1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

ImpromptU-AH! Back to Utah We Go!

Discussion in 'Trip Reports' started by Blackdawg, Sep 1, 2017.

  1. Sep 2, 2017 at 5:06 AM
    #21
    crazy joker

    crazy joker Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2012
    Member:
    #88787
    Messages:
    1,455
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jesse
    Charlotte area, NC
    Vehicle:
    2014 DCLB sport 4x4
    Real men just call it camping
    Another awesome trip report, and wonderful proof that there are good people in the world. I have a VERY similar story of being "rescued" years ago, and I still haven't had an opportunity to pass that help on to the next person. Good stuff man. :cheers:
     
    Blackdawg[OP] likes this.
  2. Sep 2, 2017 at 6:54 AM
    #22
    POOLGUY

    POOLGUY Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2013
    Member:
    #97958
    Messages:
    11,049
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    JEFF
    ALABAMA
    Vehicle:
    2008 TRD Sport 6sp, 2015 TRD Offroad 6sp
    Dobinsons suspension
    Another amazing trip full of the ups and downs of life. Not knowing what is going to happen next, good or not so good. Its great to know there are still people around that are willing to help in times of need. What starts out as someone lending a hand, becomes a good friend. That's what life is about, helping out strangers and making new friends.

    Come on next page! Need more!
     
    Blackdawg[OP] likes this.
  3. Sep 3, 2017 at 12:48 AM
    #23
    Lost In The Woods

    Lost In The Woods 4 out of the 5 voices in my head say go for it!

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2016
    Member:
    #191800
    Messages:
    1,394
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    Buckley, WA
    Vehicle:
    21 Gladiator Rubicon Diesel
    An unusually high amount of pinstriping.
    As always, it's great reading about your trips.

     
    BYJOSHCOOK, mrblah and Blackdawg[OP] like this.
  4. Sep 4, 2017 at 1:45 AM
    #24
    natas1321

    natas1321 mischief monkey

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2015
    Member:
    #152467
    Messages:
    992
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    natas
    san antonio
    Vehicle:
    1990 Honda NC30 stock for now
    sounds like some good times and great experiences with some good friends, and an enjoyable read.
     
  5. Sep 4, 2017 at 10:51 AM
    #25
    mrblah

    mrblah Member

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2015
    Member:
    #163998
    Messages:
    22
    That Seinfeld gif is spot on.

    :popcorn:
     
    BYJOSHCOOK likes this.
  6. Sep 5, 2017 at 10:15 AM
    #26
    BYJOSHCOOK

    BYJOSHCOOK Mr. Mojo Risin

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2013
    Member:
    #105887
    Messages:
    27,889
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Josh
    Woodstock and Alpharetta Ga
    Vehicle:
    2000 SR5 4WD Lunar Mist
    Check Out My Builds
    I'll commit to getting to the next page!
     
  7. Sep 5, 2017 at 10:16 AM
    #27
    ericd

    ericd Stuff

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2012
    Member:
    #84703
    Messages:
    1,052
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    las vegas
    Vehicle:
    2013 DCSB 4x4 OR
    Im in for the next page
     
  8. Sep 5, 2017 at 10:39 AM
    #28
    sawjai526

    sawjai526 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2013
    Member:
    #106644
    Messages:
    287
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    vincent
    Bayarea, CA
    Vehicle:
    15 DCSB OR 6spd
    Next page fornnext chapter
     
  9. Sep 5, 2017 at 12:56 PM
    #29
    Blackdawg

    Blackdawg [OP] Dr. Frankenstein

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2010
    Member:
    #48500
    Messages:
    81,581
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Monte
    Wyoming/St. Louis
    Vehicle:
    The Trifecta of Taco's
    ALL OF THEM!...Then some more.
    cool me too
     
  10. Sep 5, 2017 at 12:56 PM
    #30
    Blackdawg

    Blackdawg [OP] Dr. Frankenstein

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2010
    Member:
    #48500
    Messages:
    81,581
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Monte
    Wyoming/St. Louis
    Vehicle:
    The Trifecta of Taco's
    ALL OF THEM!...Then some more.
    Its a real long chapter
     
  11. Sep 5, 2017 at 12:56 PM
    #31
    Blackdawg

    Blackdawg [OP] Dr. Frankenstein

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2010
    Member:
    #48500
    Messages:
    81,581
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Monte
    Wyoming/St. Louis
    Vehicle:
    The Trifecta of Taco's
    ALL OF THEM!...Then some more.
    but good.
     
