piper01
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GSENM hiking: Burr Trail Road area
Part 1: Oct 14-15, 2018
(part 2 here)
***
As has become customary, I chose to do my annual week-long hiking vacation in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. I know there are numerous other amazing areas of the country still to see, but something about this place keeps drawing me back over and over again. The last few years I did hikes off of the Hole in the Rock and Old Sheffield Roads, so this time I decided to explore the area around the Burr Trail Road.
I usually prefer day hiking, but this time I got the idea in my head that I wanted to go backpacking. Thanks to a suggestion from @Michael, I chose any easy one-nighter to the Upper Gulch and Egg Canyon, then added a twist to make it a loop hike with Upper Long Canyon then a road walk back to my vehicle.
Obligatory stop at the Head of the Rocks Overlook on Highway 12, right around sunset.
![IMG_1231.JPG IMG_1231.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75832-a9969ca69f7c2b3b3051c1658e123609.jpg)
Morning view of my campsite off the Burr Trail Rd. This beautiful Wrangler was all mine for the week. I walked past it on the way to my assigned Ford something-or-other, then turned around and went back in to ask if I could trade vehicles; the rental counter employee kindly said yes!
![IMG_1240_plate_ed.jpg IMG_1240_plate_ed.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75833-e58a88d8fcf846d959d2ab635ac336a5.jpg)
The start of the hike into the Upper Gulch. The cottonwoods were all turning this gorgeous yellow-orange, especially with the cold snap that was currently in progress.
![IMG_1248.JPG IMG_1248.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75834-6370edb2f8299cb13bcbf39afc06c5a0.jpg)
![IMG_1260.JPG IMG_1260.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75835-1d9be5256c96f682318d673ffebe62dc.jpg)
Easy and pleasant walking all the way up the Upper Gulch, other than this one waterfall that was not difficult to bypass.
![IMG_1262_ed.jpg IMG_1262_ed.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75836-9e98394cd41c85616705146c1ffbc834.jpg)
![IMG_1265.JPG IMG_1265.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75837-a3eff6bdb8b8ef3da67cbf3820f59b9c.jpg)
Enormous cottonwood trunk; I should have added my backpack for scale to show its size.![IMG_1268.JPG IMG_1268.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75838-47b887d936cc3765363e6dca045ea918.jpg)
Some parts of the "trail" involved walking in the shallow streambed.
![IMG_1274_ed.jpg IMG_1274_ed.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75839-ea5429c774164e2e0d848585cbf05274.jpg)
Boulder larger than my truck. I wouldn't want to be around when it fell.
![IMG_1275_ed.jpg IMG_1275_ed.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75840-29586aa58e8a3d8b011adde6df884504.jpg)
![IMG_1278.JPG IMG_1278.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75841-9cdd774fbc9eb9b7bef2236df9233b58.jpg)
![IMG_1279.JPG IMG_1279.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75842-2c97f17b832c0e728576f0e0d787c858.jpg)
It was obvious when I passed the mouth of Water Canyon; the streambed suddenly turned dry. I dropped my pack and explored about 10 minutes up Water Canyon, but decided I'd rather spend my time on the main canyon. I drank my fill of cool water then loaded up with extra water for the next day, since my route was going to be dry tomorrow.![IMG_1289.JPG IMG_1289.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75843-d525426c9f2ea5526f6aba9ae720beb7.jpg)
![IMG_1294.JPG IMG_1294.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75844-c3a08885ea8e848df4ebde1c2a0cb358.jpg)
A few small seeps wet the sand here and there further upcanyon, but no flowing water.
![IMG_1295.JPG IMG_1295.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75845-1127b1f14d5f11a15dfa24a5bf6ae4bb.jpg)
![IMG_1296.JPG IMG_1296.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75846-a5319c7ad7146d524a183228473f8cb0.jpg)
![IMG_1298.JPG IMG_1298.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75847-c2e4933eb2d3f71cae260779a8d79fc7.jpg)
![IMG_1300.JPG IMG_1300.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75848-cd5a614ef208f6f638ede7247f952a0a.jpg)
![IMG_1301_ed.jpg IMG_1301_ed.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75849-84f3e1cbacc185732d3692aa93674e18.jpg)
![IMG_1303_cr_ed.jpg IMG_1303_cr_ed.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75850-e4c187f8191c8c18243ac14023b49e18.jpg)
A chunk of petrified wood lodged in the streambed.![IMG_1307.JPG IMG_1307.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75851-0b35d16299e8ff02198710cb90c64a27.jpg)
![IMG_1312.JPG IMG_1312.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75852-54ab502c2a9cdb2ee19520510d291ef2.jpg)
Twisty tree.
