Dry Bayou

[Hatchcanyon]

Again a short trip:

Everybody knows the Goosenecks of the San Juan River not far away from Mexican Hat but I guess there are a lot less people knowing about another geological feature nearby worth visiting.

4 and a half mile west of the point where US 163 cuts through the Comb Ridge Lime Ridge Road branchs off to the south. (12S 0612736 4124671). It goes to a Gravel Pit and there is a trail through the pit and out to the west. At 12S 0612677 4121994 turn south on a not so prominent trail. It`s not difficult but a bit rocky. After less than one and a half mile turn south again (12S 0612619 41202839). Soon you will see a rim to the right. Park you vehicle and walk the very short distance to the rim:

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/Utah_SO/Dry_Bayou/_DSC2408_9.jpg

This rincon of the San Juan is - in my opinion - great! The diameter is about a mile.
LaVerne Tate from the Blue Mountain Shadows Magazine calls it "Dry Bayou" and the Mesa within "Dry Bayou Mesa".

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/Utah_SO/Dry_Bayou/_DSC2414_9.jpg

Riding farther down the trail leads to the Rim of San Juan River Canyon.

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/Utah_SO/Dry_Bayou/_DSC2415_9.jpg

The old neck where the river broke through:

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/Utah_SO/Dry_Bayou/_DSC2421_9.jpg

In a distance: The Bear Ears

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/Utah_SO/Dry_Bayou/_DSC2433_9.jpg

Another (smaller) Gooseneck:
http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/Utah_SO/Dry_Bayou/_DSC2434_9.jpg

My wife and me - we like that place!