Wednesday, April 06, 2016

Escalante Utah Amazing Arch

Only 10 easy scenic miles from Escalante, Utah to visit the colossal Cedar Wash Arch. It's a casual walk to view the arch east to west from where you can park your car.

Cedar Wash Arch 
We discovered swirly gold, grey and white sandstone surrounding Cedar Wash Arch as we explored the many angles to this unassuming arch. Finding a route off the slick rock was an adventure.

Slick Rock
Cedar Wash Arch looking up West to East
Delighted and surprised we found other unusual slick rock formations on our way to viewing Cedar Arch west to east. Amazing, the power of water shaping rock into these unique structures.

Behind Cedar Wash Arch
  
In Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument you are welcomed to go beyond the easy-to-find landmarks.



Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Two Easy Ways to Escalante River Utah

Nov 15, 2015
Escalante River 1 mile down from Boulder Creek
We were searching for the "most photogenic" spot on the Escalante River by wading in the Escalante dozens of times, sliding down slippery chutes, and scampering slickrock ridges.  The numbing water and air temperature were 33F degrees and 36F degrees, respectively. I got to know this one mile of Escalante river intimately, hunting for that illusive "photogenic" canyon.

Our group of three parked the truck off Spencer Flats and backpacked through sand and sage brush a couple of miles toward Escalante River. We camped two nights just above the Escalante river on semi-flat slickrock. Dropping to the river was an easy climb down from our camp.

Across from our camp and the cold river, we found another way, a well traveled trail, to access Escalante river from the Burr Trail, Boulder, Utah.

We did discover some short and sweet canyons and pretty stained monolithic walls, worth all the senseless, numbing river crossings. But still need to find the "best" spot to photograph on the Escalante River. 

Flex Canyon
Near Escalante River
Dancing the chill away.
Our camp spot for two nights.