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Date |
States |
General Route |
General Description |
---|---|---|---|
May 11, | 5/11 - Friday | ||
2012 thru | Missouri | I-270/I-64/I-70 St Louis area westbound to Kansas, City. | 7:10 PM start from St. Louis, MO. |
May 20, | Kansas | Kansas Turnpike | Arrived Topeka, KS at 11:30PM. (Motel 1 nite) |
2012 | 5/12- Saturday | ||
I-70 westbound in Kansas | Up at 7:00AM - Left Topeka, KS by 7:30AM. | ||
Colorado | I-70 westbound in Colorado | A quick break at Grizzly Creek Rest Area. | |
Utah | I-70 westbound in Utah. | Arrived Hanksville, UT at 9:30 PM MST. (Motel 2 nites) | |
Photo Trip | 5/13 - Sunday | ||
(10 days) | Up at 7:00 AM - quick brkst in room. | Drove to "The Notch" 5 miles north on Hwy 24. | |
Hiked thru sand uphill to the caprock on east side. | Mules Ears in bloom in the cracks between cap rock. | ||
Utah | This area for an hour and hiked back to Hwy 24. | Drove 30 miles to San Rafael Reef off Temple Mtn Rd. | |
Photo | Found parking area for Wild Horse Window hike. | Hiked a little over a mile up Navajo Sandstone into drainage. | |
Trip | This area for an hour & hiked back to vehicle. | Drove back to Hanksville, UT for late brkfst at 11:30 AM. | |
Back to Motel for a break and to re-organize. | After fill-up at Shell Station headed for Factory Butte. | ||
Hwy 24 to Coal Mine Rd to back road. | Drove this backroad to north of Factory Butte. | ||
Continued on back road to Cathedral Rd. | Cathedral Rd provides access to Cathedral Valley in CRNP. | ||
Cathedral Rd traverses the Bentonite Hills. | Stopped to shot Temple of Sun & Moon. | ||
Continued on Cathedral Rd to North Cathedral area. | Drove this road up switchbacks to North Cathedral overlook. | ||
Checked out campground & continued right at junction. | Drove Forest Service Rds to Geyser Peak and on to Hwy 72. | ||
Stopped at first open restuarant - Cafe Diablo. | Cafe Diablo - way more than a Mexican joint. (Zagat rated) | ||
Returned 50 miles to Hanksville via Hwy 24. | Relaxed at Motel and turned in for evening. | ||
5/14 - Monday | |||
Up around 8 AM and to Blondies for breakfast. | Checked out of Whispering Sands motel & on to Escalante. | ||
Could not resist driving Notom Bulfrog to Burr Trail. | Great morning light on Capital Reef from the road. | ||
This is a long drive, a bit tiring, but very scenic. | Gravel on Burr Trail has become very bad washboard. | ||
Continued on Hwy 12 from Boulder, UT | Arrived Escalante at 2 PM & checked into Circle D motel. | ||
To GSENM visitor center for info on Escal Volcano. | Staff at visitor encouraging but would not pinpoint location. | ||
Bought USGS quad at Escalante Outfitters | Hwy 12 north to Hole in the Rocks Road. | ||
Graveled road that has become very bad washboard. | If your intent is to pave a back road just gravel it until ruined. | ||
Hydroplained this mess for 16 miles to Harris Wash Rd. | Harris Wash Rd. is a dirt road and much better. | ||
Stopped at trailhead and filled in register. | Road not blocked so we continued on the 4WD section. | ||
Drove 3+ miles on this two track that gets very sandy. | Stopped where road is blocked by a deep sand drift. | ||
This is a bad place to start an effort to find Volcano. | In a hole to the north, south and west but open to the east. | ||
4PM and in the high 90's and no air in this hole. | Got gear & lots of water then climbed nearby 150' dome. | ||
Made a cairn and hiked to the next 300' high dome. | Could not see anything the would give a clue. | ||
Dropped into a massive sandstone bowl. | Climbed another 350' high sandstone dome toward the north. | ||
Brutally hot and lucky we found shade under a knob. | Took a break in shade of knob and cooled down. | ||
