The Maze and the Mesa (April 2011)

[IntrepidXJ]

Day 0: Change of Plans?

Friday, April 8, 2011

As you might have seen in this post (http://www.myxj.net/blog/5540) before I left for this trip, there was some real concern about the government shutting down and closing Canyonlands National Park. The night before I was set to leave, I stayed up to see what was going to happen in Washington. Luckily, at the last minute they figured out the budget and averted a shutdown. Of course, my time would have been better spent sleeping, but at least we did not have to make any last minute changes to our plans and we would still be able to explore The Maze District of Canyonlands for a few days.

Day 1: Into the Maze

Saturday, April 9, 2011

After staying up later than I would have liked on Friday night, I was up again at 3am on Saturday morning so that I could finish getting ready and head straight to Hanksville to meet up with Jared. I had hoped to grab a quick breakfast on the way, but apparently the McDonalds on my way out of Grand Junction isn

[gnwatts]

Great shots.

[ststephen]

:popcorn: Lovin' your pics and report, we spent our first night at that same camp. Aaron kept making me nervous climbing on the Chimney Rock with it's crumbly Organ Rock Shale.

[Wasatch]

Nice pics, it's on my list to do as well.

[americanhero]

Awesome! Looking at those pictures wants me to go there immediatly. What a great place to explore. The Maze is still on my Must See list for the future.

[IntrepidXJ]

Day 2: Pictograph Fork & The Harvest Scene

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Our second day started out cold with plenty of wind. None of us slept very well since the wind was noisy all night. After some breakfast we bundled up and started our hike down Pictograph Fork to check out the Harvest Scene pictographs.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5639133870_fc6e7ac2b2.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5639133870/)
Hiking Pictograph Fork (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5639133870/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

If you look closely you can see Dave and Jared in the canyon ahead of me as we hike towards Pictograph Fork.

Along the way we stopped at a petroglyph panel.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5301/5639134594_d0d8128e3a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5639134594/)
Pictograph Fork Petroglyphs (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5639134594/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5301/5638554023_1cf0587d98.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5638554023/)
Pictograph Fork Anthropomorphs (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5638554023/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Then we continued on until we reached the Harvest Scene, which was one of my main reasons for going to The Maze this trip.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5266/5639135190_935e3c9767.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5639135190/)
Near the Harvest Scene (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5639135190/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

The canyon near The Harvest Scene Panel.

The sun was shining on the panel and washing it out pretty good, but luckily there were a few puffy clouds in the sky that blocked the sun for a few minutes at a time so that I could try and take some decent photos of the panel.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5106/5638840837_e62abe488e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5638840837/)
Harvest Scene Panel (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5638840837/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

An overview of the Harvest Scene Pictograph Panel.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5268/5639182246_5006cc71ac.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5639182246/)
The Harvest Scene (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5639182246/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A closer look at the part of the panel that gives it the name ‘Harvest Scene’.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5303/5638843413_1751b52f87.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5638843413/)
Tall, Skinny, & Elaborate (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5638843413/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

These figures found on the left side of the panel are very elaborately decorated.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5189/5638840265_20b60196ee.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5638840265/)
Bow to the Stripes (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5638840265/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

The figure to the right of the striped anthropomorph appears to be bowing.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5142/5638842187_5364331dc2.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5638842187/)
Striped Man (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5638842187/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A closer look at the striped figure.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5638843855_2e526f6f60.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5638843855/)
Jared for Scale (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5638843855/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Jared checking out the panel and giving it some scale.

[IntrepidXJ]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5302/5638844613_ee880398f5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5638844613/)
Dave & Jared (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5638844613/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Both Dave and Jared for some scale.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5109/5639418452_8738050bd4.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5639418452/)
The Hand that Feeds (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5639418452/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Not a great photo, but the best I managed to get on this trip. If you look closely you can see what looks like a bird a rabbit and another smaller zoomorph on the outstretched hand. There is also what appears to be indian rice grass growing out of the middle finger on the hand. A very interesting panel.

There were plenty of other pictographs to be found nearby, too.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5639139284_cc38e8ec3b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5639139284/)
Standing Dog (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5639139284/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

The furthest figure on the right appears to be a very long dog standing up.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5184/5638841605_e9edf1d8b9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5638841605/)
Two Faint Panels (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5638841605/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

These two pictograph panels are located just to the left of the main Harvest Scene panel.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5226/5639420760_a591413c43.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5639420760/)
Faint Panel (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5639420760/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Another of the panels found nearby.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5638944135_73743a5035.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5638944135/)
Pictograph Fork Snake Panel (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5638944135/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

These pictographs are found a bit upstream from the Harvest Scene and are actually the first panel you will come across when hiking down-canyon as we did.

We had some lunch before leaving the Harvest Scene and then continued on our loop hike.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5105/5638857525_66f9bb7660.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5638857525/)
Pictograph Fork (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5638857525/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Another view of Pictograph Fork from near the pictographs.

We took a detour towards the Maze Overlook trail in search of some more rock art and found this snake petroglyph, which might be the one Ed Abbey spoke of in Desert Solitaire when he descended into The Maze

[IntrepidXJ]

We passed this small arch along the way.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5639135652_7a93d22f05.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5639135652/)
Mesa Top Arch (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5639135652/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5638561143_961e91bf47.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5638561143/)
Through the Arch (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5638561143/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A view of The Maze and the La Sal Mountains in the distance through the small arch.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5229/5639133206_585f0fec5f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5639133206/)
Small Chimney (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5639133206/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Can you spot Chimney Rock in the distance, it was a long hike back to camp.

When we arrived back at camp, we had some dinner and tried to stay out of the wind as much as possible.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5639132704_131d7da8c0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5639132704/)
Jared, Jeep & Rock (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5639132704/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Jared having some dinner and using my Jeep to block the wind. Chimney Rock in the background.

When the sun was getting close to setting, we grabbed our cameras and took some photos…

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5307/5636447876_919ef7792a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5636447876/)
Colorful Layers (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5636447876/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

I love the layers of color in this photo.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5148/5637129407_bf99c47c18.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5637129407/)
Another Chimney Rock Sunset (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5637129407/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Just another photo of Chimney Rock glowing in the late evening sunlight.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5265/5639132342_c5d59c8c61.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5639132342/)
Dave in Camp (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5639132342/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Dave trying to keep warm.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5226/5639131990_9fdc70abbc.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5639131990/)
View from Camp (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5639131990/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5639131160_b00e1a1dfd.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5639131160/)
Canyonlands at Sunset (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5639131160/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5225/5637129135_1e69e6f357.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5637129135/)
The Maze and Canyon Rims (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5637129135/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Aside from the wind when we were up out of the canyon, it was a good day. I’m glad I finally got to visit the Harvest Scene and will probably hike down from The Maze Overlook next time I want to visit it.