![IMG_1324.JPG IMG_1324.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75853-5fc3e353ae0dfb9ad45ed14db4958e55.jpg)
I took a break near the mouth of Egg Canyon, then decided I had enough daylight left to to explore towards Lamanite Arch further upcanyon. I left my big pack in favor of my small daypack (the awesome little Matador24) with some essentials and proceeded on. I made it to the mouth of the side canyon, but it was a horrible bushwack so I gave up long before reaching the arch. It probably wasn't that great of an arch anyway. Nice little flowing stream though, if I had needed more water.
I stumbled across this unfortunate cow on the way back. I thought it was kind of cool how the layers of the teeth were flaking apart.
![IMG_1341.JPG IMG_1341.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75854-b63ea2a2a20611c150b2ffddba35b5af.jpg)
Late afternoon light.
![IMG_1342.JPG IMG_1342.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75855-0401b712e0f90b35662b0f8d9c39a0b0.jpg)
![IMG_1355.JPG IMG_1355.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75856-67a1fb1b1e2d9343850543025b277d80.jpg)
Back at the confluence with Egg Canyon. The Upper Gulch on the left, Egg on the right.![IMG_1359_ed.jpg IMG_1359_ed.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75857-871348db8d8f0b2442e5bfd445c93ead.jpg)
Egg Canyon, much different feel from the Gulch.
![IMG_1368.JPG IMG_1368.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75858-3dd0c705dd0f3e79c3dcee6370019a93.jpg)
Not too many places to camp though. If I had realized that, I would ended the day earlier back in the Gulch, where good campsites were plentiful. I had about an hour remaining before sunset, and I was anxious to find a decent spot before the sun fully descended below the canyon walls. It was only in the 40s out and supposed to drop below freezing overnight, plus a stiff wind had started blowing.
![IMG_1375_ed.jpg IMG_1375_ed.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75859-5518776ebbe29f466e3bc8061a83adc8.jpg)
I finally found a small terrace about 5 feet about the streambed level that was large enough and flat enough for a camp, where a bend in the mud walls of the watercourse blocked the worst of the wind. A few snowflakes drifted down as I set up camp and started dinner. I had made a judgment error when packing; I opted to bring just my tarp to sleep on to save the weight/space of my non-backpacking sized tent. I had plenty of layers to stay safely warm enough, but the cold wind gusting in my face all night made for miserable sleeping conditions. As a small compensation, I did have this lovely morning view from my sleeping bag.![IMG_1381.JPG IMG_1381.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75860-8b1b1c3d968f85ff645f7b34d5ad3de5.jpg)
Continuing up Egg Canyon in the morning
![IMG_1389.JPG IMG_1389.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75861-d563b2f3de714b696fea2f0b912f9ec0.jpg)
![IMG_1390_ed.jpg IMG_1390_ed.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75862-2b876df3d0604bfd40f80903b4d92f39.jpg)
Ice crystals![IMG_1391.JPG IMG_1391.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75863-ac6cdccb0baa5435fdd2734fb344b6a4.jpg)
Not sure how this boulder was staying vertical.
![IMG_1392.JPG IMG_1392.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75864-0e095cf2f535aaed5a5d809134bf5122.jpg)
Patterns in the rock and sand.
![IMG_1395.JPG IMG_1395.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75865-c198a3fe9a679b9be78bd815c4f3814a.jpg)
Poking up a side drainage, I discovered these large chunks of petrified wood.![IMG_1402.JPG IMG_1402.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75866-62ee4d149f8ec71f473f79ef07b4d10b.jpg)
![IMG_1405.JPG IMG_1405.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75867-63d4526c79ddfa598154cc1fd8634a70.jpg)
I kept walking until the main streambed divided, then pulled out my map and realized that I hadn't looked up often enough and thus had missed the break in the walls that marked the exit. I backtracked downcanyon and found a promising looking slope. After a few minutes I came across a small cairn, so I knew I had found a good route.![IMG_1407.JPG IMG_1407.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75868-a51ac7406c21a2a7fec74cc442e36aea.jpg)
Breathtaking view from the top of the rise; it stopped me in my tracks.
