When updating my GPS locations and summit coordinates, I like to zoom in to the satellite view and see if I can spot a road to the top. Because of the mountainous area, many peaks contain radio or microwave towers near the summit. I log these as a drive to the summit, and on cold days like today, I can still get out and enjoy reaching a mountain top.
The valleys in Utah are long, with the major mountain ranges running north and south. Driving west can be considered cutting horizontally across a valley, but they are impressive in their width as well.
Driving west on Utah Highway 56, it is a long straight shot through the valley. The valley is still predominantly agricultural, but the crops have changed over the years. Passing the boarded-up building at Beryl Junction, I have fond memories of breakfast with my dad before the pheasant hunt begins. The valley produces alfalfa instead of corn, and the pheasants are all but gone; still, I smile as the memory comes flooding back.
Tower at the summit of UNP 5915
Unnamed peak 5915 contains a radio tower and is close to the highway as I turn left onto a maintained gravel road. The tower road is easy to find as it becomes more challenging to traverse, and the high clearance and 4-wheel drive allow me to crawl over the rough cut road. The tower sits on the coordinates listed for the peak, but I hike to the fence where it meets the ridgeline of this high plateau and log an ascent.
UNP 5915 summit view east
The view is brown due to the winter months, but soon the spring rains and rapidly growing alfalfa will turn this valley green. I spot the beginnings of cacti blossoms and know that spring is not far off.
The Point is another close but unranked peak residing just west of my current position. The road I am currently on is supposed to wander the backcountry and come out near the small ridge, but I choose to backtrack and follow the highway to this second peak.
The Point summit view east
A small but well-traveled road contains a gate, but no signs. I open and close the gate as I make my way down a little side road between 2 minor peaks. The Point contains a large outcropping of rock at the summit, and I climb and balance myself at the top. The climb only takes 15 minutes from car to car, but it allows me to check off complete to the entire Beryl Junction quadrangle.