Viewpoints exist along the trail, each more remarkable than the last. Starvation Point resides along the southern side of the rising mountain ridge before dropping into the web of canyons created by the Virgin River.
Read MoreColor Country ATV Trail P17 & UNP 7076. Dry Willow Peak - UT, quad
UNP 7076 is an actual peak, meaning the mountain rises on all sides towards a point. I won't be walking around a plateau looking for the highest elevation; I will arrive at the end when I step onto the summit—my favorite kind of peak to climb.
Read MorePanaca, NV ATV trail system and Cathedral Gorge. Panaca - NV, quad
Finishing my lunch, I take a look into the slot canyons. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but towering walls of dried mud 30-50 feet tall wasn't one of them. It is stunning, and I jocky to get a good picture that will show even a resemblance of the fantastic place.
Read MoreLogandale ATV Ride, N 104 E Benchmark, Valley of Fire State Park. Weiser Ridge - NV, quad
I don't have a plan today; I want to ride a few of the trails, find possible camping sites, and summit a peak or two that I have identified in the area if I can. I start the ATV and continue down the well-maintained gravel road.
Read MoreATV ride to Jodey Point, Jodey Point Summit. Slickrock Bench - UT, quad.
Jodey Point is a minor bump on the plateau compared to the towering cliffs surrounding Rock Springs Bench. I maneuver my ATV under some Juniper Trees and text Linda that I am beginning my summit attempt. Fifteen minutes later, I send her the "I reached the summit" text message.
Read MoreRock Springs Creek, Rincon Butte and Bear Paw Petroglyphs. Slickrock Bench - UT and Bull Valley - UT, quadrangles
Before joining the Paria river, Rock Springs Creek makes a long sweeping turn northward before finally connecting with the Paria channel. The current path circumvents around Rincon Butte, a stone abutment separating the two channels. I follow the existing trail near the rock face and hike up onto a sagebrush-covered sandbar, searching for petroglyphs.
Read MoreATV Ride, Otts Corral - Sam Pollock's Cabin - Rock Springs Sheep Shearing Corral Site loop. Sheepmen's Signatures. Slickrock Bench - UT, quad
Surprisingly a small trail exists along the creek bed, and I wander down 50 feet or so, glancing at the northern rock face hoping to see the "Sheepmen's Signatures," which Kesley also mentions in his book.
Read More100 hands Pictograph Trail, Calf Creek - UT, quad
Before the path drops into a ravine, a series of petroglyphs etched into the stone wall can, unfortunately, be found along with the worst form of graffiti. Showing no care for the ancient art, idiots have scratched and carved along with and sometimes over the carvings.
Read MoreEscalante Natural Bridge, Arch and Sand Creek. Calf Creek - UT, quad
Two other hikers are enjoying the view when a third group emerges from beneath the bridge. Jokingly I ask if the scene was better from underneath? The response caught me off guard when he said, "most beautiful thing I ever saw."
Read MoreSpencer Flat road - ATV ride, Tenmile Flat - UT, quad
"Are there any beautiful places to hike down this road, or is it mostly camping?" I'm sure I look dazed by the question as I stared at the face of the young man and his girlfriend after they had flagged me down. "It's all beautiful," is all I could manage to say—looking at the girl holding a piece of paper, which undoubtedly had various hikes in the area.
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