Scott P
01-19-2011, 05:53 PM
Last weekend I went to Moab with a coworker and the two kids.
I admit I wasn't overly excited about the trip at first. I like Moab, but I've been there so many times that sometimes it seems that most things with the exceptions of several technical routes (which I couldn't do with my co-worker or kids) fit in the "been there; done that" category. Even so, because of the weather (and the face that my coworker has no winter camping gear), Moab was the chosen destination.
I have been visiting Moab for literally all my life. Although I haven't covered every square inch of land with my feet, it seems that I have at least laid eyes on most areas at one time or another.
We visited several areas I know well, such as the Devils Garden/Primitive Loop, a route that I have done many times. With all the snow (more than I have ever seen), it had a much different feel. We also visited Fisher Towers, another area I have visited many times (and always enjoy).
As much as I have explored around Moab, I actually visited an area that I haven't been-Horse Bottom. I was surprised by all the beauty I have found there. The huge petrified logs were better than any petrified forest I have ever seen. The benchlands were fantastically scenic. I was reminded on the approach road that a long time ago I viewed Pyramid Butte and had vowed to climb it (a long since forgotten goal).
I guess it goes to show that no matter how often you explore an area of the Colorado Plateau and no matter how well you think you know an area, there's always something new out there, often within very easy reach.
I'll out some photos soon.
Note:
Horse Bottom is along the Colorado River between the Shafer Trail and Potash.
It is west of Pyramid Butte, across the River from Chicken Corners and is right at the upper end of The Goosneck.
If you draw a line east from Deadhorse Point to where the line intersects the Potash Road, you will notice a canyon/wash on the map heading south. The canyon is followed south until it goes over a pouroff at which point the bench above the Colorado River is followed all the way to Horse Bottom.
40923
I admit I wasn't overly excited about the trip at first. I like Moab, but I've been there so many times that sometimes it seems that most things with the exceptions of several technical routes (which I couldn't do with my co-worker or kids) fit in the "been there; done that" category. Even so, because of the weather (and the face that my coworker has no winter camping gear), Moab was the chosen destination.
I have been visiting Moab for literally all my life. Although I haven't covered every square inch of land with my feet, it seems that I have at least laid eyes on most areas at one time or another.
We visited several areas I know well, such as the Devils Garden/Primitive Loop, a route that I have done many times. With all the snow (more than I have ever seen), it had a much different feel. We also visited Fisher Towers, another area I have visited many times (and always enjoy).
As much as I have explored around Moab, I actually visited an area that I haven't been-Horse Bottom. I was surprised by all the beauty I have found there. The huge petrified logs were better than any petrified forest I have ever seen. The benchlands were fantastically scenic. I was reminded on the approach road that a long time ago I viewed Pyramid Butte and had vowed to climb it (a long since forgotten goal).
I guess it goes to show that no matter how often you explore an area of the Colorado Plateau and no matter how well you think you know an area, there's always something new out there, often within very easy reach.
I'll out some photos soon.
Note:
Horse Bottom is along the Colorado River between the Shafer Trail and Potash.
It is west of Pyramid Butte, across the River from Chicken Corners and is right at the upper end of The Goosneck.
If you draw a line east from Deadhorse Point to where the line intersects the Potash Road, you will notice a canyon/wash on the map heading south. The canyon is followed south until it goes over a pouroff at which point the bench above the Colorado River is followed all the way to Horse Bottom.
40923