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Halloween in the Swell

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Since Amanda is in Illinois for the next week, I decided that I would head out to the San Rafael Swell for Halloween this year. I was originally planning on camping and making it a weekend trip, but since a cold front came through earlier this week, I changed my mind and didn’t feel like camping anymore, so I made it a day trip instead 🙂

My first destination was a rock art panel that I have been meaning to get to for a while. I’ve driven by and near Black Dragon Canyon a number of times, but this time I would make it a point to check it out.

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Pictographs in Black Dragon Canyon (unfortunately at some point in the past, someone thought it was a good idea to outline some of the pictographs in chalk).

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After leaving Black Dragon Canyon and following the wash for a little ways, I met up with the Jackass Benches trail and made my way down the spur that used to lead to Sulphur Springs.

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Next I took the trail that used to go to Swaseys Leap to it’s end before heading back to the Buckhorn Wash Road.

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Bottleneck Peak
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I stopped at the swinging bridge over the San Rafael River for a few photos.

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Leaving the bridge, I headed down the Mexican Mountain Road. Right before reaching Mexican Mountain (and the end of the road) I met an Emery County Sheriff who was heading the opposite direction. We stopped and had a nice chat and he gave me a map of the area that I did not have yet.

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Nice colors
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I made a quick stop at the Buckhorn Wash Pictograph panel, but the sun was shining right on them which washed out most of my pictures.

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When I reached the intersection with the Green River Cutoff, I headed east again to the tunroff for the Tidwell Draw trail, which would take me back to I-70.

Part of the Tidwell Draw trail followed the Old Spanish Trail….

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While other parts followed some power lines…

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After reaching I-70 I started on my way back home and stopped in Green River for a bite to eat. But before I made it home I got off the pavement just as the sun was setting on the Yellow Cat Road, and took a few photos.

Headed towards the La Sals
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Fun with shadows
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One Comment

  1. Debbie Duwe
    Debbie Duwe May 17, 2013

    I understand your policy on locations. Would you be willing to trade? I will be in Utah in a few months. I can give you a better idea off site and no hard feelings if it doesn’t work out.

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