Sand Cove & Yellow Rock

[IntrepidXJ]

Friday - Sunday, January 31 - February 2, 2014

The Original Trip Report on ADVENTR.CO

I had another permit to Coyote Buttes North this Saturday, so I decided to spend the weekend down around the Paria. The weather looked like it was going to be pretty nice so I was looking forward to getting in my first camping trip of the year. I only worked a half-day on Friday and then started driving through a snowstorm as I headed south through Utah. I finally got out of the snow shortly after passing through Monticello. I stopped for a quick dinner in Page and then hurried to make it up to the Paria Canyon Overlook in time for sunset. Unfortunately, I didn't leave myself enough time and made it to the overlook just after the sun had set. I was a little disappointed at first, but soon realized that the canyon looked pretty good in the early twilight. I had originally planned on camping up at the overlook for the night, but it was much windier and colder up here than I had anticipated, so I decided to drive back down to the Stateline Campground for the night. That way I would also be much closer to the Wire Pass trailhead for an early start in the morning.

As I was nearing Kayenta, I liked the clouds above Church Rock and pulled over for a quick photo.


Church Rock by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I made it to the Paria Canyon Overlook just after the sun had set. There was a tiny bit of color in the clouds.


Jagged Edge by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A beautiful view down Paria Canyon towards Lee's Ferry in the early twilight.


Paria Overlook by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

It was a nice 32 degrees out when I woke up around 5:30am on Saturday morning, and there was a light dusting of snow on my tent and Jeep. I had a quick breakfast and then took the short drive over to the Wire Pass trailhead. I started my hike in the dark and headed over to The Boneyard and Sand Cove in time to catch the sunrise. There were some low clouds on the eastern horizon that blocked the warm early morning light but the clouds above were nice and the sun did eventually strike the Coyote Buttes above.

My first stop this time was to The Boneyard just as the sun was coming up for the day.


Boneyard Morning by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Great clouds in the sky this morning. I really couldn't have asked for a much better sunrise!


Clouds Over Sandstone by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I got a much better photo of this little hoodoo that I found on my last trip.


Sunrise Hoodoo by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

This was a happy accident. As I was searching for a new composition I accidentally pressed the shutter button on my camera as it was moving. I almost deleted the photo, but something about it made me stop myself. When I got home and looked at it more closely I am glad that I didn't delete it since it's a nice abstract image.


Sandstone Abstract by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I always thought The Racetrack looked good in direct sunlight like The Wave, but now I think I prefer it in the shadows of the early morning...


Racetrack Sunrise by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The view back towards the snow-covered Coyote Buttes was amazing!


Coyote Buttes by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Great lines, clouds and light!


Morning Twist by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

After photographing The Racetrack, I climbed up towards The Wave and wandered around the sandstone under the Black Crack for a little bit.


Under the Black Crack by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A light dusting of snow on the 'brainrock' below the Black Crack.


Dusting by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Snow caught on thin ridges near the Second Wave.


Light Snow by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Beautiful soft reflected light on the Second Wave. It always amazing me how differently these features can look in different light.


Soft Light by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

This trip I decided to spend much of my time exploring the Sand Cove area more closely since I have spent plenty of time around The Wave and on Top Rock before. It was a very interesting area and I didn't see anyone or even any footprints while I was down there.

So many lines...


Stripes by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Here's a cool rock I stumbled upon as I explored a large alcove back in Sand Cove. I prefer this image in black and white over the color version.


Ringed Rock by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I liked the way the ridges on this boulder were catching the reflected light. The light in the large alcove behind it isn't too bad either!


Rock by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I was paying attention to the small hidden details on this trip.


Root by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

My shadow on a snow-covered sand dune as I hiked further up into Sand Cove.


Sand Cove Shadow by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

An interesting lone tree I found as I hiked along the base of Top Rock.


Lone Tree by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Stone & Tree by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The colors you can find in the sandstone around here are beautiful.


Sandstone Rainbow by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Crack by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Twist by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Looking back down Sand Cove as I hiked further to the top.


Upper Sand Cove by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Lines Everywhere by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

There was a nice layer of snow on the sandstone in the upper reaches of Sand Cove.


Snow Stone Clouds by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Snowstone by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A lot of sandstone hiking on my way back down...


Sandstone Hiking by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Swirl by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

These cool boxwork rocks can be found all over the place.