  12. Sep 5, 2017 at 12:56 PM
    #32
    Blackdawg

    Blackdawg [OP] Dr. Frankenstein

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2010
    Member:
    #48500
    Messages:
    81,581
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Monte
    Wyoming/St. Louis
    Vehicle:
    The Trifecta of Taco's
    ALL OF THEM!...Then some more.
  13. Sep 5, 2017 at 12:57 PM
    #33
    Blackdawg

    Blackdawg [OP] Dr. Frankenstein

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2010
    Member:
    #48500
    Messages:
    81,581
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Monte
    Wyoming/St. Louis
    Vehicle:
    The Trifecta of Taco's
    ALL OF THEM!...Then some more.
    I'll let you be the judge
     
  14. Sep 5, 2017 at 12:57 PM
    #34
    Blackdawg

    Blackdawg [OP] Dr. Frankenstein

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2010
    Member:
    #48500
    Messages:
    81,581
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Monte
    Wyoming/St. Louis
    Vehicle:
    The Trifecta of Taco's
    ALL OF THEM!...Then some more.
  15. Sep 5, 2017 at 12:57 PM
    #35
    Blackdawg

    Blackdawg [OP] Dr. Frankenstein

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2010
    Member:
    #48500
    Messages:
    81,581
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Monte
    Wyoming/St. Louis
    Vehicle:
    The Trifecta of Taco's
    ALL OF THEM!...Then some more.
  16. Sep 5, 2017 at 12:57 PM
    #36
    Blackdawg

    Blackdawg [OP] Dr. Frankenstein

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2010
    Member:
    #48500
    Messages:
    81,581
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Monte
    Wyoming/St. Louis
    Vehicle:
    The Trifecta of Taco's
    ALL OF THEM!...Then some more.
    Sorry actually 1 more after this
     
  17. Sep 5, 2017 at 12:57 PM
    #37
    Blackdawg

    Blackdawg [OP] Dr. Frankenstein

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2010
    Member:
    #48500
    Messages:
    81,581
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Monte
    Wyoming/St. Louis
    Vehicle:
    The Trifecta of Taco's
    ALL OF THEM!...Then some more.
    next page
     
  18. Sep 5, 2017 at 12:59 PM
    #38
    Blackdawg

    Blackdawg [OP] Dr. Frankenstein

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2010
    Member:
    #48500
    Messages:
    81,581
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Monte
    Wyoming/St. Louis
    Vehicle:
    The Trifecta of Taco's
    ALL OF THEM!...Then some more.

    Chapter 3:

    This is Why We Came


    After a lovely night’s sleep. We setoff towards Horseshoe canyone to do our Hike down to see the Petrogylphs.


    First though, we had to find out if we had a place to camp that night in The Maze. After attempting 5 times to call. I gave up and sent an email and hoped for the best.


    The morning was perfect, again. Nice and cool but not cold and with hardly a cloud to be seen we knew it was going to warm up.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-2.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    One thing that was nice about coming here was it is basically the same area we had been in before. Which meant I could get some photos that i had missed last time. Like this interesting colored pond on the road to Horseshoe canyon.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-3.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-4.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Just past here up on a hill, I got a small blip of cell service and got an Email back! I called again to the Hans Flat ranger station and the lady there told me that Hi Spur and Millards point were both open! I took it and told her id see here that afternoon to check in and pick them up.


    :woot:


    Trip officially saved!


    Smooth sailing from here with nothing but wide open spaces and seemingly endless dirt road miles to enjoy.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-5.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Not that we didn’t hit traffic jams out here. Gotta watch out for the locals.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-6.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    After our morning rush hour, we found the turn off to the canyon off the main road quite easily due to this large sign.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-15.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Which is funny because I totally don’t remember seeing it on the way out when we were here in October. Probably because we were going to fast enjoying the smooth road haha


    Was a short detour before we got to the trail head.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-7.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-8.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    There were quite a few people parked around there camping and everything. But we didn’t really see a lot of people. Which was nice.


    The billboard had lots of handy info on it.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-9.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-10.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-11.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-12.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    The main thing its 6 miles of walking and you should be sure to bring yourself plenty of water.