![IMG_1408_cr.jpg IMG_1408_cr.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75869-7ec35d3af3600ba5d6b82bd8a06641e5.jpg)
A few minutes later I heard a voice call out; it was a hiker doing a day trip from the Lampstand Road access point. I hadn't anticipated meeting anyone out here, especially on a Monday morning. We chatted for a few minutes then continued in our different directions.
I never found the petrified forest that was supposed to be nearby, but I also didn't spend much time looking. I did however, find the interesting cross-bedded rock. Here's the top view.
![IMG_1416.JPG IMG_1416.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75870-d4f7f161185b2eb3b800eacdef4c5db8.jpg)
And here's the side view. I love examining interesting rocks in multiple dimensions!
![IMG_1417.JPG IMG_1417.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75871-204d153ee41d745bb59eac67fc601983.jpg)
![IMG_1424.JPG IMG_1424.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75872-79887474b9c759cdeef0af00fc3f1671.jpg)
Old (mining?) road
![IMG_1425.JPG IMG_1425.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75873-107653d50c9197e48caa023e329b0c7d.jpg)
Following the wash to come out on the east side of Upper Long Canyon.
![IMG_1429.JPG IMG_1429.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75874-9cd9c13c254cc55789d19e4b78ab40da.jpg)
Interesting rock.
![IMG_1438.JPG IMG_1438.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75875-373d78e5f43c89cd426047c671291c86.jpg)
![IMG_1440.JPG IMG_1440.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75876-fadd6916499c536860da5baca4d47736.jpg)
The wash kept funneling me further away from the route I had intended to take, hugging the base of the cliffs. But it was easy walking, so I stayed with it for a while.![IMG_1455.JPG IMG_1455.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75877-f61c603dc9426368b06ef5fcd0201321.jpg)
![IMG_1459.JPG IMG_1459.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75878-b3f530852c8c97e8146ce42ca57183ae.jpg)
Looking back whence I had come.
![IMG_1469.JPG IMG_1469.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75879-63493e0ce8a5c6ea97e6227c83965858.jpg)
My goal: that break in the sandstone wall. It looked from Google satellite images like it would work, but I hadn't come across any trip reports confirming that. I left the wash and cut westward. The area was fairly well cow trampled so little worry of destroying crypto here. It was bit of a scramble up the slope, but nothing too difficult to do even with a big pack.
![IMG_1475.JPG IMG_1475.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75880-d48640227bad31d87857022395cfb154.jpg)
![IMG_1480.JPG IMG_1480.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75881-64c079cd1223fdb114540ccb14ca3541.jpg)
I came across these recent footprints. I found it reassuring that someone else had been this way recently as well.
![IMG_1483.JPG IMG_1483.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75882-468f2f5dede3a81b9fccad0872061470.jpg)
Almost there.
![IMG_1486.JPG IMG_1486.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75883-824983e5a96e25d6ad96b886480d5c1b.jpg)
![IMG_1487.JPG IMG_1487.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75884-97233e033881056b26908a0604dada84.jpg)
View from the top of the notch, Burr Trail Rd in the foreground.
![IMG_1492.JPG IMG_1492.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75885-57771e8677ac447bcc3f01a563b63135.jpg)
Descending into Upper Long Canyon from the notch. Lots of scrambling down through a boulder field, but nothing that I thought was too complex.
![IMG_1499.JPG IMG_1499.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75886-cee7cc7d25684d0991c1afadca159b17.jpg)
Looking back up the side drainage I had just descended.
![IMG_1504_ed.jpg IMG_1504_ed.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75887-d0ae72571c34640cb24b5d8a633b1c6b.jpg)
I dropped my big pack and headed up the main canyon.![IMG_1505.JPG IMG_1505.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75888-eac5361c1ac8cb8b9bf63819d4c8f6e8.jpg)
Easy walking in a wide sandy wash for a little bit, then it started getting narrower and boulder filled. I thwacked the inside of my left knee against a large boulder as I scrambled up it. I didn't think much of it at the time but it came back to haunt me later in the week...
