After work on Friday I headed back into Utah to meet a few friends in Poison Springs Canyon so that we could hike to Happy Canyon on Saturday and then spend some time visiting a few rock art sites on Sunday. I quickly made it to Hanksville and then to the turn-off for Poison Springs Canyon where I met up with Lisa. Since she was the only one in our group without a high clearance vehicle, she loaded her camping gear into my Jeep and we found a place to leave her car for the weekend. It started to get dark as we drove into the canyon in search of the rest of our party. I was under the impression that they were planning on camping near the Black Jump, but they were nowhere to be found in that area. We took the side road towards the Happy Canyon trailhead and decided just to camp along that road since we couldn’t find anyone else and it was getting pretty dark out by this time. We would search for them in the morning. We quickly setup camp and were soon getting some sleep. I got up early enough on Saturday morning to catch the sunrise.

The early morning sunlight lights up the opposite side of Poison Springs Canyon.

Poison Sunrise by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

View across the canyon.

Rim Light by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Once the sun was up, we had some breakfast and broke down camp so we could try and find the rest of our group. We back-tracked to the main Poison Springs Road and drove all the way to the Dirty Devil crossing. We didn’t see anyone else so we decided to drive over to the trailhead and start the hike on our own. Of course, when we reached the trailhead we found all of their vehicles parked there and they had already started hiking. We quickly caught up with them and found out we had camped only a mile or two from them…oh well. We followed the bench we were on for a few miles and then hiked down to the Dirty Devil River which we needed to cross in order to reach Happy Canyon. Luckily the river wasn’t too high and crossing it was easy.

After crossing the Dirty Devil River to reach the mouth of Happy Canyon we stopped on this ledge to dry off our feet.

Drying by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Continuing our hike up Happy Canyon.

Almost There by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Dave sets up his tripod in the first narrow section we came across.

Happy Dave by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Great reflected light…

Dave by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Marty in the Happy Canyon narrows.

Marty in Happy Canyon by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

It’s definitely a beautiful canyon to explore…and with none of the crowds that are found in Antelope Canyon!

Into the Light by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Detail in the sandstone.

Sandstone Detail by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Happy Canyon by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

After photographing the canyon for a while I caught up with the rest of our group that was resting near the beginning of the narrows. Lisa found the best seat in the house.

Break Time by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Rob crosses back across the Dirty Devil on our way back.

Rob Crossing by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The rest of our group crosses the very muddy river.

Dirty Devil Crossing by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

As we hiked back to our Jeeps on the bench high above the river, we were treated to some nice spot-lighting in the canyon below.

Dirty Devil by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Our campsite for the night.

Poison Springs Camp by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

More spotlighting near sunset.

Spotlight by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Another nice sunset!

Poison Sunset by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

On Sunday morning we spent a few hours visiting a few rock art sites that Marty had been to before. We even managed to find a new one.

This is probably my favorite petroglyph that we found all morning.

Snake in Sheep by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A few elk petroglyphs.

Elk by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Dave takes a photo of some petroglyphs on a ledge above me.

Dave & Petroglyphs by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Some very faded Barrier Canyon Style pictographs in the back of a very deep and dark cave. It appears that someone outlined them with chalk at some point.

Cave BCS by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Marty and Lisa leaving the very colorful cave.

In the Cave by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

>> Happy Canyon & Poison Springs Canyon Photo Gallery

I’ve driven past Monument Valley many times in the past but have never actually stopped in the park before. I decided to spend all day Saturday at the park so that I could photograph the Mitten Shadow at sunset. Since that was my main goal this trip, I’ll start this report with the photo I was after. Twice a year the West Mitten casts it’s shadow onto the East Mitten just before sunset and it’s something that I’ve wanted to try and photograph for a while. There were a lot of clouds on the western horizon at sunset and I almost thought it wasn’t going to happen this time, but the sun did peek out for a few seconds which gave me just enough time to capture the image below. I’d say it was a successful evening!

