A Swell Tour

[IntrepidXJ]

I've spent plenty of time in the San Rafael Swell in the past, however it always seems that whenever I go, Amanda is not able to go with. This time Amanda was able to go with me, so we ended up hitting up a lot of sites that I've been to before that she hadn't. Don't worry, I also checked out some new trails and sites along the way, too.

After setting up camp near the San Rafael Bridge, we made our way up Buckhorn Draw. Of course we stopped at the Buckhorn Wash Pictograph Panel, but the sunlight was shining right on the panel, so I didn't take any photos at this time. Next we continued on past the 'Mat Warner' inscription.



Followed by the Buckhorn Cattleguard Petroglyph site....







...and then a quick stop at the dinosaur track just off the road.



Soon we were headed towards The Wedge and the Little Grand Canyon overlook.





We followed the trail that looped around next to Good Water Canyon before making our way to Fuller Bottom and then Coal Wash.

[IntrepidXJ]

Made a stop at The Drips





Then we continued on down the South Fork of Coal Wash until we reached the Eva Conover trail.

[IntrepidXJ]

From the end of the Eva Conover trail, we dropped down into Eagle Canyon and headed under I-70.





Mandatory stop at the Eagle Canyon Arch.





After a brief stop at the Swasey Cabin, stopped by the Lone Warrior pictograph.



Then it was back under I-70 again to reach Dutchman Arch.

[IntrepidXJ]

I climbed on top of Dutchman Arch and Amanda took a few photos.





Not surprisingly, it was getting late by this time, so we made our way back to camp, after a stop in Green River for some fuel and dinner.



While racing across Buckhorn Flat to try and reach our campsite before dark, I stopped for this photo of the colorful sunset with the power lines heading off into the distance.



Back at camp.



Before heading to bed, we walked over to the San Rafael Bridge to have some fun with my camera and some flashlights....







We had a lot of fun. It was a long, but enjoyable day, and we managed to cover a lot of ground :)

Day 2 - To be continued...

[Udink]

Very sweet report. If you crossed at Fuller Bottom on your way to Coal Wash, then it's very likely that we passed within a mile or two of each other. I was hiking up on Sand Bench, which is the small plateau just west of the road that runs between Fuller Bottom and the north end of Coal Wash.

Oh yeah, nice shot of the power lines on Buckhorn Flat. That's become a favorite photo stop for me when I'm in that area. Looking forward to day 2.

[americanhero]

Wonderful report and great shots.
Some of the areas we have visited by ourselves, but Eagle Canyon Arch and Eva Conover Road are still on my Must See list. Love the Swell.
Is is possible to get there with a Stock SUV or do I need a modified one?

[IntrepidXJ]

Is is possible to get there with a Stock SUV or do I need a modified one?

Guess it depends on the vehicle. Stock Jeeps should have no problems. Eva Conover and Eagle Canyon had a few rough spots, but nothing really difficult.

[IntrepidXJ]

After packing up camp on Sunday morning, I revisited the San Rafael Bridge in the light before we took off.





Then I stopped at the Buckhorn Wash Pictograph Panel again, this time in some better lighting.









We continued along the Buckhorn Draw Road and then headed west on the Oil Well Dome Road to Castle Dale. This road followed part of the Old Spanish Trail.



Our next destination was Kimball Draw

[IntrepidXJ]

Then we descended into Cat Canyon



We found just enough snow at the bottom of Cat Canyon for a snowball fight :)



Our next stop was an overlook of Reds Canyon



On our way back from the overlook, we spotted two wild horses nearby.







After photographing the horses we were back on the trail and headed for the Copper Globe Mine

[IntrepidXJ]

Headed back to the interstate.



Once we reached I-70, we started on our way back home. I had to stop at the Spotted Wolf Canyon view area, because I love the way I-70 snakes through the San Rafael Reef.



...but before finishing the drive home, we made one last detour to see the Three Finger Petroglyph Panel.

Driving along the San Rafael Reef



Three Finger Petroglyphs





Then it was back to the highway and we were home in time for dinner :)



It was another great trip to the San Rafael Swell.

[trackrunner]

great TR as always. Jeep should fire their add agency and hire you.

[americanhero]

Guess it depends on the vehicle.

Or maybe the driver

By the way, great shots. Can't wait to be in the area again.
Never got that close to the wild horses.

[offpiste]

you are going to drive the tires off that jeep! Keep the reports coming!!

[oldno7]

Very nice Randy........

[IntrepidXJ]

you are going to drive the tires off that jeep! Keep the reports coming!!

On my XJ I was going through a set of tires each year.....hopefully these will last a little longer....they are more expensive to replace.....

[accadacca]

I need to get out to the swell.

[Sombeech]

I would love to drive for miles on these roads.