Day 3 to be continued…

[asdf]

so sick Randy
I'm getting so excited for week.

[ststephen]

Just gorgeous. I get goosebumps from those shots looking out across the Maze.

[Win]

Geez, Randy you just keep coming up with awesome TRs, thanks.

Win

[Scott Card]

Excellent :2thumbs:

[peakbaggers]

Have wanted to get into the Maze area for years. For our 25th anniversary, my wife and I chartered a flight out of Grand Junction (we live in the Redlands) and flew over all our favorite stomping grounds around Moab and all the way over to the Maze. It was aMAZing to see from the air! We have a Desert Vision video produced by Paul Speer and David Lanz that features a flight scene over the Maze. Just looking at a topo map of that area gets the adventure juices going.
Question: How was the Flint Trail down into there? I have heard various horror stories over the years. It appears from the photos that your Jeeps are no more than "stock" varieities. I have a longer T-100 4WD pickup with excellent clearance or Jeep Cherokee Sport (both unmodified stock). How did you find the road conditions and what do you think about either of these two vehicles making it in?

[IntrepidXJ]

Question: How was the Flint Trail down into there? I have heard various horror stories over the years. It appears from the photos that your Jeeps are no more than "stock" varieities. I have a longer T-100 4WD pickup with excellent clearance or Jeep Cherokee Sport (both unmodified stock). How did you find the road conditions and what do you think about either of these two vehicles making it in?

The Flint Trail is well maintained and easy....just narrow in places. You would have no problems with either vehicle. You would just need to make a 3-point turn or two at some of the tight switchbacks.

The toughest part of the road would be the section around the head of Teapot Canyon. This section is rough and bumpy with a few ledges. Both your vehicles could probably do that section as well, but it would require a little more driver skill.

[jdgibney]

[QUOTE=IntrepidXJ;450053]
When the sun was getting close to setting, we grabbed our cameras and took some photos

[IntrepidXJ]

LOVE this one. Great photos and report as always, thanks for sharing!

Thanks! That's one of my favorites from the day, too :)

[americanhero]

incredible and simply awesome shots!! :2thumbs:
I definitely want to see the area by myself. And looking at your pictures increases my desire to do that.
Anyway, thanks for sharing and keep 'em coming.

[accadacca]

LOVE this one. Great photos and report as always, thanks for sharing!
Ditto. Too many good shots to list, but this is a fav. Your the man Randy, you get to all the cool places. :hail2thechief:

[IntrepidXJ]

Day 3: The Doll House & Tibbett Arch

Monday, April 11, 2011

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5642725077_869bcef7fe.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5642725077/)
Ekker Butte at Sunrise (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5642725077/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

The sun rising in the east over the La Sal Mountains lights up Ekker Butte.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5027/5641736121_2a4fae29fd.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5641736121/)
Layers in Blue (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5641736121/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Early morning light looking towards the La Sal Mountains casts a blue hue over all the different layers of the landscape.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5644998064_db7cfa6503.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5644998064/)
Chocolate Bars Up-Close (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5644998064/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Known to most as The Chocolate Drops because they are misnamed on current maps. They really look more like Chocolate Bars to me, anyway. The Maze Overlook is located right behind them from this angle.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5221/5644997560_ef4c08954f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5644997560/)
Chimney Rock Camp 2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5644997560/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Our campsite near Chimney Rock before packing up and leaving.

Since our permit for the Chimney Rock camp was only for two nights, we packed up camp after some breakfast so that we could move on, and then headed to The Doll House.

Our first hike in The Doll House area was the Granary Loop, which gave us a nice view of Surprise Valley on our way to visit a few hidden ruins.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5030/5644435501_0f642f4dbd.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5644435501/)
The Doll House (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5644435501/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

View of The Doll House while hiking The Granary Trail.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5644763524_ff9e54b57a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5644763524/)
Photos in the Slot (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5644763524/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

On our way to the granaries, we passed through this small slot. Jared takes my photo as I take his.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5070/5644436481_360ac0eae9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5644436481/)
Checking Out Suprise Valley (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5644436481/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Dave and Jared check out Surprise Valley from above. Look closely and you can see the Colorado River.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5187/5642726273_7d0008260a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5642726273/)
Three Granaries (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5642726273/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Three of the four small granaries lined up on one side of the alcove.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5184/5641736451_c2297cf2d6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5641736451/)
B&W Granary (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5641736451/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

The one granary by itself on the other side of the alcove converted to black and white.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5644441357_f79bb69f2b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5644441357/)
Four Granaries (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5644441357/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Here’s all four granaries in view.

[IntrepidXJ]

After checking out the granaries, we completed the loop trail and then hiked out to Beehive Arch along the Colorado and Green Rivers Overlook Trail.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5265/5645003544_7be58a1b97.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5645003544/)
Within the Doll House (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5645003544/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Jared and Dave below the needles in The Doll House area on our hike to Beehive Arch.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5266/5644439097_718d31eddd.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5644439097/)
Doll House Needles (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5644439097/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A view along the Colorado and Green Rivers Overlook Trail.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5007/5642726639_3c6d671283.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5642726639/)
Beehive Arch (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5642726639/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A wide view of Beehive Arch.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5644197695_879f9492c8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5644197695/)
Beehive Arch 2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5644197695/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A closer look at a different angle.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5183/5645005384_9ede79cb13.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5645005384/)
Taking in the View (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5645005384/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Dave climbed up some sandstone for a better view of the area.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5644440919_24a44d1b2c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5644440919/)
More Needles (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5644440919/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

More needles in The Doll House area on our way back from Beehive Arch.

Before leaving The Doll House area I checked out all three campsites so that I could plan some future trips to the area. Next, we headed back past Chimney Rock so we could setup our last campsite in The Maze at Standing Rock.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5009/5643295322_0f8f1ca4f1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5643295322/)
Jeep & Standing Rock (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5643295322/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

My Jeep parked at our campsite near Standing Rock.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5045/5642725941_d2b3e5ed3b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5642725941/)
Standing Rock Camp (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5642725941/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Camp setup under the monolith.