Mitten Shadow by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Now let’s go back in time to the previous evening when I left work and drove down to the Valley of the Gods to setup camp just as twilight was fading. I quickly went to bed so that I was up in time to catch the sunrise on Saturday morning.

Saturday morning at my campsite as the sun came up.

Morning Jeep by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Since Monument Valley doesn’t open up until well after sunset this time of the year I drove the Valley of the Gods loop road after breaking down my camp. The moon was out this morning…

Reach for the Moon by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The drive to Monument Valley.

The Road by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

After paying my fee to enter the park I drove the loop dirt road to checkout the park before the crowds showed up for the day.

A view of the Three Sisters from the road.

Three Sisters by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Nice view from the North Window Overlook.

North Window Overlook by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

After taking my time completing the loop road I headed over to the closed campground and hiked the Wildcat Trail which loops around the West Mitten. It was a nice hike.

Wildcat Trail by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Later in the afternoon I looked up and saw this sun halo above.

Sun Halo by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Nice clouds over a typical view of Monument Valley from the Visitor Center.

Visitor Center View by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

While waiting for sunset with a friend that showed up, we wandered down to this tree and I liked the shadow it was casting on the ground.

Framed Mittens by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Sunset getting closer… You can just barely see the shadow of the West Mitten starting to creek up the East Mitten in this shot.

The Mittens by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

When the sun was down I headed back to the same campsite in the Valley of the Gods and got back to sleep after reading for a while. The following morning I was up and driving the Valley of the Gods loop road again as the sun came up.

Morning Drive by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Valley of the Gods by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

When I reached the highway I turned right and climbed up the Moki Dugway to the top of Cedar Mesa so I could visit and photograph a new ruin.

It’s a small circular granary tucked in the back of a larger alcove. Very cool!

Portal Alcove by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

There were a few handprints nearby, too.

Muddy Hands by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

This was a fun one to photograph…here’s two different views.

Portal by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Ancient Portal by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I spent quite a bit of time at this location and then explored a few nearby roads in my Jeep before starting the drive home. It was another nice weekend.

>> Monument Valley Photo Gallery

This wasn’t supposed to be a quick trip. I was planning on camping at the Cathedral Valley Campground and spending the entire weekend in the area, however the cold temperatures and strong winds made me change my mind while I was out there. Instead I drove part of the loop and made a few stops at some of the overlooks and then drove north to I-70 through the San Rafael Swell to make a big loop back home.

The Bentonite Hills and Thousand Lake Mountain in the background.

Bentonite Hills by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

An easy road when dry, but it would be no fun when wet.

Slippery When Wet by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I stopped by the Temple of the Sun and the Moon.

Temple of the Sun by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I-70 snaking through the San Rafael Reef on my way back home.

Spotted Wolf Canyon by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Storm over the Swell.

Swell Storm by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I stopped at Danish Flat for a quick photo of the clouds over the landscape.

Danish Flat by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

>> Cathedral Valley Photo Gallery

After work on Friday I got in my Jeep and started driving towards The Needles District of Canyonlands. I reached a campsite just outside the park shorty before sunset. As I was getting my tent setup the setting sun broke free of the clouds and lit up the red rocks surrounding me, so I dropped what I was doing and grabbed my camera for a few shots.

Beautiful light on North Six Shooter Peak.

Six Shooter Sunset by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Sunset by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Camp View by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I was up very early on Saturday morning so I could get on the trail to Druid Arch before sunrise. I ended up leaving the Elephant Hill trailhead about an hour before sunrise. As I hiked along the trail I watched the darkness turn to a soft light. Clouds had moved in overnight so the sky was completely overcast this morning, so there would be no direct sunlight to light up the canyon above me. There were a few drizzles of rain along the way, but nothing heavy enough to even get me wet. I ended up making it to the arch in about an hour and 45 minutes…it was a brisk and rejuvenating hike. The springlike temperature was perfect and there was no wind.

