San Rafael Swell - The Western Slope and Lone Tree Wedge

[Hatchcanyon]

Coming from Blue Flat and Mesa Butte we decide to head in an eastern direction at 12S 0485090 4285470. Two Miles farther - 12S 0487750 4285730 - this road turns north towards Lone Tree Crossing but we use a smaller trail to the east.

The trail is not especially difficult nor is the landscape impressive. Some views show Cedar Mountain and some smaller volcanic features.

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Western_Slopes/_DSC0216_12.jpg
Cedar Mountain in a distance of 8 Miles, some volcanism

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Western_Slopes/_DSC0218_12.jpg
We trust our USGS Maps and learn that the Butte far left is Factory Butte, but not the famous one near Hanksville

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Western_Slopes/DSC00029_12.jpg
Contrary weather over Willow Springs Wash Badlands

In a short distance from the picture spot above the only dubious spot of the trail appears. A short, relatively steep and sandy decent into a small wash with an additional sharp turn. Downhill no problem but how about uphill? (There might be another faint trail leading onto the road to Lone Tree Crossing - we didn't test this one.)

One and a half Mile to the East the trail approaches Muddy Creek. Take the left spur at 12S 0492736 4284862. It ends up above the canyon where Muddy enters the Swell.

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Western_Slopes/DSC00032_12.jpg
Muddy Creek Canyon (upstream) The deep cut on the other side is the mouth of Poncho Wash

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Western_Slopes/DSC00031_12.jpg
Muddy Creek Canyon (downstream)

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Western_Slopes/_DSC0220_12.jpg
Watch your step!

Blossoms too:

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Western_Slopes/_DSC0219_12.jpg
Newberry's Twinpod

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Western_Slopes/_DSC0228_12.jpg
Sclerocactus parviflorus (?)

Driving back to the main trail and to the left leads to another view point. Distance is a little more than a Mile. Lacking a name we call it Willow Springs Wash Overlook.

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Western_Slopes/DSC00043_12.jpg
High above the confluence of Muddy Creek (left) and Willow Springs Wash (right)

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Western_Slopes/DSC00044_12.jpg
The last "Big Bend" of Willow Springs Wash

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Western_Slopes/DSC00049_12.jpg
Willow Springs Wash Canyon

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Western_Slopes/DSC00045_12.jpg
Slaughter Slopes and Cedar Mountain

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Western_Slopes/_DSC0241_12.jpg
Muddy Creek Canyon - Tomsich Butte and dark red Hondo Country in the background

(The German long version of this travel report (http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Western_Slopes/index.php))