[IntrepidXJ]

Once camp was setup we had some lunch and took some photos of the Sun Circle that appeared overhead as a thin layer of clouds rolled in.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5046/5641405663_c21d9508e9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5641405663/)
Standing Rock Sun Circle (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5641405663/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

I decided to try my 16-35mm lens for the first time in the field for some nice sunbursts, which I think turned out pretty good.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5644999886_a0dcab5ed9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5644999886/)
Turntable in the Sky (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5644999886/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A less colorful version, but with an interesting composition.

There was still plenty of time in the day, so we headed off to Lizard Rock and started hiking towards Tibbett Arch. There was plenty of route-finding involved, but I managed to find a nice overlook right across the small canyon from the arch. Dave, on the other hand, managed to get above and on the other side of the arch.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5022/5645007188_77725a9f6f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5645007188/)
Lizard and Standing Rock (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5645007188/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

The large monolith on the left is Lizard Rock, with Plug Rock just to the right of it. Standing Rock is the skinny one in the distance. Land of the Standing Rocks.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5644442695_3694f6c545.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5644442695/)
Tibbett Arch Canyon (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5644442695/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Looking down into the canyon in front of Tibbett Arch. You can see the arch to the upper left of the photo.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5021/5644442981_da12f888cb.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5644442981/)
Tibbett Arch (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5644442981/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

[I]A closer look at Tibbett Arch. I was hoping to get low enough to see some sky through it, but that didn

[Philippe]

Hi Randy,

Excellent trip report and a lot of very nice pictures, you seem to have had a nice time in The Maze !

The Maze has been on my wish list since many years but the hard 4WD access is an issue for me without the proper vehicule and enough 4WD skills.

Philippe

[erial]

Under dry conditions you can take a 2wd rental out to the Hans Flat station and then hike the trails to all of those hoodoos, arches and rock art.

[Philippe]

Under dry conditions you can take a 2wd rental out to the Hans Flat station and then hike the trails to all of those hoodoos, arches and rock art.

Yes, but it would be a multiday backpacking (at least 5 or 6 days from Hans Flat) and the issue would be drinking water, all the stuff for backpacking (that I should have to bring from France) and doing it alone.

I still have a plan in mind, if the weather is planned to be good (so I would not need to carry a tent), with just some beef jerky and trail mix (to be ultralight), but I am not sure if it is reasonable (even if I have already done a 2 Day ultralight backpacking from Cathedral Butte to Angel Arch and back to Cathedral Butte) :


Coming from the dirt road beginning on Hwy 95 close to Hite, after sleeping in my car just outside the park boundary, I drive early in the morning to the top of the Golden Stairs (it should be doable with a rental SUV) and I park there With an ultralight backpack (no tent), a gallon of water in the backpack and a gallon in each hand, I hike down the Golden Stairs then on the dirt road until Doll House (hiding almost 2 gallons on the way at Standing Rock). In late afternoon I visit around Doll House and I sleep there under the stars.
Early in the morning, I hike to Standing Rock and I do the hike to Harvest Scene. I camp at Standing Rock.
I hike back to the top of the Golden Stairs and I leave the Maze driving to Hite in late afternoon.
An issue would be to reserve the permits well in advance (and to have to cancel if the weather is not good, with no possibility to come back later) and to pick them (as I don't want to go to Hans Flat Ranger Station for that because I would be blocked by the Flint Trail with a standard SUV, thats' why I want to drive from Hite).

Philippe

[ibenick]

Yes, but it would be a multiday backpacking (at least 5 or 6 days from Hans Flat) and the issue would be drinking water, all the stuff for backpacking (that I should have to bring from France) and doing it alone.

I still have a plan in mind, if the weather is planned to be good (so I would not need to carry a tent), with just some beef jerky and trail mix (to be ultralight), but I am not sure if it is reasonable (even if I have already done a 2 Day ultralight backpacking from Cathedral Butte to Angel Arch and back to Cathedral Butte) :


Coming from the dirt road beginning on Hwy 95 close to Hite, after sleeping in my car just outside the park boundary, I drive early in the morning to the top of the Golden Stairs (it should be doable with a rental SUV) and I park there With an ultralight backpack (no tent), a gallon of water in the backpack and a gallon in each hand, I hike down the Golden Stairs then on the dirt road until Doll House (hiding almost 2 gallons on the way at Standing Rock). In late afternoon I visit around Doll House and I sleep there under the stars.
Early in the morning, I hike to Standing Rock and I do the hike to Harvest Scene. I camp at Standing Rock.
I hike back to the top of the Golden Stairs and I leave the Maze driving to Hite in late afternoon.
An issue would be to reserve the permits well in advance (and to have to cancel if the weather is not good, with no possibility to come back later) and to pick them (as I don't want to go to Hans Flat Ranger Station for that because I would be blocked by the Flint Trail with a standard SUV, thats' why I want to drive from Hite).

Philippe

From what I've heard the Flint Trail should be fine in a stock SUV, Teapot Canyon on the other hand, maybe not. Randy?

If you go through Ernie's country to get to the Dollhouse, there are a couple of springs, Lou's and Clell's. Also some springs down in the Maze canyons, even nearby Harvest Scene. There's a set of GPS tracks for a backpack loop from the top of the Golden Stairs on backpacker.com, here's the link: http://bp2.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip.aspx?tripId=48391

One other thing, I don't think the permits are in as high demand as they as they are in other districts of Canyonlands. At least not for backpacking, the vehicle sites fill fast but I know for my trip next week they didn't even come close to running out of backpacking permits.

[ststephen]

Yes, but it would be a multiday backpacking (at least 5 or 6 days from Hans Flat) and the issue would be drinking water, all the stuff for backpacking (that I should have to bring from France) and doing it alone.

I still have a plan in mind, if the weather is planned to be good (so I would not need to carry a tent), with just some beef jerky and trail mix (to be ultralight), but I am not sure if it is reasonable (even if I have already done a 2 Day ultralight backpacking from Cathedral Butte to Angel Arch and back to Cathedral Butte) :


Coming from the dirt road beginning on Hwy 95 close to Hite, after sleeping in my car just outside the park boundary, I drive early in the morning to the top of the Golden Stairs (it should be doable with a rental SUV) and I park there With an ultralight backpack (no tent), a gallon of water in the backpack and a gallon in each hand, I hike down the Golden Stairs then on the dirt road until Doll House (hiding almost 2 gallons on the way at Standing Rock). In late afternoon I visit around Doll House and I sleep there under the stars.
Early in the morning, I hike to Standing Rock and I do the hike to Harvest Scene. I camp at Standing Rock.
I hike back to the top of the Golden Stairs and I leave the Maze driving to Hite in late afternoon.
An issue would be to reserve the permits well in advance (and to have to cancel if the weather is not good, with no possibility to come back later) and to pick them (as I don't want to go to Hans Flat Ranger Station for that because I would be blocked by the Flint Trail with a standard SUV, thats' why I want to drive from Hite).

