Halloween in the Swell

IntrepidXJ · 11-02-2009, 07:35 PM

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.

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).

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.

IntrepidXJ · 11-02-2009, 07:35 PM

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

Bottleneck Peak

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

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.

IntrepidXJ · 11-02-2009, 07:35 PM

Nice colors

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.

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....

While other parts followed some power lines...

IntrepidXJ · 11-02-2009, 07:36 PM

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

Fun with shadows

The Freeak · 11-17-2009, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IntrepidXJ

Beautiful shot...

11-02-2009, 07:35 PM	#1
IntrepidXJ Trail Guide Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Grand Junction, CO Posts: 3,021	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. 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). 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. __________________ Randy Langstraat .: myXJ.net \| adventureJK.com :.

11-02-2009, 07:35 PM	#2
IntrepidXJ Trail Guide Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Grand Junction, CO Posts: 3,021	Next I took the trail that used to go to Swaseys Leap to it's end before heading back to the Buckhorn Wash Road. Bottleneck Peak I stopped at the swinging bridge over the San Rafael River for a few photos. 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. __________________ Randy Langstraat .: myXJ.net \| adventureJK.com :.

11-02-2009, 07:35 PM	#3
IntrepidXJ Trail Guide Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Grand Junction, CO Posts: 3,021	Nice colors 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. 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.... While other parts followed some power lines... __________________ Randy Langstraat .: myXJ.net \| adventureJK.com :.

11-02-2009, 07:36 PM	#4
IntrepidXJ Trail Guide Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Grand Junction, CO Posts: 3,021	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 Fun with shadows __________________ Randy Langstraat .: myXJ.net \| adventureJK.com :.