Unique by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

When I was here with Jared back in September 2012, we had searched for the dinosaur tracks but were unable to find them. I had better luck this time.


Dinosaur Tracks by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

My hand for a little scale...


Dino Scale by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I did end up making a quick stop at The Wave before heading back to my Jeep. It was the only time I saw any people all day and most of them had just visited The Wave and were leaving...

As I entered the passageway to The Wave I noticed one small section of sandstone that was receiving this intense reflected light.


Entrance Light by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I almost didn't even stop by The Wave on this trip, but in the end I decided to swing by before leaving the area. I've been here a number of times over the years, but I still think my best photos of The Wave are from my very first trip.


The Wave by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Wave by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

On my way back to the trailhead I took a detour to visit the Waterhole. Lucky for me it wasn't dry! It was a bit breezy out so the water wasn't completely still, but I still managed to get a nice reflection.


Waterhole by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

View across to The Dive as I left the Waterhole.


The Dive by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Goblin Valley by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

After I made it back to my Jeep I still had time to get back up to the Paria Canyon Overlook again in time for the sunset. I ended up crossing the state line a few times today...


Arizona - Utah by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The sunset view down Paria Canyon. I think I prefer my twilight image from the night before a little more, but the warm light on the cliffs is nice.


Paria Shadows by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

On Sunday morning I was up very early again. This time it was a much colder 20 degrees when I got out of my sleeping bag. I quickly packed up camp and headed up Cottonwood Wash Road along the Paria River and Cockscomb. I parked at the Lower Hackberry Canyon trailhead and started hiking up the steep trail to Yellow Rock in the dark. I have wanted to visit Yellow Rock for many years and it has almost always been on my itinerary every time I head down this direction, but for some reason it usually ends up getting bumped off for something else. I had actually planned to stop here when I was down this way back in November but I decided to go to Willis Creek instead because of the clear skies. Today was finally my day to visit Yellow Rock. I just made it to Yellow Rock as the sun was coming up for the day...

Magenta clouds above The Cockscomb.


Sunrise by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The sun did briefly light up the very top of Yellow Rock before hiding behind some clouds again.


Light First by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The sun would play hide and seek with the clouds all morning. It's always fun for me to photograph in these conditions.


Over the Cockscomb by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Found my shadow...


Yellow Rock Shadow by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Goblin by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Beautiful clouds above warmly lit sandstone...my favorite combination!


Yellow Lines by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Downhill by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

View from the top.


Red & Yellow by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Colorful Sunrise by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Clouds by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Colors by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Yellow Rock Top by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

After an amazing morning photographing sunrise from Yellow Rock I made my way back to Page for a late breakfast and then made a quick stop at Water Holes Canyon before my long drive home.

Shallow sections of the canyon.


Water Holes Canyon by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Water Holes Canyon by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I must not have been here at a good time because I didn't find much reflected light while I was here. But there were a couple of small areas that had some...


Waterholes Passage by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Waterholes Light by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Drain by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Hiking back out.


Water Holes Canyon by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I climbed out of the canyon to visit The Great Wall before hiking back along the rim.


The Great Wall by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Part Wall by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I like the way the lines in the sandstone kind of mirror the clouds above...


Mirror by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

>> Sand Cove & Yellow Rock Photo Gallery

Featured image for home page:

 

[Howells Outdoors]

Seriously @IntrepidXJ, when i see you post something new i get stoked to view. Your photos are amazing!

 

[IntrepidXJ]

Seriously @IntrepidXJ, when i see you post something new i get stoked to view. Your photos are amazing!

Thanks!

 

[John Fowler]

Wonderful photos, as always. I was in the area earlier in the week for a few days at White Pocket and CBSouth, leaving on Thursday. I hiked up to Toprock from Cottonwood Cove after getting a CBNorth walkin ticket for Thursday. Unfortunately, I didn't plan well and didn't find much that I was looking for.

 

[slc_dan]

I've been eying yellow rock. Thanks.

 

[Tater Head]

Awesome pics.This is probably my 10th time viewing your post and the night is young. Thanks for sharing.

 

[DrNed]

I took a basic canyoneering class this weekend from a Utah Search & Rescue guy and he said there were a few deaths near the wave recently. He said they got lost heading back from the Wave to their vehicles. Looking at yours and other pictures of the area it doesn't look that troublesome. Is there something that the pictures don't show?Awesome (as always) photos. Thanks.

