I wasn't exactly motivated to go on a hike this morning; however, that is when I needed to get out of the house. I'm reading a book called "I, Asimov"; it is a memoir written by Isaac Asimov about his life. Mr. Asimov was a prolific science fiction writer writing over 450 books and countless articles, essays, and scientific columns. In the book, Mr. Asimov is asked, "If you had to choose between writing and women, Dr. Asimov, which would you choose?" He answered, "Well, I can type for twelve hours without getting tired." [1] I'm not comparing myself to the famous author; however, I also am quite capable of working in front of a computer screen for long periods.
Prying myself away, I headed back to Badger Peak - UT quadrangle. I've mapped out access points to two additional mountain peaks and a handful of watering sites along the way. Mule Peak is a non-ranked peak that I attempted to summit in early February this year during our annual spring thaw. Unfortunately, the road was muddy, and the hillside was covered with crusty snow and ice. The trip was about a month before my knee surgery, and after taking a few steps on the snow, falling through, then a few more steps before falling through again, I decided to quit. I had a scheduled surgery, and there was no sense in rushing the appointment due to an emergency caused by trying to walk on this kind of snowpack.
“Mule Peak rising behind the rolling hills and Juniper trees” copyright BrickBarnBlog2022
I'm back today before the snow flies again this winter to make short work of the 194' rise to the summit. It is a beautiful day with temperatures in the mid-60s and a crystal-clear blue sky. The route I select is up a wash while angling toward a higher saddle on the northwestern side of the summit. I reach the saddle and find an east and west fence along the hillside. Unfortunately, I hadn't recalled a fence or cattle guard on the nearby road. The barrier is one of those sturdy Land Management fences taxpayers must pay a small fortune for its installation, which is very difficult to climb.
I follow the fence line and eventually find a depression in the ground that I can slip under without my pack. It's not easy on the rocky surface; however, it does provide a way under the barbwire barrier. The route to the summit is straightforward after that, and I mark the spot on my map. I don't waste much time on the mountain, excited about the possibility of climbing a second peak for the day.
“Mule Peak summit view west. Monument Peak and Twin Peaks North and South on the horizon”
When I return to the jeep, my excitement about a second peak has faded; however, I still want to check out the selected routes on my map. The trail is accessible via my desired path, and I continue until I locate the first watering spot indicated on my map. Unfortunately, the monsoon season has severely damaged backcountry roads this year. I found two-track routes with so much erosion that their condition forced me to travel with one set of tires in the center and another in the sagebrush for fear of becoming high-centered. I carry a come-along (cable winch); however, I'm not sure even that device could move my entire jeep if all four wheels were off the ground.
The retention pond is extensive, with water barely covering the lowest part of the basin. However, the view south and west is spectacular, with two distinct views of the remaining peaks to climb in this quadrangle. To the south is the mountain designated as UNP6701. A rolling series of Juniper tree-covered mounds culminates at the summit. To the west is Badger peak. From this angle, Badger Peak is a towering golden spire of dry grass topped with dark red lava rock crowns. The peak is somewhat imposing; however, I won't be climbing the peak from this side, although now that I look at the peak profile, this side appears less steep.
“Badger Peak” copyright BrickBranBlog2022
I finish my admiration of the two mountains and continue my drive down "Hot Springs Canyon." I didn't wade through the mud to feel the water in the pond to determine if it was spring fed or not; however, I do have two additional locations marked on my map to examine. Unfortunately, I won't be making that trip today as I cut across the foothills and into Beaver County. The next main road I connect with is the maintained gravel road that will take me east toward Minersville and UT-130, forming a loop back to Cedar City.
Written October 12, 2022
References:
[1] I, Asimov (p. 202). Random House Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.