Southern Utah - October 2016: Part 2

Comb Wash, South & North Mule Canyons, Edge of the Cedars, Bear's Ears

Monday, October 24 (continued)

This post is a continuation of the journey begun in Part 1.

Remember to click any photo to see a larger version - highly recommended.

Comb Wash

Comb Ridge seen from eastbound US-163.
Interestingly enough, the ridge is red on the west side and white on the east side.

I'd seen the turn-off to the dirt road up Comb Wash when I'd driven US-163 west of Bluff any number of times. Folks I met near Moab on my last trip recommended it as both a drive and destination. I would drive north from 163 to UT-95, exploring as I went. If the weather forecast was right, I would clear the area before the expected rains came. This might be important as I knew the road crossed several arroyos before it regained the highway.

Comb Wash Road with Comb Ridge to the east.

My curiosity becomes peaked whenever I see a ridge of white stone pushed up in the middle of red sand and stone.

Though the turn off is not marked, once you are on the dirt road you should see a sign, San Jan County 235. The "comb" cliffs mark the eastern boundary of the wash and the edge of Cedar Mesa, the western border. There is mostly red dirt and sand, but the views are wonderful. A few miles up the road, the route splits. The left, west, fork becomes Snow Flat Road and ascends the mesa - this is the Mormon Emigrant Trail. The right fork crosses the wash and continues north.

The road below is the folk which becomes Snow Flat Road as it ascends Cedar Mesa

Yipes! Stripes!

There are cottonwoods growing along the wash bottom and as you get closer to UT-95 there are a number of dispersed camping areas - some near the cliffs on the east side of the road, a few others closer to the cottonwoods and the wash. I found one under the trees, with some intersting rock formations to the west, that I want to return to next season.

On the west side of the road are cottonwoods along the wash and interesting sandstone formations.

A mile or so south of UT-95 I passed the BLM camping area in which I spent one night last trip. I decided to cross the highway and explore the dirt road farther up the wash. There are a couple of dispersed sites just off the highway, but the road then passes through part of the Ute Indian Reservation and they have No Trespassing signs along the road. Theoretically, the road continues north, but there was a deep-looking river crossing I thought wasn't worth trying, so I turned around and drove back to the highway.

Mule Ruins Interpretive Trail

Restored kiva at the Mule Canyon Interpretive Trail

I drove west on 95 to check out the Mule Ruins Interpretive Trail. I found the ruins and interpretive trail, just off the state highway, to be a bit of a disappointment. They would, however, serve as a good introduction for tourists driving through with little time and less experience with ruins in the area. Unless you fit that category, I'd say spend your precious time elsewhere.

Cave (Tower) Ruins

I headed back east on the highway to look for the turn-off to Tower Ruins. You would be wise to pick up one of the hand-drawn maps at the Cedar Mesa Ranger Station if you wish to find these ruins and/or South or North Mule Creek access. Also, be sure to pick up a free copy of the Cedar Mesa/Grand Gulch Trip Planner - a vital reference for hiking and camping in the area.

The road to the tower ruins goes from bad to worse. The first section can be done with any moderately high-clearance vehicle, but I recommend parking in the lot by the first informational kiosk and walking from there. I tried to drive the next part and abandoned the effort about halfway as it was just too rough. Turning around was no picnic, either.

This tower was close to the head of the canyon.

There is not much left of the towers. The theory is that they were built to protect the spring and pool at the head of the canyon, but no one living really knows.

Looking across the head of the canyon at a tower.

South Mule Canyon Bluffs

To find the road to South Mule Canyon - the actual canyon, not the interpretive site - look for the sign for "Arch Canyon - Texas Flat." The road is on the north side of the highway. There is a permit kiosk a short way in, as this is a fee area, then you drive only a bit farther to the canyon. Generally Mesa-top car camping is free and doesn't require a permit, whereas hiking and back-country camping do require permits. Permits are available at the ranger station and at many trailheads.