Continued to the north and turned east to skirt the dome. | Continued east and found the Escal Volcano in a deep hole. | ||
This thing is big & the sand is a deep beautiful orange. | Took several shots and downclimbed into the bottom. | ||
Guessing hole is 200' in diameter - shear walls 3 sides. | Moque steps cut in north - a bit hairy going down but OK up. | ||
Hung around in the bottom a while - took a few shots. | Eric climbed the central pillar - I did not. | ||
Returned to vehicle a different and closer route. | This was seriously very good and will not provide the route. | ||
Everybody should find this on their own . | If you want to have a great little adventure - go for it. | ||
Warning: If you hike in from Harris Wash it's a long do. | 8+ mile round trip & 1/3 of it walking in deep sand. | ||
Drove back to trailhead register and filled in time out. | Harris Wash Rd to hellatious Hole in Rock Road. | ||
Hydroplaning washboard is hard on the vehicle. | Back to Escalante and to Circle D restaurant - very good. | ||
5/15 - Tuesday | |||
Up at 7:30 AM and checked out of Circle D | Nothing open in Escalante so we headed toward Zion N.P. | ||
Hwy 12 to Hwy 89 to SR 9 to Zion N.P. | Arrived South Campground 10:30 AM | ||
Campground was 95% full - found a site - paid 4 nites | After setting up tents we drove to Springdale for lunch. | ||
Lunch at Whiptale Grille - burito - very good. | To Zion NP Visitors Center - wilderness permits. | ||
Picked up permit to Hike Subway - top to bottom. | Hwy 9 to Kolab Terrace Rd to check out Subway trailheads. | ||
Checked out the Left Fork Trailhead - hiked in 1/4 mi. | Drove to Wilcat Canyon trailhead - 2000 feet road climb. | ||
Hiked to point Subway trail splits from N. Peak Trail. | Scoping out route so we don't waste time being confused. | ||
Back to Springdale - scheduled lift to Wildcat Canyon | Drop vehicle at Left Fork - catch lift to Wildcat Canyon. | ||
To grocery store and bought Builder Bars, Gorp & etc. | To Thai restuarant for dinner. (very good) | ||
To Wildcat Willies - they have draft beer. | Back to camp & spent time getting gear ready - turned in. | ||
5/16 - Wednesday | |||
Up at 6:AM - loaded gear and to Cafe Soliel for brkfst. | To Zion Adventures to follow van to Left Fork Trailhead. | ||
Dropped our vehicle at Left Fork Trailhead. | Van dropped us & gear off at Wildcat Canyon Trailhead. | ||
Cleared pipes, put on gear and hit the trail at 8 AM. | Fast progress to Slickrock thru forested mesa top. | ||
After reaching slickrock trail drops steeply for 2 miles. | Great trail - you need to watch the cairns - they are there. | ||
Stopped after short climb next to huge knobs for break. | Trail drops into large sandstone bowl & then back into trees. | ||
The drop into North Creek is very steep in a drainage. | Took a break at first pool - boots off - water shoes on | ||
In North Creek and to first obstacle. Huge boulders. | Downclimbed boulder & jumped - 5+ foot drop into water. | ||
Continuing on thru several more water obstacles. | The backpacks float - no problem - have dry bags inside. | ||
Reached the bowling ball obstacle. blocked underneath. | Two large diameter limbs jambed under bowling balls. | ||
Decided to back out and flank above on left side. | Returned thru two water obstacles to ledge 20' above creek. | ||
Crossing wet ledge w/backpack was seriously hairy. | Slide off & you drop 20' into a narrow solid rock slot. | ||
Trail traverses & climbs past bowling ball alley. | Downclimbed deep crack 50' against cliff & back to creek. | ||
Continuing on thru more water obstacles. | Droped on an existing handline into a very cool grotto. | ||
Water was waste deep w/ alcoves carved both sides. | A window has been eroded from one alcove to the next. | ||
