpg

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1034.jpg

After leaving Black Dragon Canyon and following the wash for a little ways, I met up with the Jackass Benches trail and made my way down the spur that used to lead to Sulphur Springs.

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1053.jpg

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1062.jpg

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1076.jpg

[IntrepidXJ]

Next I took the trail that used to go to Swaseys Leap to it's end before heading back to the Buckhorn Wash Road.

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1095.jpg

Bottleneck Peak
http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1115.jpg

I stopped at the swinging bridge over the San Rafael River for a few photos.

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1166.jpg

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1122.jpg

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1158.jpg

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1178.jpg

Leaving the bridge, I headed down the Mexican Mountain Road. Right before reaching Mexican Mountain (and the end of the road) I met an Emery County Sheriff who was heading the opposite direction. We stopped and had a nice chat and he gave me a map of the area that I did not have yet.

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1188.jpg

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1205.jpg

[IntrepidXJ]

Nice colors
http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1227.jpg

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1242.jpg

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1253.jpg

I made a quick stop at the Buckhorn Wash Pictograph panel, but the sun was shining right on them which washed out most of my pictures.

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1265.jpg

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1272.jpg

When I reached the intersection with the Green River Cutoff, I headed east again to the tunroff for the Tidwell Draw trail, which would take me back to I-70.

Part of the Tidwell Draw trail followed the Old Spanish Trail....

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1292.jpg

While other parts followed some power lines...

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1287.jpg

[IntrepidXJ]

After reaching I-70 I started on my way back home and stopped in Green River for a bite to eat. But before I made it home I got off the pavement just as the sun was setting on the Yellow Cat Road, and took a few photos.

Headed towards the La Sals
http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1302.jpg

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1309.jpg

Fun with shadows
http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1317.jpg

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1345.jpg

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1353.jpg

[offpiste]

:2thumbs:

[Udink]

That's a nice day trip, and some nice country. :five: It's too bad about the BLM closing the road to Swasey's Leap. It's a nice drive out to the "end" of the road, but going all the way to the river you see some much better scenery.

[Glockguy]

Just got around to reading this.

That is a fun ride.

I love Cherokees. What are the specs on yours?

[IntrepidXJ]

I love Cherokees. What are the specs on yours?

Specs can be found here: http://www.myxj.net/blog/820