DrNed
The mountains are calling and I must go
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2013
- Messages
- 1,024
After looking a variety of options and available dates I decided for our big trip this year we're going to mountain bike the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands - week of Memorial Day. I'm really excited!
In preparation for that trip we did a car camping trip this past Friday & Saturday.
The idea was to get a taste of the area, get everyone excited and see some of the things in the district that we won't see on the White Rim.
After heading out Friday afternoon we reached Horse Thief Campground just after 8:00 PM set up camp, grilled some burgers and turned in early.
Just as we were leaving the campground Saturday morning who should I see but @steve racing by in his "The More We Explore" van. He turned into Gemini Bridges and we continued on into the park.
Our first stop was the Schafer switch backs.
Because I was not the one driving I was able to see the sights as the road takes you along the top of the canyon.
Wow!
One kid said, "We're going to bike down this?! . . . Awesome!!" Mission accomplished.
The guys wanted to drive down the switch backs. I said no. This was meant to leave them wanting more . . and it did.
After checking out the Visitors Center, we were off to Mesa Arch. A short little hike, only .5 miles one way.
It was after doing this little hike that I asked myself, "Why do all the touristy people go to Arches?"
Here at Island In The Sky the hikes are shorter and easier. Don't get me wrong, I love Arches, but the views at Island In The Sky definitely have more bang for your buck.
That was made crystal clear at our next stop, Grand View Point Overlook. This overlook was less than a hundred yard walk from the car.
This was a good view because we could see the White Rim trail and why it has its name.
We then took a small trail along the rim.
After the Grand View Overlook I intended for us to hike the Goosberry Trail down to the White Rim, but I could never find the trailhead.
So it was off to Aztec Butte. I don't remember, but I think this only 2 miles round trip. The trail starts in the sand and then you climb this moderately steep slick rock to the top of the butte.
Once on top of the butte there is one ruin to check out.
Then you walk to back side of the butte for a great view into Taylor Canyon.
Then drop down off the top and there are several ancient storage sites hiding under the rim.
After the butte we went over to Green River Overlook. Again, great views, and you can drive right up to it.
Finally, we did the Murphy Point hike. This was the longest of the day, coming in at just over 3.5 miles.
And that's about it. Took all day but we were able to get all the Island In The Sky sights in.
In preparation for that trip we did a car camping trip this past Friday & Saturday.
The idea was to get a taste of the area, get everyone excited and see some of the things in the district that we won't see on the White Rim.
After heading out Friday afternoon we reached Horse Thief Campground just after 8:00 PM set up camp, grilled some burgers and turned in early.
Just as we were leaving the campground Saturday morning who should I see but @steve racing by in his "The More We Explore" van. He turned into Gemini Bridges and we continued on into the park.
Our first stop was the Schafer switch backs.
Because I was not the one driving I was able to see the sights as the road takes you along the top of the canyon.
Wow!
One kid said, "We're going to bike down this?! . . . Awesome!!" Mission accomplished.
The guys wanted to drive down the switch backs. I said no. This was meant to leave them wanting more . . and it did.
After checking out the Visitors Center, we were off to Mesa Arch. A short little hike, only .5 miles one way.
It was after doing this little hike that I asked myself, "Why do all the touristy people go to Arches?"
Here at Island In The Sky the hikes are shorter and easier. Don't get me wrong, I love Arches, but the views at Island In The Sky definitely have more bang for your buck.
That was made crystal clear at our next stop, Grand View Point Overlook. This overlook was less than a hundred yard walk from the car.
This was a good view because we could see the White Rim trail and why it has its name.
We then took a small trail along the rim.
After the Grand View Overlook I intended for us to hike the Goosberry Trail down to the White Rim, but I could never find the trailhead.
So it was off to Aztec Butte. I don't remember, but I think this only 2 miles round trip. The trail starts in the sand and then you climb this moderately steep slick rock to the top of the butte.
Once on top of the butte there is one ruin to check out.
Then you walk to back side of the butte for a great view into Taylor Canyon.
Then drop down off the top and there are several ancient storage sites hiding under the rim.
After the butte we went over to Green River Overlook. Again, great views, and you can drive right up to it.
Finally, we did the Murphy Point hike. This was the longest of the day, coming in at just over 3.5 miles.
And that's about it. Took all day but we were able to get all the Island In The Sky sights in.
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Hardly saw anyone at Grand View or Murphy Point. It sure was a beautiful day to be there.