Looking at a satellite view before leaving home, it appeared there would likely be dispersed camping sites just beyond the South Mule Canyon trailhead on top of the canyon rim and there were. I did continue down the road just to see what was around and noticed others camped farther along. I turned around shortly after the bridge crosses the wash of North Mule Canyon.

It is hard to see, but my camping spot is not far from the canyon rim.

I initially thought once I'd set up camp on the bluff above South Mule Canyon, I would hike from there down to the trail which leads up to the House on Fire ruins. But I could see rain on the horizon and light sprinkles changed my mind. The precipitation was light and intermittent, so I decided just to stay in the area around where I'd camped. I was able explore the canyon rim a bit between showers before dark.

Slickrock and vegetation near my campsite.

Tuesday, October 25

Although it didn't rain very much overnight, it was dark and chilly the next morning. Everything was wet and I would be too if I decided to hike. I decided I'd break camp and drive into Blanding as I heard Edge of the Cedars museum there had a great collection of ancient puebloan artifacts and there was a small ruin, too. I could also get gas, have lunch in town, and maybe the skies would clear. My intention was to then return to hike South Mule Canyon with the sun shining.

Edge of the Cedars

To get to the state park/museum you turn off the main street in Blanding and drive several blocks though a residential area. There is a modest fee to enter the museum, and it is well worth it. They have a very diverse collection of artifacts on display. I especially enjoyed the "discovery" displays - be sure to read the discovery stories on the wall posters to learn how ordinary hikers came across these marvelous discoveries. This is their website.

I have a dozen additional images posted on this photo page. I strongly encourage you to view them.

The Discovery collection.

The ruins behind the museum.

I have a dozen additional images posted on this photo page. I encourage you to view them.

After the museum I had lunch, then retraced my route back to the west.

Butler Wash

I'd seen the sign to the Butler Wash Ruins on UT-95 west of Blanding on my drive in that morning. The trip planner states that it is only a hike of about a mile round trip to see the ruins.

Looking south from the trail.

The trail starts on sandy soil though the piñon and juniper, then transitions to slickrock. There are a couple of slightly steep parts, but mostly the trail is easy. There are cairns to follow on the slickrock and most of those have been cemented in place. Your destination is an overlook with the ruins about a hundred yards across the canyon (if my memory is accurate.) You might wish to bring a small pair of binoculars along to view the ruins.

View of the ruins from the overlook.

A closer look at the main section of the ruins.

I walked back to the parking area, and again drove west on UT-95 to the road to Mule Canyon.

South Mule Canyon

I pulled off the highway, stuffed my two dollars in the permit envelope, and after dropping it in the slot drove down the hill. The trailhead is in the first canyon you come upon, approximately a quarter mile from the highway. You just park alongside the road. The trail drops off the upstream side of the road and winds up the canyon.

I have posted eleven additional photos of South Mule Canyon, including House on Fire Ruins, on this photo page.

Looking back toward the trailhead, not far from the road.

Canyon walls along the trail.

Much of the trail is alongside the bottom, though you cross over a number of times, and walk up the wash in places, as well. The hike is described as easy-to-moderate by BLM. After about a mile you come to the House on Fire ruins. I gather it is so named because the coloration of the rock can look like flames in the right light.

House on Fire Ruins

From the west side you can see the ruins clustered under the enormous rock cliff.

There are supposed to be three other ruins farther up the canyon, each about a mile from the other. I hiked up another mile, but didn't spot any other ruins.

There are beautiful scenes all along the canyon, such as these majestic Ponderosa Pines.

It is a very pretty hike up the canyon and fairly easy. When I was just about back to the trail head I spotted several Mule Deer grazing along the canyon bottom.

The canyon is a haven for deer as there is no hunting anywhere on Cedar Mesa.

I have posted eleven additional photos of South Mule Canyon, including House on Fire Ruins, on this photo page.

