Sunday, March 1, 2015
I didn’t get out hiking yesterday like planned, so I had to make sure that I got outside today! I decided to head over to the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness near Fruita this afternoon and hiked the Pollock Bench Loop which follows the edge of the higher bench between Flume Creek Canyon and the East Fork of Pollock Canyon. While I really dislike having to post photos that really aren’t that great on my blog, I can’t always hike in great photographic conditions all the time and today was one of those days. With another winter storm moving into the area, the sky was overcast all day and the conditions outside were generally gloomy. Aside from the gray skies the temperature out was very comfortable for hiking and it never rained or snowed while I was on the trail. The complete loop ended up being about 7 miles in length.
Following the rim of Flume Creek Canyon to the top of the Pollock Bench.
Pollock Bench by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Left for the Pollock Bench, right for the Rattlesnake Arches.
Pollock Bench Loop by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
A view down Pollock Canyon from the edge of the bench. I think my next hike in this area will be exploring both forks of Pollock Canyon.
Pollock Canyon by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
The trail up to the end of the bench was mostly on top of the mesa with limited views, but once reaching the far end of the bench it followed the opposite rim the whole way back.
Sandstone by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
The trail along the edge of the bench.
Bench Trail by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Meeting back up with the Rattlesnake Arches trail before returning to the trailhead. The higher trail on the left is the one I had come from and the lower trail on the right leads to Pollock Canyon and the Rattlesnake Arches.
Two Trails by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
I have included the GPS track of my hike in the Google Map below.