When I reached Druid Arch I took a few photos and then sat in silence for a while. The peaceful silence was only broken occasionally by the call of a raven. With spires all around me I laid down on the cool sandstone and enjoyed the solitude. After about an hour alone, I heard a sound. It sounded like car tires on pavement, but I knew there was no road nearby. The wind had picked up significantly in the canyon below. Then is started to rain a little and the wind picked up around me, too. It was a good time to start hiking back. I could smell the rain all around me. I’d rather be disturbed by the wind and the rain than by the first group of hikers for the day, which thankfully I wouldn’t see until I was almost back to the trailhead. It was a great morning.

Looking back towards Elephant Canyon from Druid Arch.

Elephant Canyon by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Finally! Druid Arch – I’ve wanted to hike here for years! Too bad it was overcast this morning. Guess I will have to return another time

Druid Arch by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

After returning form the hike I took my time and drove up to the Canyonlands Overlook in the nearby Canyon Rims Recreation Area. I have been to this viewpoint before but this time I wanted to photograph the sunset and then spend the night so I could catch the sunrise, too.

My campsite near the edge of the mesa.

Canyonlands Camp by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

This is a great place to catch a sunset.

Canyonlands Overlook by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The Canyonlands by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The following morning there were too many clouds in the sky which cancelled my plans of photographing the sunrise. After taking down my camp I decided to take a quick drive out to the Anticline Overlook since I was so close. By the time I reached the overlook the sky had started to clear up a little and the sun was shining.

Looking down on Hurrah Pass and Kane Creek towards Moab from the Anticline Overlook. You can even spot The Portal near Moab.

Hurrah Pass by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Edge of the mesa.

Canyon Rims by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Another excellent weekend in the canyonlands region!

>> Druid Arch & Canyonlands Overlook Photo Gallery

Long story short, I had ended up with two passes for a ranger guided tour of the Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park on Tuesday and had taken the day off from work so I could go. The weather in Moab was looking good so I headed down after work on Monday and setup my campsite along the Colorado River just outside of town. I grabbed a burger at the Moab Brewery for dinner and then took a drive up Long Canyon as the sun was setting for the evening. It was a beautiful sunset.

Fins & Mountains by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Long Canyon by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The following morning I drove into Arches to the Fiery Furnace trailhead as the sun was lighting up the cliffs a bright red color.

Arches Road by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The Fiery Furnace is a cool area but I really did not like being with a group of people on the ranger-guided hike. Because of that, I only took one quick photo the whole time. Maybe I should have just left my camera in the Jeep. Here’s my friend Jackson taking a photo in the fins of the Fiery Furnace. I’m definitely going to need to return on my own in the future so I can take some more photos.

Jackson by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

After the hike, Jackson and I parted ways and I did a little hiking and exploring in Courthouse Wash. After that I decided to hike up to Delicate Arch to catch the sunset before heading back home for the evening. It had been a few years since I visited Delicate Arch and I’d never been up there for sunset before, so it was great to watch.

Delicate Light by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Delicate Arch by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

>> Mid-Week Moab Photo Gallery

Since the weather was bad all over the Colorado Plateau on Saturday I decided to stick around home this weekend. I did manage to get outside on Sunday after the weather cleared up for a hike on the Pollock Bench trail to the Window Rock Tower. This is the main trail that leads to the Rattlesnake Canyon arches, if you don’t have a high clearance vehicle to reach the upper trailhead. Since I have always visited the arches from the upper trailhead, I thought it would be nice to check out this alternate route that I have always bypassed. I also wanted to check out the Window Rock Tower, which is where I turned around on this hike.

Pollock Bench Trail by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Snow on the Book Cliffs by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Window Rock Tower by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Alcoves by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Rock Tower by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Grand Valley View by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

>> Pollock Bench Photo Gallery

On Sunday morning I was up shortly before sunrise and quickly taking down camp so I could get an early start on the hike. I wasn’t planning on taking any photos at sunrise, but when I saw the sky start to light up I quickly grabbed my camera out of the Jeep and ran over to the nearest outcrop of sandstone above my camp. I’m glad that I did!

