End of April Moab Trip

[IntrepidXJ]

For the final weekend in April we decided to head back to Moab. We were originally planning on checking out the car show, but after encountering the crowd and traffic that was present in Moab, we got out of town and stayed away as best we could. Many people complain about the crowds during EJS, but let me tell you....it's much worse during the car show. I will not be heading into Moab on the car show weekend again...

Anyways, let's get on with the trip report! On Saturday we left Junction bright and early and headed into Moab via the Gateway-Castleton Road, which was my first trip of the season using that route. We made out way north of town and setup camp in the Horsethief Campground. Once camp was setup we made our way out to Mineral Point.

View down on the Green River and the mouth of Hellroaring Canyon


Peeking down on the Green River


While searching for a geocache on the point, we came across this rock with a hole in it. Kind of a mini-arch. Amanda peeking through.



...and Amanda took this photo of me standing on it


After leaving Mineral Point, we headed for Bull Canyon. After I brought Amanda to the Gemini Bridges from above last year, she has wanted to see them from below. We were surprised when we reached the end of Bull Canyon to find that the branch of the canyon that contained the bridges had been closed to vehicles recently. I drove this section of the canyon back in 2006. Luckily, it was not a long hike, so we hiked to the head of the canyon.

Gemini Bridges




While checking out the Gemini Bridges it started to rain on us off and on. Some heavy rain and some drizzles. We headed back for the dry Jeep.

We headed out of Bull Canyon and took a short spur trail that led to the Surprise Overlook. This was a great viewpoint over Day Canyon.



While at the Surprise Overlook, we were treated to a small lightening show in the distance. I also spent some time photographing the water-carved sandstone where Bull Canyon pours over into Day Canyon.

[IntrepidXJ]

On our way back along the Gemini Bridges Road, we took a short side spur that led to a rock spire named 'The Bride'



The sky cleared up a little for a few minutes while we were under 'The Bride'


We then headed back into town for some fuel and dinner at Pasta Jays. We fought through the traffic and crowds as quickly as we could and got out of town. We still had some daylight left, so we headed down to Mineral Bottom for some photos as the sun was going down.





Amanda at the boat ramp


Reflection in the Green River


Headed back up the Mineral Bottom switchbacks


We made it back to our camp just after dark, and went to bed early. We got a really early start on Sunday...but you'll have to wait for me to finish that report ;)

[IntrepidXJ]

On Sunday, Amanda and I got a really early start. We were both wide awake at 6am, so we broke down our camp and were on the trail before 7am. Our destination this morning was to run the full 3D trail, so we made our way over to Hidden Canyon.

Entering the sandy Hidden Canyon


Great scenery in Hidden Canyon




we soon exited the short Hidden Canyon and started making our way over to the Hidden Canyon Overlook.

Lunar Canyon


There were a couple of large expanses of slickrock to cross, but luckily these sections were marked well and easy to find our way across. There was only one section where I was required to get out and scout for the trail.

Nice view into Hidden Canyon




Amanda took this photo of me

[IntrepidXJ]

Interesting rock formations near the overlook




After leaving the first overlook, our next stop was the Bartlett Overlook. The trail was a bit bumpier until we made it up Mean Hill.

Mean Hill was a little narrow in spots and a little steep, but nothing difficult


My Jeep on Mean Hill with Hidden Canyon in the background


View from the Bartlett Overlook over Hidden Canyon


Because of our early start, we finished the 3D trail before 11am, so we had plenty of time to check out some other trails on our way back to town before heading home.

Last year when we went to Tower Arch in Arches National Park, the trail to Eye of the Whale Arch was washed out and closed, so I was not able to drive it. I heard a while back that the park repaired the trail and it was open again, so I figured we'd give it a try now. We headed north on 191 and took the Salt Valley Road into the park and turned off on the Tower Arch trail.

[IntrepidXJ]

Instead of heading to Tower Arch, we hung a left and headed for the Eye of the Whale Arch.




Landscape near Eye of the Whale Arch


A few Eye of the Whale Arch photos






After hiking to the arch, we finished off the trail and headed out of Arches back to Moab. We grabbed a bite to eat and headed back home via the Gateway-Castleton Road and Unaweep Canyon. Another great weekend in Moab in the books :)

[moab mark]

As usual excellent report. Makes me want to start using my jeep more in moab again and not so much canyoneering. I was confused on how you did the arches trail you went counter clock wise. If you haven't been to tower arch should check it out. It's nice to see the park service reopened that road. Hidden Canyon has some of the best high speed sand roads in moab

Great report
Mark

[IntrepidXJ]

If you haven't been to tower arch should check it out.

I've definitely been to Tower Arch before....if not, I would have stopped on this trip

[moab mark]

Have you ever gone from the salt valley road to dewey bridge on the north side of the river? If you have what did you think? We have been toying with doing it.

Mark

[IntrepidXJ]

Have you ever gone from the salt valley road to dewey bridge on the north side of the river? If you have what did you think? We have been toying with doing it.

Mark

In January we took the Yellow Cat Road and some other side roads north of Arches from 191 to 128. Route finding was a little difficult in the snow, but there were some cool mines to explore in the area. I'm hoping to get back and explore some more this year sometime (when there is no snow).

You can see that report here:

http://www.bogley.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15593

While the scenery may not be as pretty as some other areas, if you like exploring old mines, it would definitely be worth the trip.

Also, closer to 128 you can hop on the Dome Plateau trail if you've never done it, and check out La Boca Arch, the sand caves and an overlook over Professor Valley. Would make for a good weekend, and plenty of places to camp.

[moab mark]

I remember seeing that post thanks

[offpiste]

Yep another solid report! Thanks for sharing.