Philippe

Don't give up Philippe!

The road to the Maze Overlook is significantly easier than to the Dollhouse. In season, there is water down at Picto-Fork so you could restock water if backpacking all the way to the Dollhouse. I can share a rental company I've used in SLC that has well-equiped Jeeps at a reasonable price. Lastly, with a little advance notice you could definitely find some folks on this site to share the adventure with you!

[Philippe]

Ibenik and Paul,

Thank you very much for your useful information, I will study it closely for another trip as the schedule of my next trip in late Spring is already overbusy without The Maze.

I also like the idea of joining some folks from Bogley to visit The Maze or some other remote places.

Philippe


.

[darkmatter]

Hi Phillippe...when I drove through Torrey in March, I saw a large ATV with a sign "for rent, street legal". I think it was probably this one: http://www.sandstonecapitolreef.com/atv-rentals.html

I have no idea what the cost would be, or if it would be allowed to take it that far, but perhaps it's an option worth looking into.

[ststephen]

Hi Phillippe...when I drove through Torrey in March, I saw a large ATV with a sign "for rent, street legal". I think it was probably this one: http://www.sandstonecapitolreef.com/atv-rentals.html

I have no idea what the cost would be, or if it would be allowed to take it that far, but perhaps it's an option worth looking into.

No. Only road-licensed vehicles can be driven on the NPS roads in Canyonlands. No ATVs, no dirt bikes.

Another ref I can offer is for someone who does 4WD instruction out of the LA area. Great guy and you would feel much more confident tackling the roads after a day with him. There's link on this site from TR a did doing a "Rocks" class with him.

[americanhero]

excellent shots again. What a wonderful and unique landscape. :2thumbs:
Just watching your shots has me longing to visit the area as soon as possible. Like Philippe, it is on my Must See list for such a long time.
Hopefully next year with a rental 4x4 that can do some of the tricky parts.
But I'm still not sure of heading out to the Maze by myself.

[IntrepidXJ]

From what I've heard the Flint Trail should be fine in a stock SUV, Teapot Canyon on the other hand, maybe not. Randy?

As long as the road is in good shape a stock SUV should have no problem on the Flint Trail. It's not too rough, just narrow. You'll also need to make a 3-point turn or two at some of the switchbacks. I had to make 2 3-point turns in my 4-door Wrangler. An SUV with high clearance would be best.

[IntrepidXJ]

Day 4: From the Maze to the Mesa

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

On our forth day Under the Ledge, we awoke to an awesome sunrise. The colors in the sky were just amazing! I quickly hopped out of my tent and grabed my camera for a photo. When I got my shot composed, I realized that I had taken the battery out the previous night to charge in the Jeep…and hadn’t replaced it! I ran back to the Jeep and grabbed the fully charged battery, but missed the best colors of the sunrise in the process. Here’s the shot I managed to get before all of the colors disappeared.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5229/5646273160_a7dc054b8f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5646273160/)
Color Over the La Sals (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5646273160/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

After the colors over the La Sal Mountains were gone, I turned around and took a few more early morning shots.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5150/5650597030_a25391a455.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5650597030/)
Standing Rock on Fire (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5650597030/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Standing Rock bathed in golden early morning sunlight on our last day in the Land of Standing Rocks.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5647946295_d02c91d8e0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5647946295/)
Lizard and The Plug (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5647946295/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Lizard Rock and The Plug glowing in the early morning sunlight.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5145/5651402784_1eb158df06.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5651402784/)
First Light (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5651402784/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

The first light of the day strikes Ekker Butte and the rims of the canyons that make up The Maze.

After sunrise we had some breakfast and packed up camp so that we could move on. We would have a long and full day ahead of us, since we would be leaving The Maze and heading to Cedar Mesa…but there would be plenty of stops along the way.

Before leaving The Maze we parked near Mother and Child Rock so that we could hike a little way into into Ernie’s country. We dropped down into Range Canyon so that we could visit Cedar Bark Ruin and Lou’s Spring.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5650712516_f430e77e94.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5650712516/)
Cedar Bark Ruin (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5650712516/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

There has been some disagreement as to how old this ruin actually is, however, after seeing it in person, in my opinion, the ruin itself looks pretty old and not recently made, but the roof certainly looks newer, like someone may have added it. I’m no expert and these are just my impressions from my visit to the site.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5652019176_af622ab4f5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5652019176/)
Lous Spring Pictographs (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5652019176/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

These very faint pictographs found on the ceiling of the alcove that contains Lou’s Spring kind of remind me of the one’s located across the Colorado River in Cave Spring in the Needles District.

After reaching the Jeeps again, we finally started to head out around Teapot Canyon. Along the rough road we met some of Canyonland’s rangers in 4

[IntrepidXJ]

After leaving The Maze we made our way over to pick up Jared’s car before heading over to Cedar Mesa for the rest of the week. Along the way we stopped at a few rock art sites. Here’s a bunch of photos from the sites we visited.

The Hollow Boulder Panel:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5101/5651465313_0b2e94eb52.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5651465313/)
Hollow Boulder (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5651465313/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

An overview of the Hollow Boulder Panel. I’ve seen a lot of rock art, but this panel is certainly in one of the more unusual locations, especially for a Barrier Canyon Style panel. As you can see, these pictographs are located inside a large boulder that has a naturally hollowed out area big enough to stand in. Step inside and you are treated to an almost 360 degree display of rock art!

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5651469109_0d7f97cb7e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5651469109/)
Snakes In Hands (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5651469109/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

One of the more interesting figures in the Hollow Boulder is this anthropomorph that appears to be holding five snakes.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5190/5651464175_d7d7ddd7f0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5651464175/)
Inside the Boulder (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5651464175/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A better look at the back of the boulder.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5652038220_1d8122b9bc.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5652038220/)
Many Hidden Pictographs (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5652038220/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

There are a lot of pictographs hidden inside this boulder.

North Wash Pictographs & Petroglyphs:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5025/5651473957_c54010e58c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5651473957/)
On the Road Again (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5651473957/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

On the road in North Wash.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5650892478_045d149241.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5650892478/)
The Queens Alcove (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5650892478/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

This photos shows just a small part of the very large alcove these are located in.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5264/5652041518_9fc0931f14.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5652041518/)
The Queen & I (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5652041518/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A closer look at the large anthropomorph and it’s attending dog.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5106/5650079662_7667cd3e5b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5650079662/)
Striped (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5650079662/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

An interesting anthropomorph petroglyph set within some varnish-stripes.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5108/5652026704_de6ecdf885.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5652026704/)
Striped Panel (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5652026704/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

The full petroglyph panel over the stripes.