North Mule Canyon campsite

After my hike I drove north on the dirt road. North Mule Canyon is about 3/4 of a mile farther along. The previous evening, as I was driving around before settling in my campsite, I had noticed a particularly attractive campsite just past the bridge at North Mule Canyon. There was a large van set up, with solar panels deployed, just above the canyon bottom under a cottonwood. There were pools of water in the creek bed and interesting rock canyon walls. I drove there to see if it was now available and lucked out, the site was empty. I drove down the short access road into the shallow canyon. It was easy to find a level spot. I set up and deployed my solar panel as there was still enough sunshine low in the afternoon sky.

Lower North Mule Canyon seen from my campsite.

It is a lovely spot on a wide terrace slightly above the canyon bottom. The canyon here is shallow and I enjoyed just sitting in my camp chair and enjoying the view.

My campsite as seen from the north canyon rim in the early evening.

Wednesday, October 26

My initial plan was to take a short hike, perhaps down the canyon, then move on. As I wandered around camp taking photos, the peace and beauty of this place began to seep into me. I realized that I'd subconsciously reached the decision to stay here another day. I had already deployed my solar panel, so now I decided to raise my tarp awning, as well. That would provide shade for the camper, especially the area of the fridge, in case the sun became hot later in the day. I lounged around camp, took a few more photos, then got ready to hike up the canyon.

Autumn leaves.

A Golden Aster thriving in the rock.

Such a beautiful and peaceful campsite. I hope to return here again.

I haven't been able to determine exactly to which species this little chipmunk belongs.

North Mule Canyon

Fewer folks hike North Mule Canyon than the South, which has House on Fire ruins and is an easier trail. The trail, here, is a bit more obscure in places and spends much more time at the bottom in the wash area, so is a bit more difficult, but never that hard.

There was an older couple just beginning to hike the canyon at the same time as I. I realized from what they were saying that they were under the mistaken impression they were in South Mule Canyon. I let them know this was the north canyon and House on Fire ruins were in the other canyon. I gave them directions to the other trailhead, they thanked me and turned around.

I have posted all these photos and ten more on this photo page.

Mind the gap. The trail skirts around to the left.

Much of the trail is simply the canyon bottom.

North canyon is not as large or quite as spectacular as South canyon, but every bit as beautiful. About a mile up the trail under a low rock ledge were two walls, all that remains of a small ruin.

Only two side walls remain of this small ruin.

Another mile up canyon is a dramatic promontory marking the area where the canyon forks, though the spur is much smaller than the main canyon. I could see evidence of some sort of ruin near the top of the high rock. It would be a great place for a look-out, though it may have also been just a granary. You might wish to bring a small pair of binoculars along to view the ruins.

Promontory and hanging garden.

A closer view of the promontory and the small ruin tucked into the overhang.

Below the promontory was a small "hanging garden" under an overhang, the first I'd seen, though I read they are not uncommon in these canyons. They are formed where water seeps out from between the rock layers of a wall face.

A closer look at the hanging gardens. The dark crescent is simply the shadow of the overhang in difficult lighting conditions.

A little ways up canyon were the ruins of several rooms along the cliff face, not far from the canyon bottom. It made me realize that although Moon House was a clearly defensible cliff dwelling, the peoples who settled in Mule Canyons had no such fears and built low in the canyons, on terraces just above the level of flood waters.

Ruins perched on a terrace below the promontary.

Curiously, I met another couple hiking here who thought they were in South Mule Canyon. I had a hard time convincing them that they were in the north canyon. It seems they had a map from the visitor bureau in Blanding that had the wrong milage listed to the trail head from the highway.

Once I visited the lower ruins, I turned around and made my way back down the canyon to my camp. My right knee wobbled a bit on the way out and I realized I'd put it through much more than usual on this trip.

One more look at North Mule Canyon.

I have posted all these photos and ten more on this photo page.

