Kohta Circus & Little Finland

IntrepidXJ

ADVENTR
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Death Valley Trip 2013 | Day 1
Saturday, February 9, 2013

The Original Trip Report on ADVENTR.CO

It's been an unusually long and cold winter this year in Grand Junction. That's why I'm glad I started planning my first trip to Death Valley a few months earlier. It would be nice to get out hiking and camping in temperatures that were a bit warmer than back at home. Though my main destination on this week-long trip would be Death Valley, I planned on spending the first weekend exploring a few locations in Nevada. On Saturday morning I left home bright and early and started my drive west.

As I approached Salina the sun started to come up and painted the clouds above a pink hue. I pulled over for a quick photo over the interstate.


Salina Sunrise by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A layer of fresh snow that fell overnight coated the landscape and caught my attention.


Fresh Snow by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

When I reached St. George I needed to get out of the Jeep and stretch my legs a bit. I drove over to Anasazi Ridge along the Santa Clara River and hiked to a few petroglyphs.

Two large rectangular-bodied bighorn sheep.


Two Big Sheep by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A very alien-like figure pecked into the top of a large boulder.


The Alien by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

There were some real nice panels around this area.


Anasazi Ridge by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

After a quick lunch back in St. George, I continued on to Mesquite where I topped off the fuel tank in my Jeep before heading south on the Gold Butte Road.

Low clouds hide the tops of the mountains in the distance as I made my way to Whitney Pocket.


Gold Butte Road by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I soon reached my first destination in Nevada- the trailhead to the Kohta Circus petroglyphs. After a nice hike across the desert I soon spotted the petroglyphs I was searching for.

I liked the ripples in the sand below the large panel of petroglyphs and made sure to include them in this shot.


Sand & Petroglyphs by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Here's a wider view of the same panel.


Long Panel by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

High above I spotted this pristine petroglyph panel and made sure to use my long lens for a closer look.


Kohta Circus Panel by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Hiking back across the desert to my Jeep I stopped for this photo as the clouds opened up and let a little light through in the distance.


Stormy Spotlight by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

After returning to my Jeep I started the drive over to Little Finland, where I planned to photograph at sunset and spend the night.

On the way I stopped at this petroglyph panel above the wash.


Mud Wash Petroglyphs by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I reached Little Finland just as the late afternoon light was getting nice, so I grabbed my camera and started to explore the area.


Little Finland by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Through the Eye by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


The Claw by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Standing Tall by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Opening by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Reach for the Sky by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Finland Creature by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Catching the Sun by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

After the sun had set for the evening there was a nice glow on the sandstone that I stuck around for.


Stained Sunset by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Scream to the Sky by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

When the light was gone for the day, I hiked back down to my Jeep and setup camp for the night. I read for a little while and then quickly fell asleep. It was a great first day to the trip.

>> Kohta Circus & Little Finland Photo Gallery

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Wonderful Randy!!
I was totally impressed of the Kohta Circus panel. And especially the panel high on that cliff was fantastic. Did you take any shots of the smaller panels below that one?
The mud wash panel is on my list for next month and I can't wait to revisit Little Finland again after so many years and explore more of the area.
 
Very impressive!

Still working our new home and still have most our furniture in the garage. Haven''t taken: a day off in 6 weeks...... aaaaaahhhhhhhh :-(
 
Very amazing!

I love the pics and now I'm sad I missed out on a trip to Little Finland
 
Awesome! I love the shot against the sun.
You always deliver very good stuff, thanks for sharing!
 
Nice shots. One of my favorite wintertime locations.

If you return let me know I found a really good slot canyon near mud wash

W.
 

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