    The canyon though is pretty classic Utah. It just seems to appear out of no where.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-13.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    As you get lower and closer the size of it become more obvious and my god what a pretty canyon.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-14.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    You can see the old road that used to go down into the canyon. You can actually still drive it but you can’t drive down into the canyon anymore.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-15.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-16.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    I think its a bit depressing that they had to add the “not even once” part to this sign.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-17.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Photos don’t do this walk justice. You just need to go yourself!


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-18.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-19.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-20.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-21.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    We made good time getting down. But knew truding up that sandy spot was going to be a lot slower going up. By now the sun was blasting on high and the temperatures were getting quite hot.


    The trail from now on though was flat following the river bottom.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-22.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Thankfully the canyon also provided us a bit of shade were we stopped for a water break.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-23.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-24.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    There are 4 petroglyphs sites down in this canyon actually. In the direction we were hiking we would see them in the order of The High Gallery, Horseshoe Shelter, The Alcove stie, and finally The Great gallery.


    But the first one we saw was not the High Gallery.


    Can you see them?


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-25.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Amazing. This is the Horseshoe Shelter site.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-2.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    One down! Three to go. We continued on and noticed lots of hoof prints and horse manure, which Devin found very interesting. You would think people wouldn’t be allowed to bring horses here.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-2.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    The walls were just enchanting.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-3.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    But when there is a large cave in the side of the wall, you know something cool is approaching.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-4.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    The Alcove site was inside, a rock slide almost covering most of it.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-5.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-7.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-8.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-9.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    We sat back and ate a nice snack enjoying the large overhang providing shade.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-10.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-6.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Three young guys walked up to the site and I chatted with them for a bit. They informed us where the High Gallery was. Turns out we had walked right past it.


    The day was also getting a bit late and we weren’t totally sure how long it would take us to get back. I did know that the Ranger station closed at 4:30 so we had to try and be there before then. Plus leave time to get to Hi Spur.


    We decided to walk a bit further to see if we could make it to The Grand Canvas. After a while though we decided to turn back to be safe. I figured if we got to the Ranger Station early enough we could go to the other side of Horseshoe and hike down from there to The Grand Canvas.


    On our way back though, we found The High Gallery.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-11.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-12.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-13.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-14.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Almost unbelievable that those drawings are still there after thousands of years.


    The hike out actually didn’t take us any longer really than hiking down. We got to the truck and promptly drank a half gal of water dang near though. Was hot out!


    Jumped in the truck and headed to Hans Flat.


    Deja Vu..


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-17.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-16.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    The Henry Mountains were looking stellar with their frosty tips.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-18.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    We made it to the Ranger station in only 40 minutes of driving. Went it and got my permit. Even met a couple of the rangers I had met in the fall.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-19.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Another cool thing was on their whiteboard they used for road conditions, there was a note on Poison Springs. “Passable as of 08/29”. That was from us! Turns out they still haven’t run the road fully yet themselves.


    With our permits squared away, we headed out to Hi Spur. W


    The drive out was pretty chill. But the further we went the better the view got.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-3.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-4.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    We got to the Y in the road to either go to the South West corner of Horseshoe Canyon or go to Hi Spur. We decided to just go to camp as Horseshoe was a bit further away and Devin didn’t feel like hiking back down.


    Once off the main road, there is a fun down hill section that, to quote my friend Mike, would “keep the subies out!”


    No problems for us. But we were more preoccupied with the killer view to worried about the road.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-20.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Again the snow clashing with the 80+ degree temps we were experiencing was cool.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-5.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-6.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    The world just falls away..


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-7.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    About the most “hardcore” thing we experience this time in The Maze. Flexy.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-8.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-10.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-11.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Just before our camp we took a short walk to the edge that the Ranger had recommended we take.


    So worth it.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-12.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    The canyons are just endless


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-13.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-2.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    After this we made it to the camp spot. Which wasn’t anything special honestly.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-14.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    It was big though, easily fit 6-8 rigs. But we were alone. It was quiet and the view was in..sane!


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-15.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Devin was beat though and we setup the tent at a record breaking time of 3:15pm. Probably the earliest we had ever had the tent setup ever haha she then crawled in to take a little nap.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-21.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    I meanwhile decided to walk around a bit and just sit back and enjoy watching the light change on the cliffs.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-22.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-23.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-24.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-25.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-26.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-27.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-28.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    This large rock feature is the “Hi Spur”


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-29.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    I decided to walk south along the rim because...well why not?