Exiting this obstacle lands you in the Upper Subway. | Massive 180 degree sweeping rock undercut. very good. | ||
Took shots at famous tree and moved into huge room. | Passing thru outdoor room leads to the rappel point. | ||
Threaded rope and dropped down to Lower Subway. | There was no light in Lower Subway by now - 4:45 PM. | ||
This area is all pretty dramatic. deep pools of water. | Hiked out of Subway onto a wide rock slab w/ cascades. | ||
The cascades continue for about a quarter mile. | Exited cascades at 5:30 PM and put boots back on. | ||
Next 3 miles is hard route thru a boulder choked stream. | Cross stream 2 dozen times - a serious obstacle course. | ||
750' climb out of drainage is exposed to sun & steep. | Trail goes straight up in small switchbacks on loose gravel. | ||
Arrived back at vehicle at 9 PM just as getting dark. | Great adventure - a serious hike - better be in some shape. | ||
Back to Springdale & Wildcat Willies was open. | Ordered Wildcat Willies famous meatloaf - very good. | ||
Back to South Campground in Zion National Park. | After a couple good draft beers at Willies am ready to crash. | ||
5/17 - Thursday | |||
Up later at 9 AM to Cafe Soleil for coffee. | To Zion Canyoneering to take Showers - $5.00 per person. | ||
Later returned to Wildcat Willies for a bigger breakfast. | To Zion NP backcountry office to inform of logjam. | ||
They knew about bowling alley logjam and had photos. | Their photos only show one log jambed under rock. | ||
There are now two logs jambed under rock. | Next time I will ask about problem areas. | ||
When permits issued conditons are not always reviewed. | Looked thru Zion Visitor Center Bookstore. | ||
Explored a few of the stores around Springdale. | Had lunch at Cafe Soleil - a good place in a good location. | ||
Drove thru Mt. Carmel Tunnel east bound. | Hwy 9 to Hwy 89 north to Hwy 14 west. | ||
This route to Cedar Breaks National Monument. | Only open in summer and approx. 85 mile drive from Zion. | ||
Hoping for some good sun in late afternoon but cloudy. | Visited the main overlook & one other - very cold &windy. | ||
Park not officially open at this time - over 10,000 feet. | This park needs more time & a visit to the bristlecones. | ||
Returned to Zion NP & stopped to shoot at sunset. | To Bit & Spur for dinner to celebrate surviving Subway. | ||
5/18 - Friday | |||
Up later again and back to Cafe Soleil for late brkfst. | Back to Visitors Center to take Shuttle to the Narrows | ||
Walked paved trail at Narrows to it's end point - 1 mile. | Felt good so we decided to wade into creek & hike a while. | ||
Walked in around 1 1/2 miles and returned. | Water was mostly knee deep - some waist deep. | ||
Back to Vistors Center on Shuttle bus. | This little Narrows visit took around 4 to 5 hours. | ||
Back to Wildcat Willies for a late lunch/early dinner. | Stopped at a photographers studio, David West, for a while. | ||
Photographer has best dog photo I have ever seen. | The dog hangs out in studio. Image is named "Zion Dog" | ||
Back to South Campground & Eric had to boulder. | Boulders across road from campground were calling. | ||
Walked uphill to boulders & Eric worked on a route. | After several attempts he was satisfied & we walked back. | ||
Started getting organized some for trip back. | Rehashed our Subway adventure a while and turned in. | ||
5/19 -Saturday | |||
Up at 7:00 AM - cleared pipes and broke camp. | To Cafe Soleil for good breakfast. | ||
Hwy 9 west thru Springdale to I-15 North. | This route back to I-70 eastbound - an hour & half maybe. | ||
I-70 eastbound - stopped briefly at Salt Creek overlook. | Continuing on with goal of Colby, KS for night. | ||