Back in camp, I moved my solar panel to point more directly into the sun. It worked great on this trip. I sat in my chair to relax after my day and to enjoy the scenery around camp. I sat so quietly that a number of deer wandered though. They kept an eye on me, but as long as I didn't move, they didn't bolt. Afternoon turned into a beautiful evening with a colorful sunset.

Mule deer across the stream from my camp.

A beautiful sunset in camp this evening.

A contrail cuts through the clouds.

Thursday, October 27

I would head home today, but wanted to explore a bit of the national forest north of Cedar Mesa. I drove up the road toward Bear's Ears Pass, stopping a couple of times to admire the view south and west.

Bear's Ears and Elk Mountain Road

I realized that, although I had seen and admired Bear's Ears peaks while on Cedar Mesa, I failed to take a photograph. Driving up toward the pass I was too close to remedy that situation.

View from Elk Mountain Road as it climbs towards Bear's Ears Pass.

Natural Bridges National Monument as seen from Elk Mountain Road.

The western ear of the bear.

I stopped at the pass for a few more photos and drove on. After days at lower, dryer elevations I was now in among the pines, spruce, and aspen. I had been cautioned, before I left home, that this road quickly became impassible when wet and I could see evidence of that even two days after only a moderate rain.

View of the national forest north of Bear's Ears Pass.

I stopped at the Arch Canyon overlook. The atmosphere was extremely hazy. I was surprised to just be able make out the profile of Ship Rock on the horizon. Can you see it in the image below?

Hazy view from Arch Canyon Overlook

Abajo Mountains with white canyons to their south.

I continued on Elk Mountain Road which curves east, affording great views of the Abajo Mountains with white sandstone canyons at their feet, then back south to UT-95. From there it was highway all the way home.

Epilog

This was the last camping trip of the season. My camper is now safely tucked inside my garage for the winter months. I didn't get out as many times this year as in past years, but every trip was great fun and filled with wonders. Thanks for following along!

P.S., I came across this interesting website should you be thinking of visiting any of the wonderful areas from this trip.

Hell's Backbone, Spencer Flat, Natural Bridges, and Comb Wash - September 2016: Part 4

Southern Utah - September 2016
Spectacular Switchbacks, a Secret (Camp) Site, and Hidden Splendor

Part 4 of 4:
Hell's Backbone Road, Spencer Flat, Natural Bridges, and Comb Wash

Tuesday, September 20th (continued from Part 3)

Click on any photo to see larger versions - highly recommended!

Boulder

I thought I might stop in Boulder for lunch, but first I wanted to see if I could find the reported Escalante National Monument visitor center. It took driving through town and back to notice the sign - the VC is inside the building that hosts Anasazi State Park. Inside I found the information counter with a small sign saying "Sorry We Missed You" and advising visiting the interagency visitor center in the town of Escalante. There were maps, brochures, and a permit pad at the desk, so I guess that covers most needs.

I wanted to ask about the approaching rain and condition of Hell's Backbone Road that I'd heard about and was interested in exploring. The state park building did have good, free wifi, but I wanted local information. I lucked out as a state park ranger wandered within view. I asked him about the rain and where I had hoped to drive. He stepped outside and looked at the clouds, which pleased me. He said, "Rain usually rolls in from that direction," pointing SW; "and Hell's Backbone is that direction," pointing to the NW. "I believe you will have plenty of time to drive the road, but I wouldn't want to try it this evening." That was all I needed to know. I thanked him and hurried off - lunch could wait.

Hell's Backbone Road

The view from the first few miles of the road.

I drove southwest out of Boulder on UT-12, the road climbing up a sandstone mesa, and turned off north on Hell's Backbone Road, which was built by the CCC in 1933 to connect Escalante and Boulder. It travels through rolling hills, then ranch/farm country for a while before ascending onto the mountain, complete with pines and evergreens. I didn't know what to expect along the road, the only photos I'd seen didn't include forests. Perhaps I shouldn't have been surprised, I'd been driving in Dixie National Forest since turning off the main highway. I came to a bit of old road and drove in a short ways to have a picnic lunch.