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-30.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-31.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Far down below, sits the Green river. Little did I know but the river turns to the right again and that is where we would be tomorrow.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-32.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Just after the following picture, a falcon passed over right next to me, like 12’ over and 6’ up. It soared over this drop, tucked up and dove down at super high speed disappearing from sight. Was very cool.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-33.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    I made my way back after this and then the light started getting very good. I really enjoyed the quiet lone moments and the still to just sit and...watch, enjoy, and soak in the moment of the fading light and dancing clouds.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-34.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah-35.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Devin got up shortly after this and we made dinner enjoying the sunset. Since we weren’t allowed a campfire in the wilderness, we went to bed fairly early after dark. Which was also a first! But nice after the hike from earlier in the day. It was very quiet, peaceful, cool night sleep.


    In the Morning, we said fairwell to the the Hi Spur.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-2.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Honestly, I think its an underrated site in The Maze. And if you plan on checking out Horseshoe Canyon is a no brainer site.


    As you’ll now see!


    To start our day, we very much wanted to see The Grand Canvas. It had been the main reason for coming here. We continued North to the Canyon.


    And my god..look at those mountains.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-3.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-4.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Believe it or not, there is a small section that turns back into BLM land between the north side of The Maze and the South side of Horseshoe canyon. We passed at least two groups that had camped out there.


    A short drive though and we were at the trailhead to descend back down into the canyon to see the petroglyphs.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-5.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    This trail has an official name though.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-6.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Deadmans trail. Nice name. But we learned why.


    It was only a short 1.5 miles to the bottom of the canyon.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-7.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    The top of the trail is super easy and flat


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-9.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    The canyon rock walls definitely look different here.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-8.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Before long you dive off down into the rocks.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-10.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Not a bad place to be..


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-11.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    After a while, you end up just walking through the slickrock. Which can be hard to follow the trail. It is very fun though and involves walking through some interesting steep sections.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-12.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-13.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Then you get to the main edge and can see the bottom.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-14.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Interesting hand rails :p


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-15.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    What a perfect day.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-16.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
     
  19. Sep 5, 2017 at 1:00 PM
    #39
    Blackdawg

    Blackdawg [OP] Dr. Frankenstein

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2010
    Member:
    #48500
    Messages:
    81,581
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Monte
    Wyoming/St. Louis
    Vehicle:
    The Trifecta of Taco's
    ALL OF THEM!...Then some more.
    Once at the bottom it is nice a flat once again at the river bottom.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-17.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-19.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    A short walk later and we almost missed the Grand Canvas. Even though it spans 200’ and has painted figures 10’ tall.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-20.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-21.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Fantastic.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-22.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    There were a couple benches and two ammo cans. One had an archeology report in it and sign in notebook. The other had some old US Navy binoculars


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-34.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-32.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-33.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-23.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    We sat and stared at the figures for quite a while and read the books a bit as well. Devin read that there were feral burros in the canyon and wanted to see them badly. We didn’t though. With the whole site to ourselves which was nice to really be able to absorb the unique paintings.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-24.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-25.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-26.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-27.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-28.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-29.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-30.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-31.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    The level of detail on some of the figures it pretty amazing.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-35.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-36.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-37.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-38.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-39.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-40.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-41.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-47.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-48.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    They are almost haunting.



    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-42.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-43.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    If you want to read the report on the area. Here you go.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-44.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    We had a long drive ahead of us

    Was a magical spot. I was very glad we had been able to make it after dealing with the truck issues. It was why we had come. And was very much worth it.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-45.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    We still had a long ways to go to get to our nights camp spot and eventually had to tear ourselves away from the site and start the accent up the canyon and the temperature was being to rise a lot.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-18.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-49.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    The walk out was longer than we had thought it would take. It was steeper then the other way we had come in. With the heat and rugged terrain I can see how it got its name. But didn’t have any problems though.


    We made it to the truck and drove back to the Ranger station.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-50.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    While Devin used the restroom I went and asked about the burros. The ranger told us that they were in fact down there but weren’t supposed to be. Thinks there is a fence problem somewhere but hasn’t had the time or resources to go drive them out of the canyon. Weren’t hurting anything drastically and mostly used it to get to water and out of the sun. No matter how much Devin wished we had seen some, we didn’t.