Colorado | Dinner was to go at Wendy's in Limon after getting gas. | Arrived Colby, KS at 10:30 PM (motel 1 nite) | |
5/20 - Sunday | |||
Kansas | Up at 7:00 AM - free breakfast in motel. | Coffee at Starbucks for trip after getting gas. | |
Stopped in Abeline, KS for gas. | Drove to Old Abeline to check out. | ||
Missouri | Arrived back in St. Louis around 9:30 PM | Cleaned vehicle and turned in after a break. | |
Date |
States |
General Route |
General Description |
---|---|---|---|
November 23, | 11/23 - Wednesday | ||
2011 thru | Missouri | I-270/I-64/I-70 St Louis area westbound to Kansas, City. | 6:45 PM start from St. Louis, MO. |
November 29, | Kansas | Kansas Turnpike | Stopped at Topeka, KS at 11:30PM for gas. |
2011 | 11/24 - Thuursday | ||
I-70 westbound in Kansas | Colorado state line approx 2:50 AM - MST. | ||
Colorado | I-70 westbound in Colorado | Took a break in Burlington, CO from 3:00 AM to 5:00 AM. | |
I-70 to Limon, CO. | Stopped for gas and a quick breakfast. | ||
Photo Trip | Hwy 24 to downtown Colorado Springs, CO. | Stopped along the way at sunrise to shoot windmill. | |
(7 days) | New Mexico | I-25 South to Hwy 64 Exit 451 & Raton, NM. | Stopped for early lunch and to find Johnson Mesa 10:30 AM. |
Hwy 64 west to Hwy 82 north to Hwy 72 east. | This route thru downtown Raton to access Johnson Mesa. | ||
New Mexico, | Hwy 72 thru East Fork Canyon to Johnson Mesa. | Stopped at an abandoned farmstead. | |
Northern | Hwy 72 east to Folsom, NM - a scenic drive. | Stopped at the Folsom Hotel & old town ruins. | |
Arizona, | Hwy 325 to Capulin Volcano Nat. Mon. | Park closed but took shots of sunset from the area. | |
Utah Photo | Back to Raton on Hwy 64 & motel (1 nite) | Late night Thankgiving Dinner at Denny's - oh yea. | |
Trip | 11/25 - Friday | ||
Up early for sunrise but completely overcast. | Drove Hwy 64 east to the Raton Volcanic Field. | ||
Back roads in the volcanic field for many miles. | Found old abandoned barn. (beautiful rolling wide open area) | ||
Back to Raton - great brkfst at Raton Best Western | Checked out & on to Tent Rocks National Monument. | ||
I-25 South to Hwy 16 Exit 264 to Hwy 22 to IR 92 | This route to Tent Rocks Nat Mon. | ||
Hung around for an hour plus - very good place. | Left at 1:30 PM for Cabazon Peak area. | ||
Back to I-25 south via Hwy 22 to Hwy 550 west | Hwy 550 west to SR 279 to backroads around Cabezon. | ||
Arrived near sunset & had good light for 45 min. | Drove out of Cabazon Peak area after sunset. | ||
Back to Hwy 550 to Farmington, NM - motel (1 nite) | Explored Farmington - good dinner at Boon Thai Restaurant. | ||
11/26 - Saturday | |||
Up early for sunrise at Shiprock - 45 mile drive. | Drove Hwy 64 to Hwy 491 to Red Rock Hwy. | ||
Arrived as good morning light was hitting Shiprock. | This area for two hours. Also drove over lava dyke. | ||
Back to Shiprock, NM for breakfast. | Took a break here for 45 minutes - no lodging in area. | ||
Arizona | Left Shiprock for Canyon de Chelly Nat. Mon. | Hwy 64 to Hwy 160 to Hwy 191. | |
Took backroads to find Los Gigantes Buttes. | IR 8008 to IR 8009 and then you are on your own. | ||
After a couple of wrong turns we finally arrived. | Los Gigantes Buttes similar to the Mittens but more blocky. | ||
This is a very beautiful and unspoiled area. | Navajo Nation in general is a very good steward of the land. | ||
Drove out via series of roads into Round Rock, AZ | Would like to come back sometime with good light. | ||
Back to Hwy 191 South thru Many Farms to IR 7. | This route to Canyon de Chelly National Monument. | ||
Checked into Motel near the park. | To Junction Restuarant for a very good late lunch. | ||
On to Visitors Center at Canyon de Chelly. | No entry fee -a Navajo Guide required to travel canyon floor. | ||