[IntrepidXJ]

The Perfect Panel

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5270/5652019874_eb7a586c3c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5652019874/)
The Perfect Panel (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5652019874/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

One of the most amazing pictograph panels I have visited. In the following photos, just check out how detailed these pictographs are. You can also see quite the resemblance to The Queen pictograph pictured just above.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5069/5649175423_703e330018.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5649175423/)
Thumbs Down (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5649175423/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

[I]A closer look at the

[IntrepidXJ]

Day 5: Sheiks Canyon & The Green Mask

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

We were up before sunrise on Wednesday for a quick breakfast so that we could get a quick hike down into Sheiks Canyon before Dave would have to head back home. First up in Sheiks Canyon was the Yellow House Ruin. The roof beams over part of this ruin still have the yucca lashings with knots tied to the roof beams. It’s a pretty amazing site.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5027/5655056219_5de49df42a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5655056219/)
Yellow House (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5655056219/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5184/5655721112_131cb33298.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5655721112/)
Yellow House Alcove (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5655721112/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5063/5655197549_c9723d90e5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5655197549/)
Yellow House Roof (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5655197549/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A good look at the very cool roof structure still intact.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5022/5659487404_e7a088e5cf.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5659487404/)
Jared and the Yellow House (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5659487404/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Jared takes a photo into the Yellow House.

A little further down the canyon we came across another small ruin.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5659507590_ac93f906e3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5659507590/)
Welcome Mat (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5659507590/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

This small structure has a unique step right in front of the doorway.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5659487978_b7034b584c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5659487978/)
Ruin & Faint Pictographs (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5659487978/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

It also has some faint white pictographs located just above, than you can see in this photo.

As we continued down-canyon were a couple of steep talus slopes we needed to descend to get around some big pour-overs.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5028/5659488828_e34cffc596.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5659488828/)
Sheiks Canyon (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5659488828/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A view into Sheiks Canyon as we near Grand Gulch.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5108/5659489592_c83830b0a5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5659489592/)
Dave and the Gulch (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5659489592/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Dave looking down into Grand Gulch from a viewpoint along our hike.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5659490242_975e15008f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5659490242/)
Tucked-Away Granary (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5659490242/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A small granary we passed by on our way to The Green Mask alcove.

[IntrepidXJ]

Once we got near the confluence with Grand Gulch we spotted the Green Mask alcove with it’s ceiling filled with pictographs.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5659504070_442fea0e8f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5659504070/)
Ceiling Panels (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5659504070/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

There were a lot of pictographs located near the ceiling of this alcove and out of reach. There are more in the photo below.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5070/5659504570_2c9ef6ccb7.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5659504570/)
Ceiling Panels 2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5659504570/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5659502790_e6e5dce84b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5659502790/)
Alcove Pictograph (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5659502790/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Here’s a closeup of one of the more interesting and unique pictographs located above us.

There were plenty of ruins and rock art around to explore.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5108/5656415002_85d528b469.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5656415002/)
Headless Torso Wall (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5656415002/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

This area had a bunch of pictographs and handprints, including the Breech Birth Panel.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5656049116_4c4330c8e5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5656049116/)
Handprints & Torsos (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5656049116/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A closer look at the left side.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5656242014_7967653534.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5656242014/)
Breech Birth Panel (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5656242014/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

This section is called the Breech Birth Panel. Apparently, some people believe this scene represents a C-section birth.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5265/5659497780_a39b69282f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5659497780/)
Shooting Rock Art (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5659497780/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Jared takes a photo of some rock art.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5265/5659493680_3e9b8264f3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5659493680/)
Painted Walls (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5659493680/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

The back of this ruin appears to have been painted.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5025/5655910660_c93618c461.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5655910660/)
Mud Spirals (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5655910660/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A closer look reveals that mud circles were applied to the back wall inside this ruin and then spirals were created. This is the first time I have come across this, and it was pretty cool.

[IntrepidXJ]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5658926905_fa0d364182.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5658926905/)
Hidden Room (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5658926905/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

The entrance to a small room or granary located along the back of the alcove.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5068/5659500236_73a8cc0d26.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5659500236/)
Upper Panel (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5659500236/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

I was unable to climb up to these anthropomorphic pictographs located in a ruin on a ledge above us, so this is the best shot I was able to get.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5268/5658933353_f76849dea5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5658933353/)
White Turkey Panel (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5658933353/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

More faint white pictographs. The lower bird-like figure in white reminds me of a turkey, which is where my name comes from.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5658931281_2850823591.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5658931281/)
Faint Headress Figures (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5658931281/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Two faint anthropomorphic figures with headdress-like designs where their heads should be.

Of course, I had to get a photo of The Green Mask before we left.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5144/5659506996_6faf1a0ddc.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5659506996/)
The Green Mask (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5659506996/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

[I]I wish I had dragged my 100-400mm lens along on this hike so I could have got a better shot of this, but here

[gnwatts]

Randy
You can access the upper ruin and pictographs at Green Mask, head down canyon about 100 feet and then start climbing up, and then down into it. Nice shots, BTW.

[ststephen]

More awesomeness! I'm late getting my CM stuff together. We wanted to do Sheik's but circumstance prevented it.

[IntrepidXJ]

Randy
You can access the upper ruin and pictographs at Green Mask, head down canyon about 100 feet and then start climbing up, and then down into it. Nice shots, BTW.

Some people can....I couldn't.....it was out of my comfort zone....I have no climbing skills. My friend Dave who was with us got up there.

[IntrepidXJ]

Day 6: Moon House & Upper Johns Canyon

Thursday, April 14, 2011

After another very windy and cold night, Jared and I had some breakfast and headed over to the Kane Gulch Ranger station again. We wanted to make this an easy day since we had done a bunch of hiking all week, so we decided to go check out the Moon House Ruins. We had attempted this hike a few years ago (before the permit system was started) but we were unable to find the way down and across McLoyd Canyon to the ruins, so we wanted to finally reach the ruins this time. We arrived at the ranger station at 8:00am and quickly obtained our permit. Then we were soon on our way down the Snow Flat Road to the trailhead.