I stopped here for lunch. You can see this old road is blocked behind my truck. Folks had camped here.

Resuming my drive toward the west, I soon came upon Sand Creek. It looked like there were dispersed campsites along there and a forest road heading north. Looking at Google Maps since my return home, I can see a forest road that follows the creek and should provide a number of camping opportunities. There are other forest roads in the area, as well.

As the road climbs out of the little valley of Sand Creek, domes of white sandstone appear on the north side of the road. Only a short while later the iconic views I'd been expecting from the advanced PR opened up on the south side of the road. Wow! I seem to be using (or over using) the term "dramatic" in this post, but what else can I say? Spectacular? Yes, at least that. I stopped to take photos that cannot begin even in the smallest way convey the breath-taking drop and view toward the Box-Death Hollow Wilderness. I suddenly wished I had a stereoscopic camera, but don't know how I could get you a stereoscopic viewer - perhaps in a few years when we all have VR goggles.

The view to the south over the chasms of the Box-Death Hollow Wilderness.

On the north side of the road, more colorful rock formation and aspen covered mountainside.

Hell's Backbone Bridge

Here is a little information on the road and its construction.

View of the bridge from the side.

I crossed the famous single-lane bridge over the top of the spine, after stopping for more photos. The road continues through the forest, back a ways from the edge of the canyon. I stopped to photograph some aspen that were already turning, but as the sky was still threatening rain I kept to the main road and didn't turn off to look at Posey Lake or its campground.

The elevation in this area was about 9000'

Escalante

I reached town just as it was starting to sprinkle and I got gas first thing. I then drove to the west side where the consolidated, interagency Visitor Center is located. I wanted an update on the weather and their opinion if it was safe/risky to drive out Hole in the Rock road to find camping. I was already thinking of heading back home as the weather report I got in Boulder indicated that the rain would last for days.

They said it would rain, but did not know how hard, though the ranger said when the chance of rain was 80%, as it was, that usually meant lots of rain. The young man at the information counter and I discussed options and I settled on Spencer Flat Road as a destination. He helped me fill out a permit, which is required for all overnight camping in Grand Staircase-Escalente National Monument (and Glen Canyon National Monument, too.) The permits are free and you don't have to be too specific in your final spot.

There is a nice, little organic grocery store along the main street, next door to the Escalante Post Office. A bit pricey, as you would expect, but I wanted fresh fruit which they had. They also had lots of frozen items - also not a surprise at this outpost. To balance this out, I stopped at Nemo's before leaving town for a pretty good cheeseburger and fries.

I drove east out of Escalente on UT-12 in light rain. The turnoff would be in about 10 miles, in the middle of the big switchback where the highway drops off the rock cliffs, at mile marker 70.

Spencer Flat Road

I found the road easily and turned south. Very quickly I spotted a nice campsite just off the road with some small trees. Not one to take the very first site, and it was not that far off the busy highway, I continued down Spencer Flat Road. There were a couple side roads within the first mile or so that likely led to sites, but there were also a couple of washes that might be problematic if the ranger's heavy rain came in the night.

I turned around and pulled into that first site. Though it was within one or two hundred feet of the highway, the pavement was below the cut for the most part and it was a nice level site with a bit of a view. I got the top up and the items I store in the truck cab moved into the camper in time for a pretty good rain shower at around 4pm. I sat inside, listened to satellite radio and finished a good book I'd been reading.

My campsite just off Spencer Flat Road.

Head of the Rocks

An hour or so later the rain had stopped, though the sky was still overcast. I decided to explore a bit as there was a hint of a path leading to a promontory nearby. I took my camera hoping to find a place to overlook the dramatic little valley. I was able to skirt a cattle fence and with an easy climb was delighted with the wonderful view over the white sandstone canyon. The photos look a little flat, especially with the overcast, but the landscape was anything but flat.

The depth and breadth of the view was wonderful as were the colors.

