Fairy Cliffs

[Hatchcanyon]

On Ut 24 from I-70 down to Hanksville there is a view point some 6 to 7 miles from the junction in Hanksville. Interpretative signs are there and viewing tubes for sighting objects, for example Factory Butte.

In front of the view point flat lying terrain slightly slopes down into Well Draw less than 2 miles away. Thre you can see strange stone monuments resembling watching Prairie Dogs or Ground Hogs.

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Well_Draw/PICT3118_12.jpg

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Well_Draw/_DSC2057_9.jpg
Some stone monuments

These rocks and Well Draw are easily accessable on a trail that starts a short distance north from the view point wher the next gate in the fence is located. (12S 0528510 4256920) The trail itself is sandy but easy. One may try to drive down Well Draw to the Muddy Creek but this was not feasible the time we were there. Too deep washouts!

Some pictures:
http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Well_Draw/_DSC2070_12.jpg
http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Well_Draw/_DSC2069_12.jpg
Well Draw and an upcoming thunderstorm

Next time we tried a spur to the north and the eastern Cliffline of Big Wild Horse Mesa. (12S 0526953 4257684) There is not much to say about the trail. Its partly faint but always quite easy. Not that often used I guess.

These cliffs might be called Fairy Cliffs? Might fit compared to the Goblins not that far away.

Our Topo Maps shoa an old 4WD trail up onto the mesa but we missed it. Don't know it this one is still usable?

Pictures again:
http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Fairy_Cliffs/DSC00325_12.jpg
Fairy Cliff Line

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Fairy_Cliffs/DSC00326_12.jpg
Erosional remnants

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Fairy_Cliffs/DSC00331_12.jpg
A separated pillar like a statue

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Fairy_Cliffs/DSC00330_12.jpg
Little Mexican Hat

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Fairy_Cliffs/DSC00329_12.jpg
The whole scenery

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Fairy_Cliffs/DSC00332_12.jpg
Strange rocks

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Fairy_Cliffs/DSC00337_12.jpg
Red Entrada Sandstone white Curtis Formation, pink Summerville on top

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Fairy_Cliffs/DSC00340_12.jpg
More gnomes and fairies

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Fairy_Cliffs/DSC00341_12.jpg
Fairy Cliffs

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Fairy_Cliffs/DSC00343_12.jpg
Nature is playing with light

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Fairy_Cliffs/DSC00356_12.jpg
Some elves chasms?

http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Fairy_Cliffs/DSC00354_12.jpg
Looking back to UT 24. The view point is in front of the rock outcrop to the middle left.

Conclusion: a short but interesting trip.

Fairy Cliffs (http://hatchcanyon.eu/Navigation/USA/Utah/San_Rafael_Swell_S/Fairy_Cliffs/index2.php)

[Doc Foster]

Very cool area, I will have to add it to my list of places to visit.