This time we did end up reaching Moon House Ruins and spent about 2.5 hours exploring the area. We were lucky and had the place all to ourselves. On our way back across the canyon to the Jeep we did eventually meet two other groups of three who were hiking in to the ruins. I guess we got there at a good time :)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5063/5678178280_6d2421952c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5678178280/)
Outer Wall (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5678178280/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

The outer wall of the main Moon House ruins.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5302/5677502413_6c590ecd1b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5677502413/)
Moon Snake (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5677502413/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

What looks like a snake pictograph located above the ruins.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5103/5678197100_28aba3c4d9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5678197100/)
Behind the Wall (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5678197100/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A view from behind the outer wall. A very cool and unique place.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5069/5678061326_f9d2dbed25.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5678061326/)
Painted (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5678061326/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

The very unique stripe painted on an interior wall that the Moon House Ruins is known for.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5226/5678123978_e8efe3f0e9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5678123978/)
Stripe (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5678123978/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A closer look at the paint on the interior wall.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5662584121_a0f0e37620.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5662584121/)
Spiked Snake (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5662584121/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Here’s a closer look at the snake-like pictograph from inside the outer wall.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5070/5677831814_1e35330f85.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5677831814/)
Three Rooms (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5677831814/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Three structures next to the main Moon House ruins.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5678074952_8d09d07570.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5678074952/)
Moon House Rooms (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5678074952/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Many old structures make up the Moon House complex.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5666845625_d5b7a7ef20.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5666845625/)
Striped Roof (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5666845625/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

An interesting pattern and smoke-stained ceiling.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5101/5677506583_f1154f29ca.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5677506583/)
Round Room (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5677506583/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A small round structure found a little ways down canyon from the Moon House Ruins, but on the same ledge.

[IntrepidXJ]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5678003180_dc1a70daae.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5678003180/)
Finger Impressions (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5678003180/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

I just love seeing the fingerprints of the builders still in the mortar. This section has a whole bunch of them if you look closely.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5667414430_9ff2a77c8a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5667414430/)
Open Window (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5667414430/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

This long rectangular ruin was below a ceiling with a very cool pattern that was reflecting the light nicely with an orange glow. The next two photos are of the same area, just different perspectives/compositions.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5150/5677761922_8f28d37ca3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5677761922/)
End of the Row (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5677761922/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5021/5662596649_9ef811ae0d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5662596649/)
Golden Ceiling (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5662596649/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5221/5663151738_b925e80dc6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5663151738/)
McLoyd Ruin (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5663151738/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5189/5677761130_04daaa2604.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5677761130/)
Moon House Neighbor (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5677761130/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5677504973_b1992cc024.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5677504973/)
Plastered Kiva (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5677504973/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

After heading up the canyon a little ways we came across a good sized kiva that still has some of the plaster on the interior.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5185/5677201375_8f9e1da180.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5677201375/)
Kiva-T (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5677201375/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A T-shaped door in the kiva.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5181/5677516031_d895ab5c77.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5677516031/)
McLoyd Anthropomorph (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5677516031/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Just beyond the kiva we climbed up to an alcove that had a few pictographs including this anthropomorphic figure.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5303/5678072280_4dfd72449e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5678072280/)
McLoyd Canyon (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5678072280/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

View inside McLoyd Canyon as we hike back across to my Jeep.

[IntrepidXJ]

After we spent a while exploring the area we hiked back across the canyon to the Jeep and had some lunch while we decided where to go next. We decided to check out Upper Johns Canyon where we would search for some more ruins. It looked like this would be an easy hike, but apparently Jared and I have a hard time sticking to our plan for an

[bowjunkie]

AWESOME !!!!!

[IntrepidXJ]

Day 7: Big Man Panel & Lower Comb Wash

Friday, April 15, 2011

When we woke up on Friday morning it was about 26 degrees out…the coldest morning so far on the trip! We had another quick breakfast and then took off for the Government Trailhead. Soon we were hiking across Pollys Pasture until we reached the Government Trail that drops down into Grand Gulch.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5149/5685430132_eb3de31d01.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5685430132/)
Government Trail (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5685430132/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

The sign marking the descent into Grand Gulch.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5685418248_e9cf03c27d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5685418248/)
Grand Gulch View (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5685418248/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A view over Grand Gulch as we head down the Government Trail.

Once we reached the bottom of Grand Gulch we headed upstream to the Big Man Panel. Along the way we passed a small and well preserved granary on a ledge above us.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5684799191_09543062b1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5684799191/)
Small Granary (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5684799191/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Soon we reached the Big Man Panel. We spent some time exploring the area and taking plenty of photos.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5066/5681268699_ee46e24a87.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5681268699/)
Big Man Panel (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5681268699/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/5681753249_8aa5e14959.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5681753249/)
Big Man Panel Straight On (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5681753249/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A closer look at the Big Man Panel.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/5682319638_60b06a46e2.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5682319638/)
Big Man Alcove (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5682319638/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

An overview of the large alcove this panel is found in.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5028/5685371360_0254c24a38.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5685371360/)
Line of Hands (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5685371360/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

There were plenty of handprints next to the large anthropomorphs.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5225/5683129053_8ef9cf21eb.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5683129053/)
Big Man #1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5683129053/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5108/5681570481_ff08a93222.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5681570481/)
Big Man #2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5681570481/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

It was a nice easy hike to reach the panel…..but the hike back out to the trailhead was a bit slower and more tiring…

[IntrepidXJ]

Jared hadn

[IntrepidXJ]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5225/5684808979_194da0a301.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5684808979/)
Smaller Anthropomorph (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5684808979/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

One of the many, many, many petroglyphs found along the Butler Wash Panel.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5181/5684810141_a4da150443.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5684810141/)
Faint but Detailed (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5684810141/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

I always enjoy visiting rock art sites multiple times (especially the larger sites like this one) because I’m always finding new things on each visit. This faint panel is one I missed the last time. If you look closely you will see a large anthropomorph with a headdress, a set of hands, another large figure that looks like it might be playing a flute and even a duck-headed figure…..among many others.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5147/5685379038_ef4c3dcccc.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5685379038/)
Faint Butler Wash Panel (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5685379038/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Here’s another of the many faint panels that are hard to see that I was able to bring out better in this photo.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5021/5683126803_067cb79d55.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5683126803/)
Curly Horns (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5683126803/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A bighorn sheep with very curly horns.

After visiting the rock art panel we headed back to Mexican Hat and had some steaks for dinner from the Swingin’ Steak.

There was still a little sunlight left after dinner, so we stopped at Goosenecks State Park to take some photos before heading back up to camp for the night.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5187/5682323482_11299fbcb6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5682323482/)
Burning Bush (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5682323482/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5684806663_915c2831b9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5684806663/)
Sunset at The Goosenecks (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5684806663/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Jared takes a photo of the goosenecks.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5069/5677770965_34f247dc76.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5677770965/)
Jareds Sunburst (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5677770965/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

I just love the sunbursts from my 16-35mm lens!