![IMG_1518.JPG IMG_1518.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75889-25987138d0e008091aec6aecdc637902.jpg)
![IMG_1522.JPG IMG_1522.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75890-3490751687018b09fef4e13681926a3c.jpg)
![IMG_1523.JPG IMG_1523.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75891-9f9d42fc6272e750843ce2f8e61cd960.jpg)
![IMG_1526.JPG IMG_1526.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75892-5cee52c91efd421c0bbb8582b10e317d.jpg)
![IMG_1531_ed.jpg IMG_1531_ed.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75893-1ecf478da39b2e5989e6412ddc978cfb.jpg)
![IMG_1533.JPG IMG_1533.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75894-d5f425beaabcd917d7d583ab480c68e9.jpg)
The wash narrowed further and divided, to the point where continuing on was difficult. By then it was late afternoon, so I opted to turn around so I could make it back to my vehicle at a reasonable hour. I retraced my steps, then continued on towards the canyon junction with the Burr Trail.![IMG_1546.JPG IMG_1546.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75895-c795a29ce2ccb868437976aeda582b76.jpg)
![IMG_1559.JPG IMG_1559.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75896-1275a987cae9c0d4893af2a55c7370fb.jpg)
Made it out to the road! Still another 5-6 miles road walk back to my vehicle; I walked for a mile or so, then opted for the easy way and hitched a ride so I could get back to my truck before dark.
![IMG_1565.JPG IMG_1565.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75897-dc4bec91e0a137c05ead5b1f56021a28.jpg)
Once back at my vehicle, I had a quick snack then drove back the way from which I had just come, aiming for a good campsite that I had spotted from the notch. I stopped at the Long Canyon Overlook to see the cliffs glowing in the nearly-sunset light.
![IMG_1566.JPG IMG_1566.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75898-bb17bb2060df7c87fce36b2dcdbe09fd.jpg)
Then home sweet home for the night.
![IMG_1578.jpg IMG_1578.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75899-646d8aad3cee89f51392b23dd268d608.jpg)
Part 1: Oct 14-15, 2018
(part 2 here)
***
As has become customary, I chose to do my annual week-long hiking vacation in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. I know there are numerous other amazing areas of the country still to see, but something about this place keeps drawing me back over and over again. The last few years I did hikes off of the Hole in the Rock and Old Sheffield Roads, so this time I decided to explore the area around the Burr Trail Road.
I usually prefer day hiking, but this time I got the idea in my head that I wanted to go backpacking. Thanks to a suggestion from @Michael, I chose any easy one-nighter to the Upper Gulch and Egg Canyon, then added a twist to make it a loop hike with Upper Long Canyon then a road walk back to my vehicle.
Obligatory stop at the Head of the Rocks Overlook on Highway 12, right around sunset.
![IMG_1231.JPG IMG_1231.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75832-a9969ca69f7c2b3b3051c1658e123609.jpg)
Morning view of my campsite off the Burr Trail Rd. This beautiful Wrangler was all mine for the week. I walked past it on the way to my assigned Ford something-or-other, then turned around and went back in to ask if I could trade vehicles; the rental counter employee kindly said yes!
![IMG_1240_plate_ed.jpg IMG_1240_plate_ed.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75833-e58a88d8fcf846d959d2ab635ac336a5.jpg)
The start of the hike into the Upper Gulch. The cottonwoods were all turning this gorgeous yellow-orange, especially with the cold snap that was currently in progress.
![IMG_1248.JPG IMG_1248.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75834-6370edb2f8299cb13bcbf39afc06c5a0.jpg)
![IMG_1260.JPG IMG_1260.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75835-1d9be5256c96f682318d673ffebe62dc.jpg)
Easy and pleasant walking all the way up the Upper Gulch, other than this one waterfall that was not difficult to bypass.
![IMG_1262_ed.jpg IMG_1262_ed.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75836-9e98394cd41c85616705146c1ffbc834.jpg)
![IMG_1265.JPG IMG_1265.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75837-a3eff6bdb8b8ef3da67cbf3820f59b9c.jpg)
Enormous cottonwood trunk; I should have added my backpack for scale to show its size.
