Halloween in the Swell

October 31, 2009

Since Amanda is in Illinois for the next week, I decided that I would head out to the San Rafael Swell for Halloween this year. I was originally planning on camping and making it a weekend trip, but since a cold front came through earlier this week, I changed my mind and didn't feel like camping anymore, so I made it a day trip instead :)

My first destination was a rock art panel that I have been meaning to get to for a while. I've driven by and near Black Dragon Canyon a number of times, but this time I would make it a point to check it out.

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_0942.jpg

Pictographs in Black Dragon Canyon (unfortunately at some point in the past, someone thought it was a good idea to outline some of the pictographs in chalk).

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_0960.jpg

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_0971.jpg

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_0979.jpg

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1034.jpg

After leaving Black Dragon Canyon and following the wash for a little ways, I met up with the Jackass Benches trail and made my way down the spur that used to lead to Sulphur Springs.

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1053.jpg

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1062.jpg

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Next I took the trail that used to go to Swaseys Leap to it's end before heading back to the Buckhorn Wash Road.

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1095.jpg

Bottleneck Peak
http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1115.jpg

I stopped at the swinging bridge over the San Rafael River for a few photos.

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Leaving the bridge, I headed down the Mexican Mountain Road. Right before reaching Mexican Mountain (and the end of the road) I met an Emery County Sheriff who was heading the opposite direction. We stopped and had a nice chat and he gave me a map of the area that I did not have yet.

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1188.jpg

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1205.jpg

Nice colors
http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1227.jpg

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1242.jpg

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1253.jpg

I made a quick stop at the Buckhorn Wash Pictograph panel, but the sun was shining right on them which washed out most of my pictures.

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1265.jpg

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1272.jpg

When I reached the intersection with the Green River Cutoff, I headed east again to the tunroff for the Tidwell Draw trail, which would take me back to I-70.

Part of the Tidwell Draw trail followed the Old Spanish Trail....

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1292.jpg

While other parts followed some power lines...

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1287.jpg

After reaching I-70 I started on my way back home and stopped in Green River for a bite to eat. But before I made it home I got off the pavement just as the sun was setting on the Yellow Cat Road, and took a few photos.

Headed towards the La Sals
http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1302.jpg

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1309.jpg

Fun with shadows
http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1317.jpg

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1345.jpg

http://myxj.net/SwellHalloween2009/IMG_1353.jpg

:2thumbs:

That's a nice day trip, and some nice country. :five: It's too bad about the BLM closing the road to Swasey's Leap. It's a nice drive out to the "end" of the road, but going all the way to the river you see some much better scenery.

Just got around to reading this.

That is a fun ride.

I love Cherokees. What are the specs on yours?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Glockguy

I love Cherokees. What are the specs on yours?

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Specs can be found here: http://www.myxj.net/blog/820