IR 7 (South Rim Hwy) to White House Ruin Overlook. | Here for 30+ min - some light but not great - approx 3 PM. | ||
Did not have time to walk down trail to Runis. | White House Ruin - only site that can be visidted w/o Guide. | ||
Drove to Spider Rock to check out light conditions. | Light at the top of the rock but 90% in shadow at this time. | ||
Returned to motel and crashed - a bit of trip fatique. | Researching where to go for morning light. | ||
11/27- Sunday | |||
Up early to check out Antelpe Canyon Ruin. | Light not yet down onto ruins by 8:00 AM so we left. | ||
Utah | Returned to motel & checked out. | On to Bluff, UT via Hwy 191. | |
Continuing north from Bluff to Hwy 95. | Hwy 95 thru Comb Ridge grade cut to Mule Canyon Ruins. | ||
Found trailhead, filled out form & paid access fee. | Hiked one mile up canyon along dry stream bed to ruins. | ||
Arrived right at 11:30 AM and the light was perfect. | Underside of overhanging alcove lights up. | ||
Spent 30 minuites shooting House on Fire ruin. | Explored the area for another 30 minutes plus. | ||
Hiked back to trailhead and onto Hwy 95 westbound. | Hwy 95 to Hwy 275 to Natural Bridges National Monument. | ||
Stopped at Visitor Center to pay entry fee. | Plan was to check out Sipapu Natural Bridge | ||
Drove paved loop road to Sipapu Overlooks. | Located trail down to base of Sipapu. (600 ft downclimb) | ||
Hiked down trail - very cool - some steel stairs - steep. | Decends to a massive rock shelf with massive overhang. | ||
Hike continues down to White Canyon drainage. | Trail is a series of wooden ladders and switchbacks. | ||
Sipapu Natural Bridge is the second largest in world | Spent maybe an hour at base of Sipapu - very good. | ||
Hiked back up to trailhead and returned to Hwy 95. | Plan was to drive Comb Ridge dugway to top at sunset. | ||
Found dirt road north into Comb Wash. | Crossed a pretty deep pool at creek crossing. | ||
Started dugway but was more rought than previous. | Halfway up we thought the road looked washed out ahead. | ||
Found a space wide enough to turn around & wow. | Did my best Austin Powers or go over cliff. | ||
Drove fast to Hwy 95 grade cut for a shot at sunset. | We had some good light for 5 minutes on Comb Reef. | ||
Took Hwy 95 east to Hwy 191 and north to Moab. | Arrived Moab around 8PM and to Eddie McStiffs. | ||
Checked into Canyanlands Best Western. | Good value off season and tired from a good day. | ||
11/28- Monday | |||
Up at 6:30AM for sunrise at Aches National Park. | Drove to Fiery Furness area - around 20 miles. | ||
Don't have a permit to enter so we hung around edges. | On to Skyline Arch and hiked trail to arch. | ||
Drove thru campground and explored this area. | Some brave souls camped out here on a very cold evening. | ||
Colorado | Back to Moab for breakfast and check out. | Hwy 191 to Hwy 128 to I-70 Eastbound. | |
Kansas | Drove I-70 East to Colby, KS (motel 1 nite.) | Left Moab 10 AM MST - turned in at Colby 10 PM EST. | |
11/29- Tuesday | |||
Missouri | Up later at 8 AM - brkfst at Village Inn - checked out. | I-70 all the way back to St. Louis - arrived 7:30 PM. | |
Date |
States |
General Route |
General Description |
---|---|---|---|
October 13, | 10/13 - Thursday | ||
2011 thru | Missouri | I-270/I-64/I-70 St Louis area westbound to Kansas, City. | 7:30 PM start from St. Louis, MO. |
October 17, | Kansas | Kansas Turnpike | Approaching Topeka, KS at midnight. |
2011 | 10/14 - Friday | ||
I-70 westbound in Kansas | Colorado state line approx 4:15 AM. | ||
Colorado | I-70 westbound in Colorado | Took a break in Burlington, CO from 4:30 AM to 6:00 AM. | |
I-70 to Exit 336 west of Limon, CO. | Stopped to shoot Cottonwood trees in full fall color. | ||