Grand Flat Sunrise by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Pothole Sunrise by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The distant cliffs were lit up intensely for just a moment and I’m glad I was able to catch it.

Momentary Light by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

When I reached the Collins Canyon trailhead after a short drive, the sun broke through the clouds briefly. After this I wouldn’t see sunlight again until I was hiking back.

Collins Morning by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

There were plenty of pictographs to be found along the way.

Three by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Red Sheep by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Big & Small by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

More Hands by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Birdhead by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Carry the Bird by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I spotted these two granaries high above the wash and managed to find a way up to them.

Two Granaries by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A reflection of The Narrows in a pool of water just beyond the small slot.

Narrows Reflection by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Hiking back up along a large dryfall in Collins Canyon when the overcast sky finally started to clear up.

Collins Dryfall by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I also visited an old cowboy camp that had many relics left over from the early 1900′s.

Can & Jars by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

One Pound Ground by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

>> Collins Canyon Photo Gallery

On Saturday morning I headed south for an early season hike in the Grand Gulch area. I stopped at the Kane Gulch Ranger Station as they opened for the day to pick up an annual Cedar Mesa hiking pass and then started hiking down Kane Gulch from there. There was still quite a bit of snow and ice in places, but nothing difficult. In the morning everything was frozen which made things a little easier, but on my way back in the afternoon everything had started melting and there was a lot more slippery mud on the trail in places. I first visited the Junction Ruins found at the confluence of Kane Gulch and Grand Gulch and then I continued down Grand Gulch a little further to the Turkey Pen Ruins.

Just a cairn along the beginning of the trail that caught my eye.

Morning Cairn by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I noticed the way the light was striking these ripples in the sandstone.

Repeat by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

There were still some large icicles under the large dryfalls in the canyon.

Ice by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Looking up at a large overhang I hiked under. On my way back this section would be dripping with melting snow from above.

Overhang by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Red handprints at the Junction Ruins.

Junction Hands by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Two white pictographs found at the Turkey Pen Ruins.

Twins by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Just a snapshot of the Turkey Pen.

Turkey Pen by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The doorway into one of the ruins at the Turkey Pen site.

Door by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The large alcove containing the Turkey Pen Ruins.

Turkey Pen Alcove by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A few white handprints.

White Hands by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

After hiking back out of the canyon I got back in my Jeep and drove around the head of Grand Gulch to Grand Flat on the other side. I was planning on hiking Collins Canyon the following day so I found a campsite near the trailhead.

My campsite for the night on Grand Flat.

Grand Flat Camp by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Navajo Mountain in the distance through the haze.

Navajo Haze by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Warm afternoon light near my campsite.

Sandstone Sunset by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

>> Kane Gulch Photo Gallery

For my last morning in Death Valley I decided to head back up to Dante’s View to catch the sunrise.

Glow on the horizon.

Morning Color by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The Earth Shadow over Badwater and the Panamint Range.

Badwater by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Telescope Peak framed by nicely lit rocks.

Telescope Peak by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A look in the other direction from the viewpoint.

Hillside by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

When the sun was up I headed back down from the mountains and started the drive through Greenwater Valley to leave the park.

I did make a quick stop to hike up a short canyon looking for petroglyphs.

Greenwater Hiking by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I had missed the petroglyphs on my hike in, but luckily managed to spot them on my way back to the Jeep. There were quite a few smaller panels scattered around. This was one of the larger panels.

Greenwater Petroglyphs by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

After finding the petroglyphs, I continued my drive out of the park to Shoshone and then back into Nevada. I made one stop in Las Vegas for gas and lunch and then continued the drive back east into the northwest corner of Arizona.

When I reached the Virgin River Gorge I stopped in the canyon and went searching for some petroglyphs along the river. After finding a place to pull off the Interstate I had to scramble down to the river and find a place to cross. I thought I found a good spot to cross, so I took my shoes and socks off and started to walk across. It was easy going at first, until I stepped in a deep hole that I couldn’t see. I almost dipped my camera in the water when I sunk in and the water level almost reached the phone in my pocket. I got lucky and would be more careful on the way back!