    The Rangers were also shocked to hear we were heading all the way to Millards and it was afternoon. We weren’t worried though and set off. The Henry Mountains looking stellar.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-51.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-52.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-53.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-54.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-55.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-56.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Loved the clash of snow in the desert. Spectcular.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-57.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    We stopped again on the way to Flint Trail to check out the Bag Pipe Butte. I mean, who wouldn’t with a view like this?


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-58.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-59.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Plus a nice overlook of Flint



    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-60.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-61.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    We ate lunch at the top and i talked Devin into driving down Flint.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-62.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    She did great and we had no problems getting down. Soon we had turned towards The Maze Overlook and Elker/Millards and Devin put her foot down and we flew down the road. And i got to take some nice photos.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-63.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-64.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-65.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-66.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    After this last photo we hit the Y and turned north to Elker Butte. We hit a group of young hikers, no doubt college kids on an awesome spring break. But they were a bit lost.


    We stopped and i asked if they were good and had enough water. They did but were a bit confused on where the Overlook was. I told them they had to turn around and take the other road or they would hit a huge canyon. They thanked us and we took off.


    This one to be exact.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-70.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr://farm5.staticflickr.com/4064/34834647013_81959081fa_h.jpg[/img][/url]ImpromptU-Ah!-67.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    What was cool is how much bigger it got.


    The road got more fun as well.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-68.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    The views just got better though.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-69.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-71.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    And better. The La Sals were snow covered as well.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-72.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    But then came the best view of all.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-73.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    The road comes right next to the canyon with an awesome parking spot.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-74.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-75.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-76.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Was hard to capture the insane view of this spot. The valley below even looked perfect.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-77.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-78.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Still. This drive was worth it.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-79.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-80.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    After lingering by this spot for a while, we knew we still have a long ways to go to get to camp though. And kept on going.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-81.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    And then as if the view couldn’t get any better we got to Elker Butte campsite which had its own killer view.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-82.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-83.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-84.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Gotta say, that is a a great site.


    By now we were pretty much done with the road. It had gotten bumpier and made it very annoying to drive. Made us miss Frankenstein's far superior suspension. Igor was getting beat on. It was nothing crazy rough, but very annoying. We were tired and ready to be done. It is a VERY long drive though.


    Eventually we crested a hill and up to our left far away was Hi Spur.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-85.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    This was nice to see as it meant we were close to the end.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-86.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    And sure enough after about 15 minutes we made it to our camp spot.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-87.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Which was RIGHT by the mighty Green River.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-88.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    There is the bend I had spotted the day before above at Hi Spur.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-89.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    The river was super high and we had hoped to get a nice dip in. But the river was very strong and murky. Made it a bit daunting to jump in. Devin couldn’t stand it though. She slid off the side of the rock and i had to help haul her back up. It was freezing too and quite the shock to her system. Haha But the sun was warm and she was fine after a few shivering minutes.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-90.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Was a beautiful spot. Also relaxing after the very long day on the rough road. Shame we had so little time to enjoy it.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-91.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    After a bit more lingering at the river. We went back to camp, made dinner and collapse into bed. Already not entirely looking forward to the drive out. But slept harder than two fallen trees next to the babbling river.


    The next morning was lovely quiet and cool. Slowly, we packed up the tent, mentally preparing ourselves for the rough drive out.


    At least the light from the morning sun was lighting up the spectacular buttes in glorious fashion. Just meant I stopped more for photos. :D


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-92.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    The road out here was not well traveled. As you can see here. I know why now though. Its a long ways and in a more “normal” rig, is not a fun drive.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-93.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-94.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-95.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    And this just shows how amazing Utah can be. You look out across the plain and think “Oh, we just have to get over there.” Except suddenly the ground just falls away…


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-96.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    So then you have to drive around it.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-97.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Because really it just falls away...again. And again.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-98.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Spectacular.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-99.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    That canyon is right by Elker Butte. Honestly, if you want to see the big drop off canyon walls, just get that site. Millard is pretty nice though.


    After passing Elker we stopped once again at this spot. What a cool parking spot.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-100.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-102.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-103.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Just across there somewhere is the Maze Overlook site and trail.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-104.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    It was our last day in The Maze though and we knew we had to start heading north to Wyoming and couldn’t linger here very long.