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5683126341_8d1d102c81.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5683126341/)
Campfire (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5683126341/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Resting at the campfire after another long but exciting day.


Day 8 to be continued…

[asdf]

So how is it that you went from shooting with an entry level SLR to having 10-15K in camera gear in less than a year?

[IntrepidXJ]

So how is it that you went from shooting with an entry level SLR to having 10-15K in camera gear in less than a year?

Saved up and bought it.....but it's only like $7K in gear

[IntrepidXJ]

Day 8: Mule Canyon

Saturday, April 16, 2011

On Saturday we woke up again to yet another cold morning, but thankfully not quite as cold as the previous day. Originally we were planning on staying in our current campsite for the last night, but at the last minute we changed our plans and decided to move to Comb Wash for the last night. We packed up camp and headed over to Comb Wash and then setup camp again. Once camp was set, we headed over to Mule Canyon and were hoping to take a nice leisurely stroll up the canyon for an easy day of exploring……but as I stated before, is seems Jared and I don’t quite know the meaning of an ‘easy day’ because by the time we reached the Jeep again we had hiked over 8.5 miles round trip with a lot of climbing up to ruins along the way.

Of course we visited the House on Fire (Flaming Roof) ruins, and then we continued up the canyon a few more miles searching for other ruins and rock art as we went. I know we missed some of them, probably because we turned around too soon, so I’m sure I’ll be heading back again sometime in the future ;)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5241/5688758106_c6dd1a732b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5688758106/)
Flaming Roof (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5688758106/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5688500585_f906004233.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5688500585/)
Curved Flames (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5688500585/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5101/5689080972_dde3b939b7.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689080972/)
House on Fire Overview (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689080972/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

An overview of the House on Fire ruins.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5302/5688503069_8411611fb3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5688503069/)
Mule Canyon Wall (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5688503069/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

The next set of ruins we found up the canyon from House on Fire.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5185/5688503835_50ef9274d4.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5688503835/)
Mule Canyon (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5688503835/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Jared and the view up Mule Canyon.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5185/5689075762_9e5dc42d79.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689075762/)
High Ruins Overview (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689075762/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A well-preserved set of ruins further up.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5688504183_841410b93b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5688504183/)
High Ruins (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5688504183/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A closer look at the ruins since we didn’t even try to find a way up to them since there was no obvious route.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5146/5689076164_ca52a16336.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689076164/)
Resting Tree (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689076164/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

When we reached the spot in the canyon we turned around at, I stopped to rest in the shade of this tree and took this photo as I lay on the cool sandstone.

[IntrepidXJ]

On our way back down Mule Canyon we stopped and climbed up to one more site we had skipped on the way up. I’m glad we did, since there turned out to be some cool rock art, too.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5688683118_bb8586735b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5688683118/)
Circles and Stripes (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5688683118/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

The top of the alcove glows bright orange in the background with the large concentric circles in the foreground.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5065/5689078082_8c5a4f1d27.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689078082/)
Paint and Petroglyphs (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689078082/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Here we found another painted wall that used to be in the back of a structure. There are plenty of petroglyphs located above the paint, too.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5228/5689079652_2c351f3747.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689079652/)
Overgrown (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689079652/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

We were unable to climb up to these ruins located on a ledge above us.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5689080308_8739c38fe0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689080308/)
Jared and the Granary (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689080308/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Jared checking out a small granary.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5144/5688507761_50d52e7d65.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5688507761/)
Colorful Alcove (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5688507761/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

The same granary as above, in the colorful alcove.

There was still plenty of time left in the day when we reached the trailhead again so we headed up the Dog Tanks Road to visit the petroglyphs on Walnut Knob.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5307/5689070718_62f472222a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689070718/)
Through the Comb (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689070718/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Looking back at Comb Ridge from Walnut Knob where UT-95 cuts through.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5267/5688501287_29c1c1c33a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5688501287/)
Walnut Knob Panel (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5688501287/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

One of the two large panels of petroglyphs found on Walnut Knob.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5309/5688510539_09730d62ae.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5688510539/)
Hunting Shield (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5688510539/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A closer look at the panel. Probably a Ute panel since there are horseback riders in the scene.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5066/5689086186_c4780dc35c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689086186/)
The Sheep and the Shield (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689086186/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Here’s the other larger panel.

[IntrepidXJ]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5028/5688502365_d8e139eca1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5688502365/)
The Hunter and the Shield (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5688502365/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A closer look.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5148/5689072738_7f803350e1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689072738/)
Walnut Shield Figure (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689072738/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Closeup of the shield figure.

Afterwards we headed to Blanding for some dinner at the Homestead Steak House where I had a burger and some of their homemade biscuits. After our meal we headed to the Mule Canyon Towers to await the sunset and the stars that night. Before it got too dark out Jared showed me some petroglyphs he had found the last time he explored this site.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5689085578_3c64bbc2c6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689085578/)
Cave Towers Granary (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689085578/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A small structure found near the Mule Canyon Towers.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5229/5689081938_a480e3a522.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689081938/)
Moon Over the Rim (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689081938/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

The moon rising over the rim of Mule Canyon as we explore below.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5268/5689069446_88c0167f21.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689069446/)
Mule Canyon Hunt (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689069446/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

The ‘Hunt Scene’ petroglyph panel that Jared showed me.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5689082810_a0b85af16f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689082810/)
Duck Head & Snakes (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689082810/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

A closer look at some of the figures in the panel, including a duck-headed man.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5688513085_4ddc28a3c8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5688513085/)
The Kill (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5688513085/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Looks like it was a successful hunt!

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5689083244_883e47600a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689083244/)
Lower Mule Canyon (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5689083244/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Lower Mule Canyon as the sun sets.

Once it was dark enough we both tried out some night shots.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5284/5685879586_80a318eb34.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5685879586/)
Mule Tower Star Trails (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5685879586/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

When I setup this shot, my original goal was to get some star trails to show up through the window as well as around the tower. Unfortunately, some clouds blew through the shot as I was taking it, so that didn’t work out as I had planned this time. I do like the way the clouds look in this shot, though. The lighting on the tower is from the almost-full moon behind the camera. I didn’t have to add any additional light.

