San Rafael Swell - The Western Slope and Mesa Butte

[hatchcanyon]

Seems to me that many people do not like the country south of I 70 and west of the San Rafael Swell. Is there something to see? Yes indeed, one can find some interesting spots. Let me promote the area with some pictures. The whole long story: Western Slopes (in German) I will portion the report into several postings. This is the first one.

Near exit 99 and south of it - Mesa Butte. Dull grey to black with some pale brown rocks on top. Lets take a closer look.

Where pavement ends

Blue Flat

Mesa Butte

Even an arch is there

Simply rocks

The brown stuff is coming down from the top layer

What a scenery! Completely different from Red Rock Country.

More brown on black

Green is sparse - but have a closer look!

You can find quite a few plants....

Some kind of parsley (?)

A plant we can't identify

Paintbrush

Mahonia(?)

Primrose

Southern part of Mesa Butte

Impressive!

Our next goal will be Lone Tree Wedge - a Wedge with views.

Featured image for home page:

 

[Vegan.Hiker]

I agree. The brown on black looks very cool. Almost like earth rocks on the moon.

 

[Artemus]

Very, very nice Hatch. Good to see another human from across the pond like @Michael enjoys and is ultra knowledgeable about the less-traveled portions of our state.