From the end of a promontory, decorated with a cairn, you can see the state highway descend.

When I'd first driven through here in 2013 after visiting Bryce Canyon, I was totally amazed when the highway dropped off the flats into this scene of twisted and domed rock. On that sunny day, I stopped on the other side and took a photo looking back west.

View looking west at Head of the Rocks from my May 2013 trip.

I've now seen this geologic feature referred to as Head of the Rocks. It seems to be comprised of Navajo Sandstone, Kayenta Formation, and Wingate Sandstone. If you are interested in the geology of the national monument you will want to view this pdf.

iPhone panorama (180º plus) of the view of Head of the Rocks.

It only rained lightly during the night and the traffic on the highway dropped to nil once it got dark.

Wednesday

Spencer Flat Road (continued)

As the roads were still in good shape, though the clouds were heavy, I decided to explore farther down Spencer Flat Road after breaking camp. The road roughly parallels the rim of the valley and there did seem to be a number of dispersed sites available. The road climbed a moderately steep and rocky section, then went across a cattle guard. At the top of that rise was a large site close to the rim with a few junipers. I may come back here in future. I turned around there, headed back to the highway, and proceded east.

Back on the Highway

I did not stop at the Boyton Overlook as the heavy cloud cover muted the colors and view. here is the photo I took of the overlook my first time by here.

Boyton Overlook from my May 2013 trip.

I did pull into the campground at Calf Creek Recreation area, as I'd heard it was a lovely spot. It is indeed an oasis in this rugged canyon country. The sign said the campground was full, but there were a number of empty spots where campers had recently pulled out. You should grab a spot early if you wish to camp here. This is also the trailhead for Lower Calf Creek Falls, a hike that was recommended to me.

I didn't stop and photograph the Hog's Back this trip either, as the light rain diminished the view. Here is a photo from my earlier trip.

The Hog's Back from my May 2013 trip.

It was lightly raining as I traversed Boulder Mountain on highway 12. The gorgeous views off to the south and east of the canyon country that I'd enjoyed on my previous trip through here were veiled by mist. The road even passed though pockets of heavy fog. I was heartened to see that even in the few years since I last drove through, the aspen groves had made great strides toward recovery.

Torrey

I wanted to fuel my belly, so stopped at the Capitol Reef Inn & Cafe in Torrey. It was around 11am. They said they were only serving breakfast, which was OK with me. For some reason I ordered waffles with fresh strawberries and a side of scrambled eggs. They were OK, but nothing special. They did have good wifi, however, and I was able to examine the brochures I'd picked up earlier and come up with a travel plan.

Capitol Reef Petroglyphs

I'd seen the sign on the main highway for petroglyphs when driving by days before. This pass I had time to stop and check them out. The national park constrains visitors to a wooden walkway, the far end had been closed due to a fallen cottonwood.

This is the main panel which is just off the parking area.

This faint animal panel was down the walkway.

This arch-typical figure was the last before the walkway was closed.

I drove back east on UT-24, stopped in Hanksville for gas, then drove down UT-95 toward Lake Powell. This section seemed much more scenic than on my last trip, perhaps as it was about 40 degrees cooler. I made a quick stop at the lake overlook to see just how low the lake had fallen, then proceded to Natural Bridges National Monument

Natural Bridges

The only time I'd been here was late on a hot, windy afternoon so only took a few photos from the overlooks. I'd wanted to hike down into the canyon for photos this time, but again it was late in the day, so only hiked down the shortest trail to Owachomo Bridge. I also took photos from the rim viewpoints, and with the scattered light from the overcast, the images turned out better than those from my previous trip.

Sipapu Bridge from the overlook.

Kachina Bridge from the overlook.

iPhone panorama (180º plus) of the canyon and Kachina Bridge.

Owachomo Bridge from the trail.

