San Rafael Reef Wilderness. Rambling on the Reef March 30-31, 2021

[John Morrow]

After 24 months, I finally arrived back in Southern Utah! I landed at one of the campsites inside the canyon narrows of N. Temple Wash which has some great camps if not full of RVers and motortoys. With skis off for the season I needed to get my hiking legs going. Goal was to walk up on the Reef, create loops, find a bit of rock art and hit the summits between canyons. Maps/photos (more on Flickr) can do the talking:

March 30: Loop hike from campsite up/down Temple Wash, crossing the backside chinle to N. Temple Wash, side trip up Peak 6200' between T. Temple and farnsworth Canyons.


Pks 6080'; and 6200'; by John Morrow, on Flickr


Up through Temple Wash by John Morrow, on Flickr


Distant Henry Mountains by John Morrow, on Flickr


Around into N. Temple Wash by John Morrow, on Flickr


Above N. Temple Wash by John Morrow, on Flickr


Back to camp in canyon by John Morrow, on Flickr

March 31: Drive to Eardley Canyon. Check out canyon then ascend canyon rim to the south for two scrambles. Return through unknown Navajo domeland that, fortunately, went but with some difficult scrambling. That created the loop.

Pks 5810'; and 5875'; by John Morrow, on Flickr


Heading up onto Reef by John Morrow, on Flickr


Behind the Reef by John Morrow, on Flickr


The unknown canyon by John Morrow, on Flickr


can't get back into canyon by John Morrow, on Flickr


Kelsey's 4 Way Junction by John Morrow, on Flickr

Then off to find camping west of Grand Junction.

 

[Reef&Ruins]

Great stuff!!