![IMG_1268.JPG IMG_1268.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75838-47b887d936cc3765363e6dca045ea918.jpg)
Some parts of the "trail" involved walking in the shallow streambed.
![IMG_1274_ed.jpg IMG_1274_ed.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75839-ea5429c774164e2e0d848585cbf05274.jpg)
Boulder larger than my truck. I wouldn't want to be around when it fell.
![IMG_1275_ed.jpg IMG_1275_ed.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75840-29586aa58e8a3d8b011adde6df884504.jpg)
![IMG_1278.JPG IMG_1278.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75841-9cdd774fbc9eb9b7bef2236df9233b58.jpg)
![IMG_1279.JPG IMG_1279.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75842-2c97f17b832c0e728576f0e0d787c858.jpg)
It was obvious when I passed the mouth of Water Canyon; the streambed suddenly turned dry. I dropped my pack and explored about 10 minutes up Water Canyon, but decided I'd rather spend my time on the main canyon. I drank my fill of cool water then loaded up with extra water for the next day, since my route was going to be dry tomorrow.
![IMG_1289.JPG IMG_1289.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75843-d525426c9f2ea5526f6aba9ae720beb7.jpg)
![IMG_1294.JPG IMG_1294.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75844-c3a08885ea8e848df4ebde1c2a0cb358.jpg)
A few small seeps wet the sand here and there further upcanyon, but no flowing water.
![IMG_1295.JPG IMG_1295.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75845-1127b1f14d5f11a15dfa24a5bf6ae4bb.jpg)
![IMG_1296.JPG IMG_1296.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75846-a5319c7ad7146d524a183228473f8cb0.jpg)
![IMG_1298.JPG IMG_1298.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75847-c2e4933eb2d3f71cae260779a8d79fc7.jpg)
![IMG_1300.JPG IMG_1300.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75848-cd5a614ef208f6f638ede7247f952a0a.jpg)
![IMG_1301_ed.jpg IMG_1301_ed.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75849-84f3e1cbacc185732d3692aa93674e18.jpg)
![IMG_1303_cr_ed.jpg IMG_1303_cr_ed.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75850-e4c187f8191c8c18243ac14023b49e18.jpg)
A chunk of petrified wood lodged in the streambed.
![IMG_1307.JPG IMG_1307.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75851-0b35d16299e8ff02198710cb90c64a27.jpg)
![IMG_1312.JPG IMG_1312.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75852-54ab502c2a9cdb2ee19520510d291ef2.jpg)
Twisty tree.
![IMG_1324.JPG IMG_1324.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75853-5fc3e353ae0dfb9ad45ed14db4958e55.jpg)
I took a break near the mouth of Egg Canyon, then decided I had enough daylight left to to explore towards Lamanite Arch further upcanyon. I left my big pack in favor of my small daypack (the awesome little Matador24) with some essentials and proceeded on. I made it to the mouth of the side canyon, but it was a horrible bushwack so I gave up long before reaching the arch. It probably wasn't that great of an arch anyway. Nice little flowing stream though, if I had needed more water.
I stumbled across this unfortunate cow on the way back. I thought it was kind of cool how the layers of the teeth were flaking apart.
![IMG_1341.JPG IMG_1341.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75854-b63ea2a2a20611c150b2ffddba35b5af.jpg)
Late afternoon light.
![IMG_1342.JPG IMG_1342.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75855-0401b712e0f90b35662b0f8d9c39a0b0.jpg)
![IMG_1355.JPG IMG_1355.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75856-67a1fb1b1e2d9343850543025b277d80.jpg)
Back at the confluence with Egg Canyon. The Upper Gulch on the left, Egg on the right.
![IMG_1359_ed.jpg IMG_1359_ed.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75857-871348db8d8f0b2442e5bfd445c93ead.jpg)
Egg Canyon, much different feel from the Gulch.
![IMG_1368.JPG IMG_1368.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75858-3dd0c705dd0f3e79c3dcee6370019a93.jpg)
Not too many places to camp though. If I had realized that, I would ended the day earlier back in the Gulch, where good campsites were plentiful. I had about an hour remaining before sunset, and I was anxious to find a decent spot before the sun fully descended below the canyon walls. It was only in the 40s out and supposed to drop below freezing overnight, plus a stiff wind had started blowing.
