San Rafael Swell - The Western Slope and Mesa Butte

hatchcanyon

Member
Joined
May 29, 2013
Messages
136
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.

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Where pavement ends

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Blue Flat

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Mesa Butte

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Even an arch is there

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Simply rocks

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The brown stuff is coming down from the top layer

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What a scenery! Completely different from Red Rock Country.

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More brown on black

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Green is sparse - but have a closer look!

You can find quite a few plants....

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Some kind of parsley (?)

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A plant we can't identify

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Paintbrush

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Mahonia(?)

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Primrose

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Southern part of Mesa Butte

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Impressive!

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

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