Photo Trip | I-70 to Exit 274 & Denver, CO. | This route to northbound I-25. (We missed I-270 cutoff) | |
Hwy 36 to Lyon and on to Estes Park, CO | Not a straight section of road between Lyon and Estes. | ||
RMNP | Continued thru Estes Park to Byrnwood Lodge (3 nites) | Arrived at 10:30 AM & were able to take room & short rest. | |
Photo | Hwy 36 to RMNP to Bear Lake Rd & Sprague Lake. | Scoping Sprague Lake for a sunrise shot Sunday. | |
Trip | Bear Lake Rd to Bear Lake. | Scoping Bear Lake for a sunrise shot tommorrow. | |
Back to Byrnwood Lodge for a break. | The glazed over feeling from 2 hrs of sleep takes its toll. | ||
To downtown Estes Park for dinner & to look around. | Estes Park is not so crowded in October. | ||
Back to Brynwood and spent evening taking it easy. | Watched the playoffs - Cardinals vs Brewers. | ||
10/15 - Saturday | |||
Up 6:30 AM & instant coffee & a pecan roll. | Hwy 36 to RMNP to Bear Lake Rd to Bear Lake. | ||
Hiked to our scoped out location and waited for the sun. | Low clouds to the east prevented a first light shot. | ||
Camped in a this talus field of boulders for a while. | Some decent light hit Hallett Peak but not both lake & peak. | ||
Back to Estes Park for a real breakfast. | To Bighorn Restaurant and thier famous waffles. | ||
Returned to RMNP to shoot some great fall color. | Aspen along Bear Lake Rd were in prime fall color. | ||
Trail Ridge Rd reopened so we headed that way. | Stopped along the route a few times to the high point. | ||
Spent some time at the Rock Cut. | Very dramatic views of Longs Peak from here. | ||
Back to Hwy 36 from Trail Ridge Rd to Estes Park. | Drove to Hwy 7 and Lily Lake & on to Meeker. | ||
Lookng for a sunset shot from Hwy 7 to the east. | Shot The Crags from Lily Lake & found Baldpate Inn. | ||
To Longs Peak Ranger station. | Shot Twin Sisters and found a few aspen in good color. | ||
Back to Estes Park on Hwy 7 to find dinner. | Stopped at photo gallery "RMNP Images" on the way. | ||
Back to Bynwood after dinner at Claires. | Watched the American League playoff game. | ||
10/16 - Sunday | |||
Up at 6:30 AM and on to Sprague Lake for sunrise. | Walked halfway around lake for a view to Hallet's Peak. | ||
Heavy cloud cover to the east again. | This location for an hour until good light was gone. | ||
Back to Bear Lake Rd, Estes & breakfast at Egg & I. | Decided to hike to Mills Lake and shoot Alberta Falls on way. | ||
Returned to Bear Lake Rd & Glacier Gorge parking lot. | Waited 15 min. for a parking space to open. | ||
Gear together and off to Alberta Falls. | Stopped here briefly - not the best light. | ||
Continued up trail to Glacier Gorge and The Loch split. | Took left fork to Mills Lake. (range of 3 1/2 mi. from parking) | ||
Arrived Mills Lake just as heavy gray clouds move in. | Took a long break at lake shore near the outflow. | ||
Hiked back to parking lot at a fast pace nonstop. | Back to Estes Park for lunch. Hike to Mills Lake took effort. | ||
Returned to Trail Ridge Rd for a sunset shot. | Road open but sporadic snow and very cold on top. | ||
To the Rock Cut in the freezing wind until after sunset. | Last vehicle off Trail Ridge Rd maybe for the season. | ||
Back to Estes Park for dinner at Claire's again. | Retuned to Byrnwood and watched MLB Playoffs. | ||
10/16 - Monday | |||
Up at 6:30 AM for long drive back to St. Louis. | Checked out and to Starbuck Estes Park for coffee. | ||
Hwy 36 to Lyons to Hwy 66 to I-25 south. | I-25 On ramp 243 to E-470 On ramp 228 | ||
Colorado | Took E-470 Tollway. No toll booths-tracked by camera. | E-470 saved good amount of time but cost $9.00. | |
Missouri | I-70 eastbound all day into evening. | Returned to St. Louis 10:30 PM. (good trip-great fall color) | |
