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| Scenic Drive | 70.00 Miles |
1,000 AEG |
| | Scenic Drive | 70.00 Miles | | | |
| 1,000 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | After 2 nights in Natural Bridges NM, it was time to work north of the Colorado. I hoped Halls Ferry was operating, so I cleared camp before sunrise and took 95 to 276. A sign at the intersection announced the ferry was indeed open. Saw one car on 276 and thousands of free range cows. The sandstone and views are great along the road. Gas was becoming an issue, but the pumps on the southside of Lake Powell were usable with a credit card, even though the small store was closed.
Crossed on the ferry, a unique experience of ferrying your vehicle in the middle of a desert. The other ferry riders were chatty, Cain being a young wildfire fighter heading across to backpack in the Escalante with his father. He ogled Bullit and had dreams of a capable off road vehicle of his own and had plenty of questions. Another couple had been houseboating, him a private pilot. The talk made the trip quick.
With a fresh tank and no obstacles in the way I headed north to the Burr Trail turn. The road is paved outside of where it crosses Capitol Reef. The scenery starts well and gets better. Took several small BLM side roads for views into the Bullfrog Creek drainage and the Halls Creek drainage. Amazing scenery at both.
Hit dirt and then soon the intersection with Notam Road. A left turn takes you to the base of the Burr Switchbacks, steep for sure, but nothing to difficult. Topping out there was a nice view and the drainage nearby held a glimmering golden cottonwood reflecting the sun perfectly.
Drove Upper Muley Twist and hiked Strike Valley Overlook. Triplog here.
The remaining drive into Boulder was just fun wheeling. The trail turned back to asphalt and crossed a pinion cedar plateau before diving into Long Canyon with its steep sandstone walls. Deer Creek was ablaze with color and happil I hadn't planned to use the pretty campground there since it was full.
Ended the day in Boulder at the Boulder Lodge with some fine dining at the Hells Backbone Grill. Both the shower at the Lodge and the food at the Grill were really appreciated. |
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Autumn Foliage Observation Light
Mostly sporadic cottonwood along the way |
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All you have is your fire...
And the place you need to reach |
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