The first panel I found was carved into this thin slab of sandstone which looks like it has broken away from the cliff it was once attached to.

Slab Panel by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A closer look at the figure in the circle and a few sheep.

Slab Detail by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I also found this large boulder covered with petroglyphs nearby.

Virgin Boulder by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I searched the area for another panel that was supposed to be around here, but came up empty handed on that one. It was starting to get late so I climbed back up to the highway and continued the drive into Utah. I wasn’t planning on driving all the way home today so I needed to find somewhere to camp for the night. Two years ago Jared and I had camped near Little Black Mountain just over the border in Arizona, so I thought it would be a good spot to head back to.

I arrived at Little Black Mountain just in time to catch the setting sun striking the petroglyphs found here.

Little Black Mountain Petroglyphs by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I liked the rock catching the last light of the day below this petroglyph of a sheep.

Light & Sheep by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

LBM Sunset by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I stuck around Little Black Mountain the following morning until this large boulder was out of the shadows and in the light.

Out of the Shadows by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Before finishing my drive home I drove further south into the Arizona Strip just to see where the road went. I took this photo at my turnaround point to finish off the trip.

The End by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

>> Leaving Death Valley Photo Gallery

Today would be my last full day in Death Valley National Park. I spent the day visiting a few popular areas of the park I had skipped over earlier in the week so I could at least check them out. While I would spend much of the day visiting new locations I did decide to return to Zabriskie Point again to catch another sunrise this morning. As usual, I arrived at Zabriskie Point well before the sunrise and before anyone else was there. Instead of going up by the main overlook, this time I went to a different location a little further to the south. I was expecting other people to show up and setup next to me, but luckily that never happened and I had this area to myself.

A view over the Zabriskie badlands in the soft dawn light.

Soft Light by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Photographers lined up at the main viewpoint while I sat all by myself.

Dawn Lineup by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Early morning sunlight strikes the Panamint Range across the valley.

Zabriskie Point Morning View by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Badlands by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

When I had the shots I had come for I got back to my Jeep and took the short drive through the nearby Twenty Mule Team Canyon.

Twenty Mule Team Canyon Road by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Next up, I made my way back over near Stovepipe Wells and hiked into Mosaic Canyon before the sun was too high in the sky.

Mosaic Wash by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Mosaic Canyon by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I soon found myself following the Emegrant Canyon Road up into the Panamint Range. I first stopped at Aguereberry Point with a hazy view over Death Valley.

Aguereberry Point by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Haze & Mountains by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I made a quick stop at the Eureka Mine to explore the area a bit.

Eureka Mine by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I continued driving higher into the mountains until I reached the large and impressive Charcoal Kilns.

Charcoal Kilns by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Not far past the kilns I ran into a bit of snow on the road.

Snow by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Then I reached the end of the road at Mahogany Flat. At 8,133 feet, this is the highest point in Death Valley that I would visit this trip. One day I will have to return and hike to the top of Telescope Peak.

Mahogany Flat by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Next, I went from above 8,000 feet to below sea level so I could visit Artists Drive.

Artists Drive by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Artists Road by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I had some extra time before sunset, so I hiked up this unnamed wash where I ran into the canyoneering group that I was planning to camp with tonight. They had just finished descending a nearby canyon and were heading back to camp.

Unnamed Wash by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

My last stop of the day was a nice sunset hike through Golden Canyon.

Golden Canyon by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Red Cathedral by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Last light of the day strikes Manly Beacon.

Manly Sunset by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

As I was leaving Golden Canyon the sky lit up with color and I witnessed the best sunset of the week. Of course I pulled over and got a few photos!

Badwater Road by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Death Valley Sunset by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

When the light was gone I continued driving until I was just outside of the park where I met up with the canyoneering group at their campsite. I hung out around the campfire with them a little bit before heading off to bed. It was the only night of the trip I was camped with a group of people instead of by myself.

>> All Around Death Valley Photo Gallery