 

[John Fowler]

It gets very hot there in June and July. I think somebody died from dehydration.

 

[Howells Outdoors]

I took a basic canyoneering class this weekend from a Utah Search & Rescue guy and he said there were a few deaths near the wave recently. He said they got lost heading back from the Wave to their vehicles. Looking at yours and other pictures of the area it doesn't look that troublesome. Is there something that the pictures don't show?Awesome (as always) photos. Thanks.

A lot of it is there are no markers going to and from the Wave, and you're hiking across sandstone for a good chunk of the trail. So people lose their way coming back and end up going over the wrong ridge and the heat gets 'em (usually).

 

[Nick]

The worst part about trip reports like these is that I can never decide what photo to put on the home page. Beautiful shots, Randy.

 

[IntrepidXJ]

I took a basic canyoneering class this weekend from a Utah Search & Rescue guy and he said there were a few deaths near the wave recently. He said they got lost heading back from the Wave to their vehicles. Looking at yours and other pictures of the area it doesn't look that troublesome. Is there something that the pictures don't show?Awesome (as always) photos. Thanks.

There are a lot of inexperienced and unprepared visitors that hike to this area...especially in the heat of the summer.

I helped a lost hiker get back to the trailhead one night. If we hadn't stayed that night to shoot some night photos, he probably wouldn't have made it back to the trailhead until the morning... http://adventr.co/2012/09/once-in-a-blue-moon-the-arizona-strip/

 

[IntrepidXJ]

BTW- While I quickly stopped by The Wave this time I ran into a guy from Kanab who has apparently been given a special permit by the BLM to hike out to The Wave as often as he would like to help prevent people from getting lost and dead. He was telling me the BLM started this new program at the beginning of the year to help patrol the area and prevent future deaths in the area since the ranger's can't patrol as often as they would like. I guess they asked a few other locals that were willing to help out, too. This is all second hand info, so I'm not sure how true it really is... Just thought I would mention it.

 

[John Fowler]

Also BTW- I stopped at the Wire Pass trailhead as I drove on the way out last Thursday. A couple pulled up and the lady asked if this was where the trail to the Wave started. I told her it was. She asked "Where is the visitor center? Isn't there a visitor center here?" I told her that you need a permit to hike to the Wave, and she said that they had one. She wanted me to give her directions on where the trail went. I showed her the map that BLM provides with a set of photographs that you are supposed to follow. I was going to let her have it, but she said that they had one already. So I left them there. It was 3:30 in the afternoon. Sunset would be 5:45. They had three hours to get out there and back. I should have warned her about that, but I didn't think about it at the time. I think that many people who get their permits and show up for this hike don't have a clear concept of wilderness and what it means to be alone and on your own.

 

[DrNed]

BTW- While I quickly stopped by The Wave this time I ran into a guy from Kanab who has apparently been given a special permit by the BLM to hike out to The Wave as often as he would like to help prevent people from getting lost and dead. He was telling me the BLM started this new program at the beginning of the year to help patrol the area and prevent future deaths in the area since the ranger's can't patrol as often as they would like. I guess they asked a few other locals that were willing to help out, too. This is all second hand info, so I'm not sure how true it really is... Just thought I would mention it.

What a great idea! I don't think that there is any place I would be expert enough to do this, but the idea of being able to do a permit only adventure, as often as I would like, in exchange for directing hikers, is genius in my book.

 

[DrNed]

A lot of it is there are no markers going to and from the Wave, and you're hiking across sandstone for a good chunk of the trail. So people lose their way coming back and end up going over the wrong ridge and the heat gets 'em (usually).

Good to know. Thanks @MTN_DUDE

 

[Howells Outdoors]

BTW- While I quickly stopped by The Wave this time I ran into a guy from Kanab who has apparently been given a special permit by the BLM to hike out to The Wave as often as he would like to help prevent people from getting lost and dead. He was telling me the BLM started this new program at the beginning of the year to help patrol the area and prevent future deaths in the area since the ranger's can't patrol as often as they would like. I guess they asked a few other locals that were willing to help out, too. This is all second hand info, so I'm not sure how true it really is... Just thought I would mention it.

hmmm...I'm not sure about that one.

 

[pixie1339]

Excellent report Randy! I'd love to make it out to Coyote Buttes during winter sometime. Nice shots of Yellow Rock, too! Like you, that one has been on my list every time I've been to the area, but for one reason or another it has never worked out.