![IMG_1375_ed.jpg IMG_1375_ed.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75859-5518776ebbe29f466e3bc8061a83adc8.jpg)
I finally found a small terrace about 5 feet about the streambed level that was large enough and flat enough for a camp, where a bend in the mud walls of the watercourse blocked the worst of the wind. A few snowflakes drifted down as I set up camp and started dinner. I had made a judgment error when packing; I opted to bring just my tarp to sleep on to save the weight/space of my non-backpacking sized tent. I had plenty of layers to stay safely warm enough, but the cold wind gusting in my face all night made for miserable sleeping conditions. As a small compensation, I did have this lovely morning view from my sleeping bag.
![IMG_1381.JPG IMG_1381.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75860-8b1b1c3d968f85ff645f7b34d5ad3de5.jpg)
Continuing up Egg Canyon in the morning
![IMG_1389.JPG IMG_1389.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75861-d563b2f3de714b696fea2f0b912f9ec0.jpg)
![IMG_1390_ed.jpg IMG_1390_ed.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75862-2b876df3d0604bfd40f80903b4d92f39.jpg)
Ice crystals
![IMG_1391.JPG IMG_1391.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75863-ac6cdccb0baa5435fdd2734fb344b6a4.jpg)
Not sure how this boulder was staying vertical.
![IMG_1392.JPG IMG_1392.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75864-0e095cf2f535aaed5a5d809134bf5122.jpg)
Patterns in the rock and sand.
![IMG_1395.JPG IMG_1395.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75865-c198a3fe9a679b9be78bd815c4f3814a.jpg)
Poking up a side drainage, I discovered these large chunks of petrified wood.
![IMG_1402.JPG IMG_1402.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75866-62ee4d149f8ec71f473f79ef07b4d10b.jpg)
![IMG_1405.JPG IMG_1405.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75867-63d4526c79ddfa598154cc1fd8634a70.jpg)
I kept walking until the main streambed divided, then pulled out my map and realized that I hadn't looked up often enough and thus had missed the break in the walls that marked the exit. I backtracked downcanyon and found a promising looking slope. After a few minutes I came across a small cairn, so I knew I had found a good route.
![IMG_1407.JPG IMG_1407.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75868-a51ac7406c21a2a7fec74cc442e36aea.jpg)
Breathtaking view from the top of the rise; it stopped me in my tracks.
![IMG_1408_cr.jpg IMG_1408_cr.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75869-7ec35d3af3600ba5d6b82bd8a06641e5.jpg)
A few minutes later I heard a voice call out; it was a hiker doing a day trip from the Lampstand Road access point. I hadn't anticipated meeting anyone out here, especially on a Monday morning. We chatted for a few minutes then continued in our different directions.
I never found the petrified forest that was supposed to be nearby, but I also didn't spend much time looking. I did however, find the interesting cross-bedded rock. Here's the top view.
![IMG_1416.JPG IMG_1416.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75870-d4f7f161185b2eb3b800eacdef4c5db8.jpg)
And here's the side view. I love examining interesting rocks in multiple dimensions!
![IMG_1417.JPG IMG_1417.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75871-204d153ee41d745bb59eac67fc601983.jpg)
![IMG_1424.JPG IMG_1424.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75872-79887474b9c759cdeef0af00fc3f1671.jpg)
Old (mining?) road
![IMG_1425.JPG IMG_1425.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75873-107653d50c9197e48caa023e329b0c7d.jpg)
Following the wash to come out on the east side of Upper Long Canyon.
![IMG_1429.JPG IMG_1429.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75874-9cd9c13c254cc55789d19e4b78ab40da.jpg)
Interesting rock.
![IMG_1438.JPG IMG_1438.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75875-373d78e5f43c89cd426047c671291c86.jpg)
![IMG_1440.JPG IMG_1440.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75876-fadd6916499c536860da5baca4d47736.jpg)
The wash kept funneling me further away from the route I had intended to take, hugging the base of the cliffs. But it was easy walking, so I stayed with it for a while.
![IMG_1455.JPG IMG_1455.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75877-f61c603dc9426368b06ef5fcd0201321.jpg)
![IMG_1459.JPG IMG_1459.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75878-b3f530852c8c97e8146ce42ca57183ae.jpg)
Looking back whence I had come.