Mule Canyon Tower Timelapse Video: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5688394403/

Follow the link above to a very short time-lapse video I made of the separate shots used to make the photo above. You can see the clouds blowing through the scene and also the moonlight on the tower changing.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5109/5688523793_942ffa8cb4.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5688523793/)
Big Dipper Tower (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5688523793/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Before we left, Jared had the idea for this shot and took one. I liked the idea and took a quick shot with the Big Dipper above the Mule Canyon Tower.

When we were done, it was back to Comb Ridge for our last night of the trip.

Day 9, the final day, to be continued…

[stefan]

wow, many thanks for the report and gorgeous photos :2thumbs:

[gnwatts]

Nice shots Randy. The last time I was at Big Man (actually it should be called big Woman as she is bigger than the man) maybe 10 years ago, there were no white "chalk" marks around parts of the pictograph. My guess is that people have outlined them? Bad news if that is true. There is also abundant rock art on both sides of the canyon between the Gov. trail and big man. It was hard NOT to see pictographs.
BTW if you ever want to backpack up Mule Canyon, there is an awesome camp spot below the last ruin you were at. Tall ponderosa'a, plenty of places to pitch a tent. We used to camp here when our son was little (when he still thought we were sort of cool)
And about 200 yards further up is another spectacular 3 story ruin. FYI.

[IntrepidXJ]

The last time I was at Big Man (actually it should be called big Woman as she is bigger than the man) maybe 10 years ago, there were no white "chalk" marks around parts of the pictograph. My guess is that people have outlined them? Bad news if that is true.

Sure it wasn't longer than 10 years ago? I have a book published in 1996 that has the chalk outlines, so it's been there at least 15 years.

[IntrepidXJ]

Day 9: Long Fingers Canyon

Sunday, April 17, 2011

The last day of our 9 day trip had finally arrived and I was looking forward to getting home and taking a real shower. We wanted to make this a shorter day so that we wouldn’t be getting home too late. We broke down camp, had a quick breakfast and then we crossed over Comb Ridge and headed south along Butler Wash. Then we hiked into Long Fingers Canyon and explored all of the alcoves, ruins and rock art that we could find. It was a nice and easy hike with a lot to see and explore. It’s amazing how many large alcoves this short canyon contains!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2414/5705132816_e210df6ecd.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5705132816/)
To the Comb (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5705132816/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Hiking along the ‘now closed’ road towards Comb Ridge and Long Fingers Canyon.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5304/5692201876_4d784b1705.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5692201876/)
White Hands (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5692201876/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

The first large alcove we came to had a set of white handprints on the back wall.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3363/5704566955_a6dc2f8f07.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5704566955/)
Red Figure (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5704566955/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

As we neared the Long Fingers Ruins we passed a number of faint petroglyphs and pictographs. I spotted this faint red anthropomorph high above.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5190/5691634169_a598a7296d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5691634169/)
Flying Target (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5691634169/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

This is certainly one of the more unique petroglyphs I have come across. I’ve never seen anything like it before. It was hard to get a good shot of it, but I think this one turned out OK.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/5705136170_918c61722e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5705136170/)
Stick Figure (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5705136170/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Another of the faint petroglyphs on the way to the ruins.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/5704568907_76def58cfc.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5704568907/)
Pregnant Stick Figure (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5704568907/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Here’s another stick figure that has a round middle section….my guess would be representing pregnancy.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3480/5704569607_8567e42622.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5704569607/)
Metate Designs (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5704569607/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

This boulder has a few interesting petroglyphs and a couple of metate grooves.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2542/5704652185_ab2e8d43f8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5704652185/)
Jared in the Alcove (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5704652185/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

Jared exiting the deep alcove below the ruins.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3544/5705232990_e81766f30f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5705232990/)
Spirals with Feet (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5705232990/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

These spirals appear to have legs and feet with three toes.

[IntrepidXJ]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2033/5705206744_f17dd2a2e1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5705206744/)
Red and Black Wall (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rlngstrt/5705206744/) by IntrepidXJ (http://www.flickr.com/people/rlngstrt/), on Flickr

[I]Here

[accadacca]

Killer report! This is the epic report of all epics. I have already spent about 30 minutes staring at these photos. :popcorn:

[xjblue]

Thanks again for the invitation Randy, I've been re-living it all in your photography!

[mattandersao]

WOW!!!! I nominate you win the May TR contest as I am comment #60 (even though you started it in April) :facepalm1: But then again you finished the TR in May so....

[cchoc]

As I'm a newcomer I'm just now reading this TR, but I have to say it's a great read and the photos are great as well. I assume the 3 point turns you mentioned being required in the Maze would preclude towing a small trailer? I have an AT Chaser that I tow behind my FJ and have started planning for my annual spring trip to southern Utah next year. My goal is to do as much of my camping as I can in outlying areas like you did.

Great report and thanks for letting me vicariously tag along. ;)

[IntrepidXJ]

I know a few people who have pulled an offroad trailer down the Flint Trail. I have no experience doing it, but know it can e done. I guess it just depends how comfortable you are pulling it down a few tight switchbacks.

[denaliguide]

very, very nice!! :2thumbs::2thumbs:

[cchoc]

I know a few people who have pulled an offroad trailer down the Flint Trail. I have no experience doing it, but know it can e done. I guess it just depends how comfortable you are pulling it down a few tight switchbacks.

Thanks. I don't mind tight, but I don't like to have to back it up to do a 3 point turn. I'm usually by myself and without a spotter it's just too nerve wracking. :eek2:

[Tango]

Excellent trip and report. Your pictures are to die for. I've been to some of the places on your trip but, I now MUST go to the others you described. Your Maze pictures made me feel like I was right there. Thank you for sharing! Do you happen to have a map with your route?

[RedRoxx]

Wonderful pictures. It has been many years since I went to the Maze. The first time was literally spur of the moment, gassing up at Hite, picked up a map, and away I went. Didn't realize I needed a permit to camp so went up and down the Flint trail as I had gone in from Hite. Solo female driving a huge lifted Red Jeep, winch, low gears etc. Camped at Dollhouse one as I remember in between the two towers with the eye of the needle. Hiked all over, down to the river, along the joints in the Dollhouse, Harvest Scene, Water and Shot canyons, etc. Next time a few years later was back in there camped at the Wall when a big storm came in, the Flint trail and actually the road out along the Orange Cliffs was impassable for a few days. A ranger and several groups and myself were camped down in there and so we stayed awhile. I hiked to the chocolate bars, to the Green River Overlook, with amazing tinajas full of water, Ernies country etc. My fondest memory was while camped at Chimney Rock sleeping out and the utterly amazing star gazing to be had. Great Place, maybe I will return one day.