I get the distinct feeling I've been here before, as I turn west on Handcock road off of UT-89. Nothing so unique as deja vu, more of a glimmer of a memory from my childhood. It wouldn't surprise me as I have strong memories of sunrise flag ceremonies on memorial day mornings at Coral Pink Sand Dune state park.

I've mentioned before my family trips, which seemed far away and exotic to a 5-year-old. As I grew older, I found out they were short trips to local havens (the same kind I trips I love as an adult).

Road 50 just 5.9 miles on Handcock road has a haphazard staging area for ATV's among the Juniper trees. I don't mind as I am the only one here this morning.

Road 50 is wide but sandy as it skirts along the trailing edge of the dunes. After a short distance (1/2 - 1 mile), the path works down a ravine into a shady area with towering Ponderosa Pines trees and fire pits. It is a distinct area due to the large ramp of pink sand to the west. Bingo! I have camped here before, probably as a Boy Scout. But I remember the location. The area is known as Sand Springs and is unique as an oasis of sorts. "When the rains come, dunes drink. Over time, rain and melting snow percolate through the sand until hitting a harder layer. These water flow along this surface until emerging from the dune. Sand Spring, moving along in front of the advancing dune, has long been an important water source for wildlife in this high desert." (Bureau of Land Management placard).

From here, Road 50 turns into an OHV track. Narrow with deep sand. Rocky in spots the route tracks to the junction of 50 and 51. At this junction is clear signage of the South Fork Indian Canyon Pictographs Trailhead. It isn't very likely anything more substantial than a jeep will make it the last two miles as the track narrows further, and the turns become sharper.

Kanab's Adventure Map handout lists the hike difficulty level as "Easy." It is probably closer to moderate with the elevation gain/loss and exposure. The exposed area along the cliff face is fenced off, but there is a reasonably tricky downclimb at the cliff's end. Piled rocks make it easier, but if someone is not familiar with footwork on steep Slickrock, it is far from easy.

No additional markers were found, which caused me to wonder if I had missed the alcove and was now hiking another trail. However, I soon reached the wooden walkway and rope barrier of the canyon pictographs.

Alcove of South Fork Indian Canyon Pictographs. (ca. 62 B.C. to A.D. 452)

I lingered, drank water, and took way too many pictures. Like most people who stare at these pictographs, I wonder what life was like 2,000 years ago in this desert region.

Archeologists call them the "Basketmaker people," and it is doubtful these rugged canyons have changed that much in such a short time. Geologists measure time differently than you or I. Two thousand years is a drop in the bucket (or basket).

It's easy to imagine the Basketmaker people walking similar water paths at the nearby spring or farming the high plateau. I'm glad they tried to keep a record. It is a stunning reminder that perhaps we will also be remembered for something simple that was such a minor part of our overall lives as to be barely considered necessary in the scheme of things.

Back at the junction, I turn left onto Road 51. More deep sand and soon challenging rock climbing/descending is part of the ATV track. The challenge is short-lived, but depending on your vehicle could be the end of the trip. At some point, my ATV's "check engine light" came on. Never a good sign this far into the backcountry. As I pass the turn for Hell Dive Pictographs, I realize I probably will not make it to that location on this visit. I decide instead to continue south and reach the summit of Moquitch Benchmark (aka Ed Lamb Point).

ATV track prior to rocks crawling section

The Benchmark is a nondescript pile of sand near the ATV track. With my engine light still on, I pull-over and hike to the top. Near the mountain peak is a geological marker with an arrow pointing south. A few feet further, and you will notice a pipe sticking up in a bush. The tube holds the official U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey marker for Moquitch Benchmark stamped in 1938.

U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey marker for Moquitch Benchmark

I'm not far from the plateau's end, but with the engine light still illuminated, I head back north. I can't resist taking a couple of runs at the sand ramp when I pass. I don't have the correct tires for sand, and I only make it halfway up the slope, but it is fun anyway.

Thankfully the ride back to the truck is uneventful, and as I coast to a stop behind my pick-up, the "check engine light" goes dark.

Route in CALTOPO can be found here.