![IMG_1469.JPG IMG_1469.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75879-63493e0ce8a5c6ea97e6227c83965858.jpg)
My goal: that break in the sandstone wall. It looked from Google satellite images like it would work, but I hadn't come across any trip reports confirming that. I left the wash and cut westward. The area was fairly well cow trampled so little worry of destroying crypto here. It was bit of a scramble up the slope, but nothing too difficult to do even with a big pack.
![IMG_1475.JPG IMG_1475.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75880-d48640227bad31d87857022395cfb154.jpg)
![IMG_1480.JPG IMG_1480.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75881-64c079cd1223fdb114540ccb14ca3541.jpg)
I came across these recent footprints. I found it reassuring that someone else had been this way recently as well.
![IMG_1483.JPG IMG_1483.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75882-468f2f5dede3a81b9fccad0872061470.jpg)
Almost there.
![IMG_1486.JPG IMG_1486.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75883-824983e5a96e25d6ad96b886480d5c1b.jpg)
![IMG_1487.JPG IMG_1487.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75884-97233e033881056b26908a0604dada84.jpg)
View from the top of the notch, Burr Trail Rd in the foreground.
![IMG_1492.JPG IMG_1492.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75885-57771e8677ac447bcc3f01a563b63135.jpg)
Descending into Upper Long Canyon from the notch. Lots of scrambling down through a boulder field, but nothing that I thought was too complex.
![IMG_1499.JPG IMG_1499.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75886-cee7cc7d25684d0991c1afadca159b17.jpg)
Looking back up the side drainage I had just descended.
![IMG_1504_ed.jpg IMG_1504_ed.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75887-d0ae72571c34640cb24b5d8a633b1c6b.jpg)
I dropped my big pack and headed up the main canyon.
![IMG_1505.JPG IMG_1505.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75888-eac5361c1ac8cb8b9bf63819d4c8f6e8.jpg)
Easy walking in a wide sandy wash for a little bit, then it started getting narrower and boulder filled. I thwacked the inside of my left knee against a large boulder as I scrambled up it. I didn't think much of it at the time but it came back to haunt me later in the week...
![IMG_1518.JPG IMG_1518.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75889-25987138d0e008091aec6aecdc637902.jpg)
![IMG_1522.JPG IMG_1522.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75890-3490751687018b09fef4e13681926a3c.jpg)
![IMG_1523.JPG IMG_1523.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75891-9f9d42fc6272e750843ce2f8e61cd960.jpg)
![IMG_1526.JPG IMG_1526.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75892-5cee52c91efd421c0bbb8582b10e317d.jpg)
![IMG_1531_ed.jpg IMG_1531_ed.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75893-1ecf478da39b2e5989e6412ddc978cfb.jpg)
![IMG_1533.JPG IMG_1533.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75894-d5f425beaabcd917d7d583ab480c68e9.jpg)
The wash narrowed further and divided, to the point where continuing on was difficult. By then it was late afternoon, so I opted to turn around so I could make it back to my vehicle at a reasonable hour. I retraced my steps, then continued on towards the canyon junction with the Burr Trail.
![IMG_1546.JPG IMG_1546.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75895-c795a29ce2ccb868437976aeda582b76.jpg)
![IMG_1559.JPG IMG_1559.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75896-1275a987cae9c0d4893af2a55c7370fb.jpg)
Made it out to the road! Still another 5-6 miles road walk back to my vehicle; I walked for a mile or so, then opted for the easy way and hitched a ride so I could get back to my truck before dark.
![IMG_1565.JPG IMG_1565.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75897-dc4bec91e0a137c05ead5b1f56021a28.jpg)
Once back at my vehicle, I had a quick snack then drove back the way from which I had just come, aiming for a good campsite that I had spotted from the notch. I stopped at the Long Canyon Overlook to see the cliffs glowing in the nearly-sunset light.
![IMG_1566.JPG IMG_1566.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75898-bb17bb2060df7c87fce36b2dcdbe09fd.jpg)
Then home sweet home for the night.
![IMG_1578.jpg IMG_1578.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/75/75899-646d8aad3cee89f51392b23dd268d608.jpg)
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