I had anticipated the campground at Natural Bridges would be full. It's small and popular. If you're curious, it filled at 1:15pm on this day. It would have been a convenient stop, but I already had a plan. When talking to David and Peggy back in Moab, they'd raved about what a wonderful place Comb Wash was to explore and camp. I'd seen the road and sign at the southern terminus of the wash every time I drove between Bluff and points west, and had always wondered about it.

Comb Wash

One of the brochures I'd picked up at the info center in Torrey was the 50 page San Juan County: Utah's Canyon Country (www.utahscanyoncountry.com 800-574-4386). It is worth requesting. I was looking though it to figure my plans for the day/evening while having lunch in Torrey. In the back, in the list of public campgrounds, I found Comb Wash listed as a primitive campground of the BLM, 12 miles west of Blanding on US-95. That was about the extent of the listing, they gave the phone number and URL for BLM Monticello. I used the wifi back in Torrey to check out the web page and there was absolutely no mention of Comb Wash Campground in the Monticello District's web pages. Curious. Well, I knew about where Comb Was was located and the area had been recommended, so I would go looking.

Secret Campground

I passed the junction to UT-261 that leads south, though Cedar Mesa, to the Moki Dugway and points beyond. As I continued along 95 I saw quite a number of dirt roads leading off on both sides of the highway - lots of places to explore.

There is no mistaking when the highway drops off Cedar Mesa into Comb Wash. I spotted what looked like camp trailers several hundred yards south of the highway in the riparian area of the wash. I slowed, looking for a BLM or highway sign. There was none, and I could have easily missed the road had I not been looking for it. Once off the highway there were large flat areas on either side of the road that would be suitable for large 5th wheel trailers or mobile homes. There was a BLM single-panel info kiosk with a map of Comb Wash, but no mention of a campground.

I continued down the narrow, sandy road and stopped abreast of a couple out walking. I asked about the campground. The sky was dark and the forecast was still for rain, so I didn't want to drive too far or get beyond a place on the road that could wash out in a storm. They said there was a very nice campground just ahead, complete with vault toilets, and they believed there were a couple of spots open, or there might be more camping farther down the road.

I pulled in and it looked nice, but of course I had to explore a bit farther before settling. There was another, occupied, camping area just south of there, then the road went through a deep wash before continuing. I decided to be prudent, turn around, and take of of the sites in the official campground. I found a beautiful spot beside the cottonwood trees among sage, brush, grasses, and wildflowers. The camp sites also had fire rings, but I didn't start a fire. It was a pleasant evening and night with only a few sprinkles.

My campsite in Comb Wash.

Thursday

I took a short walk through the riparian area (assuming I can use that term for a wash that is dry most of the year.) I enjoyed the trees, bushes, and wildflowers as I ambled down the dry channel. I returned to my camp and packed up.

Near my campsite.

I drove east up the highway, literally up the incline toward the cut in the cliff. I pulled off to take a few photos of the wash and surrounding area, including the camping area.

Spectacular view of the highway as it climbs out of Comb Wash.

Looking across the wash from the highway. You can see the campground below.

One more look at the northern end of Comb Wash.

On the road

I followed my navigation app's directions toward home. It routed me east on UT-95, south on US-191, east on UT-262, then east on UT-162.

View from UT-262 on the way home.

I cut the corner of Colorado and back to Shiprock, NM, where I stopped for lunch. I drove east into Farmington and was dreading the stretch from there through Bloomfield, but this time the app chose the route bypassing the awful congestion. Hooray! If you, too, would like to take this alternate route, follow County Road 5500 between US-64 and US-550 (I hope it will be easy to remember as going NW, you turn off 550 to 5500.)

There were several thunderstorms in the area as I drove southeast on 550. I hit a couple and missed a couple. I caught a little "rush hour" traffic as I got close to the city, but made it home safely.

Home again

All in all, an excellent trip! I could have wished for more sun and less rain the last couple of days, but I'm not going to complain. I saw lots of beautiful scenery and now am full of ideas of places to explore next time.

I hope you enjoyed following me along the trail.