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.
Read MoreFall Color ATV Ride, Twisted Forest, High Mountain. Flanigan Arch - UT, quad
Walking among these ancient trees makes it difficult to envision an organic thing living for thousands of years. The twisted remains of long-dead Bristlecone Pines trees are a sight to behold. The width and breadth of their massive trunks bear testament to their long lives.
Read MoreDevils Garden, Seep Flat - UT, quad (Hole-in-the-rock-road)
We wander along the paths mesmerized by the hoodoos, arches, and windows. The Metate Arch is spectacular, but no more so than the unnamed arch around the bend. Walking among the monoliths, we wonder at their creation and the tremendous geologic forces at play.
Read MoreZebra and Tunnel Slot Canyons, Tenmile Flat - UT, quad (Hole-in-the-rock-road)
Linda is averse to the cold, and slot canyon water is always cold. The sandstone rock's porous nature creates a refrigeration system as the water evaporates, and even in the hottest of days, the water is cold. It doesn't help that a dead mouse has washed up onto the sand at the edge of the water.
Read MoreCovered Wagon Natural Bridge, Dave Canyon - UT, quad (Hole-in-the-rock-road)
The curved nature of the flow and the rock's wear forms a tunnel that would make even the more popular Subway slot canyon proud.
Read MoreNotch Peak (attempt), Notch Peak - UT, quad
I'm luckier than most as I live in an area blessed with abundant wonders; however, the stars that glitter above us in the night sky are indescribable.
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