    The road out was even more beautiful then the road in.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-105.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    The drive up Flint was almost becoming normal for us.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-106.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-107.jpg by [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-112.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    tps://www.flickr.com/photos/93219767@N02/]Monte Nickles Photos[/url], on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-108.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    We stopped at the parking lot above Flint and ate a nice lunch in the hot sun.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-109.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    And it was hot. Even the mountains looked like they had lost quite a bit of snow.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-110.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-111.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-113.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    We had hoped to get to Panorama point...again. But we were denied due to timing. Im sure we will be back though. Stopped again at the Ranger Station to tell them we were ok and headed out. Gave a road report on Millard as well. Then got back on the almost highway like dirt road back to Green River.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-114.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-115.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Racking up the miles. Fun to go fast on roads like this.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-116.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    We then set our sights high and would try to get to Vernal and Flaming Gorge area hoping to find camping.


    However, we forgot it was March, not May, like it felt to us the last few days. There is this thing called snow.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-117.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Of which there was quite a lot up in the mountains.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-118.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Devin found a lake south of Vernal that could be potentially good. But it was south out of our way. I wanted to push north. So we did and climbed up into the mountains. Every campground was closed and every FS road was snowed in. It became obvious people were just camping in the parking lots and pull outs.


    So we followed suit and found a very large pullout used for snow machines id guess. Was gravel, plowed, and the furthest one from the highway we had found. Would have to suffice. One thing was certain though.The Stars were a sight to be seen.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-119.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-120.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    It was cold though and we were happy for our sleeping bag’s 5 degree rating that night. Sleep came fast listening to the quiet loud echoing hooting of an owl.


    The next morning revealed we were quite close to Flaming Gorge dam. Having driven by it twice now, i wanted to stop at the cooler stops. Sadly, once again, the visitor center was closed still so we couldn’t walk out on the damn.


    Could go to some of the awesome overlooks though. At 455 feet tall, was a site to be seen.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-123.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-124.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-121.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-122.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    However, I couldn’t help but notice a road down below. We had to check it out. Turns out there is an actual boat ramp down there at the bottom. We didn’t have a boat, but didn’t stop us from running down and snapping a photo really quick.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-125.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Something about being under a damn like this that is slightly unnerving..


    From here we went back up and to another overlook. The size of this reservoir is immense.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-126.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-127.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-129.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-131.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    Was a pretty sight to be had right on the border of our home state.


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-128.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


    And with that. Out spontaneous spring break trip, was at an end. Almost as aburpt as it had started. Looking back it is incredible what all happened in the span of a few days. And even though Devin and I really enjoyed out time by ourselves. The thing that had made this trip extra speacial, was all the people we had gotten to see and share this with. Or the the people that saved us.


    That, is what left the biggest impression. Our friends. Thank you guys for making this last minute trip extra amazing with your own impromptu contributions.


    This trip proved that if you stay flexible and capabile. Anything is possible. Sometimes no plan, is the best plan. Make it up as you go. Just get out, and get lost :)


    Thanks for reading,


    ImpromptU-ah!


    [​IMG]ImpromptU-Ah!-130.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr



    See you on the trail.
     
    rob1208, ETOH Red, SnowroxKT and 2 others like this.
  20. Sep 5, 2017 at 1:01 PM
    #40
    Blackdawg

    Blackdawg [OP] Dr. Frankenstein

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2010
    Member:
    #48500
    Messages:
    81,581
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Monte
    Wyoming/St. Louis
    Vehicle:
    The Trifecta of Taco's
    ALL OF THEM!...Then some more.

    Credits:


    Narration/Photos/Photos compiled by:


    Monte, aka Blackdawg


    [​IMG]

    CoDriver and adventure buddy:


    Devin:


    [​IMG]


    Photos by:


    Ben and Kirsten


    [​IMG]


    Random Strangers picked up on the Interstate :D


    Gavyn and Derik:


    [​IMG]

    My Saviors:


    Brett @BossFoss


    [​IMG]


    Brett @Squeaky Penguin


    [​IMG]


    And Mike @Digiratus


    Thank you All for another amazing adventure!


    Other Trip Reports:
    August 2014: The S.O.S Report: The Full Story
    August 2015: Fires, Tires, n Bears. OOH YEEA!
    August 2016: Alberta Bound & Beyond
    October 2016: The M~U~D Trip Report: 1000 Miles of Utah Dirt

    September 2017: The DeTour

     
    Last edited: Aug 8, 2018

Products Discussed in

To Top