Date |
States |
General Route |
General Description |
---|---|---|---|
November 24, | 11/24 | ||
2010 thru | Missouri | I-270/I-64/I-70 St Louis area westbound to Kansas, City. | 3:00 PM start from St. Louis, MO. |
November 28, | Kansas | I-70 westbound in Kansas | Salina, KS for a quick meal at 10:45 PM. |
2010 | I-70 - Salina, KS to Hayes, KS | Found Walker Air Base around 12:30 AM | |
11/25 | |||
I-70 - Denver, CO (High wind warnings) | Approaching Denver Metro 4:00 AM | ||
Colorado | I-70 to Exit 232 & Idaho Springs, CO. | Another quick meal at 6:00 AM | |
Photo Trip | I-70 to Exit 167 & Avon, CO. | Took photos along the Eagle River. (Seriously cold) | |
(4 days) | I-70 to just past Glenwood Springs, CO. | Took photos along the Colorado River. | |
I-70 to Exit 49 to Hwy 65 & Grand Mesa Scenic Byway | Drove up and over snow covered Grand Mesa | ||
Utah | Hwy 65 to 92 to 50 through Delta, CO | This route to Grand Junction, CO and back to I-70. | |
Photo | Utah | I-70 to Exit 202 and Hwy 128 Scenic Byway | Stopped at what's left of the Dewey Bridge. |
Trip | Hwy 128 to Hwy 191 to Moab, UT | Always impressive drive to Moab, UT. | |
Located a Motel in south end of Moab (2 nites). | Extremely cold and some wind in Moab. | ||
Drove to Sand Flats area at sunset. | Not much time but trying to find a good shot. | ||
Back to Moab & Chinese for Thanksgiving dinner. | Lucky to find a good restuarant open Thanksgiving Day. | ||
11/26 | |||
Up 5:45 AM and a quick grab at breakfast buffet. | Hwy 191 south to Hwy 211 to CNP-Needles District. | ||
Stopped at Visitors Center to pay entry fee. | Drove to Elephant Hill Trailhead parking by 7:45 AM. | ||
Started hike to Chesssler Park at just before 8 AM. | No wind but fairly cold & only three cars in lot. | ||
Trail climbs briefly then traverses rock slabs. | At 1 1/2 miles trail passes between sandstone pinnacles. | ||
At 2 1/2 miles trail descends thru a crack into a drainage. | At 2 3/4 miles trail approaches Chessler Park. | ||
At 3 miles trail climbs to enter Chessler Park. | Took lunch break at first trail junction in park. | ||
Another 2 miles thru Chessler Park to the Joint Trail. | Chessler Park Loop Trail skirts perimeter | ||
Trail passes thru the parks center pinnacles. | Joint Trail follows a crack system between rocks. | ||
Hiked thru cracks 1/4 mile till Trail exits sandstone. | Returned back thru cracks & took a break. | ||
Starting to feel the hike & 5+ miles to return. | Sun dropped below horizon as we exited Chessler Park. | ||
Hiked out last 2 3/4 miles in dark on mostly rock. | The last mile was a bit painful on the knees. | ||
Back to Trailhead at just after 7 PM. | Chessler Park & Joint Trail - as good as gets. | ||
Drove 1 1/2 hours back to Moab - 8:45 PM. | Off season after 9 PM not much open in Moab. | ||
McDs and a six pack from City Market for dinner. | Feel like beatten half to death but hike was great. | ||
11/27 | |||
Slept in till 11 AM & checked out by 12:30 PM. | To Smithy's for breakfast. | ||
Stopped at Visitors center in Moab. | Bought USGS topo of Chessler Park. | ||
Hwy 191 to Hwy 128 along Colorado River to Hwy 6. | This route back to I-70 eastbound. | ||
Colorado | Stopped along the way several times for coffee. | Took is somewhat easy on the way back. | |
Continued eastbound to Burlington, CO by 11 PM | Motel (1) night | ||
11/28 | |||
Up at 6:30 AM and quick breakfast in lounge. | On the road by 7:30 AM - eastbound I-70. | ||
Kansas | Returned to the decommissoned Walker Air Base. | Site is just off I-70 east of Hays, Kansas. | |
Spent an hour here taking photos. | The base is now private property. | ||
Missouri | Back to I-70 eastbound and returning to St. Louis. | Arrived St. Louis Metro around 9 PM. | |