Moab, UT
May 6, 2017
Lockhart Basin has been on our to-do list for a couple of years. The total distance is around 110 miles which includes 36 miles of 4X4 trail and around 65 miles to get to the trailhead. That makes for a 10 hour day IF all goes well...way too long to leave our pups. A huge thanks to our good friend and neighbor Susan who agreed to come let the pups out for a stretch and potty break mid afternoon. This made it possible for us to join in on the club ride. Joining in the ride were Dee, Warren, Larry, Carole, Joe and Ginny, Bronson (from Blanding) and his dad Tom, and us.
We did the trail from south to north.
The meeting place was Newspaper Rock...my first time to see this amazing State Historical Monument.
Heading west on Hwy 211 under a canopy of green gave way to dramatic scenery.
We made our second stop close to Hamburger Hill Campground to meet Carole and Joe and Ginny who had camped the night before. We all aired down and topped off the gas. 
L to R: Joe and Ginny, Dee, us, Bronson and Tom, Carole, Larry and Warren
Shortly after, we crossed Indian Creek and stopped to check out the falls.
It was a rather overcast day with dark gray clouds and the sun popping out from time to time. We managed to park for lunch and just as everyone was beginning to eat, a rain squall moved in causing us to all scramble back into our vehicles to eat. The sound of thunder and bolts of lightening we saw several times during the day were spectacular. Luckily the heaviest rains and windy conditions held off until we reached Kane Creek Road heading into Moab. It was not a pretty site. I felt so bad for the hundreds of tent campers we saw. Their tents and bedding reminded me of colorful blimps or balloons soaring through the air.
The Moenkopi rock formations along this trail are beautiful with all the striations. These red sandstone formations are millions of years old...so hard to grasp that many years, yet so easy to appreciate their beauty.
Eventually we began to climb.
We traveled several miles from the south side of Mitten Butte to the north side.
Rain squalls were ahead.
The Moenkopi rock formations along this trail are beautiful with all the striations. These red sandstone formations are millions of years old...so hard to grasp that many years, yet so easy to appreciate their beauty.
Eventually we began to climb. |
| Dee leads followed by Carole, Joe and Ginny, and Bronson and Tom |
Rain squalls were ahead.
As we rode along the mesa, Warren pointed out several points of interest.
The first formation in the center going left to right is Washer Women seen through Mesa Arch in Canyonlands.
The first time to see the Colorado River on this trail.
And can you find the Pig and her Piglets rock formation? Sleeping Buffalo is also in this photo. Both are formations we look for on many other trails including Poison Spider.
From there we head down towards a narrow canyon and back to familiar territory to a 3-way intersection for Lockhart Basin, Chicken Corners and Hurrah pass. This section is about 2 miles and the most difficult part of the trail.
From here I have no more pictures. Once we were headed towards Hurrah Pass, the winds were vicious and the rains were torrential. It literally rained mud ! Thank goodness we were in Pearl. Not a great way to end the day. Mother Nature certainly added some excitement and chatter on the CBs.
This is a well maintained and beautiful trail, but beware the rocks have eyes.
What a great group of friends to wheel with ! Until next time,
The first formation in the center going left to right is Washer Women seen through Mesa Arch in Canyonlands.
The first time to see the Colorado River on this trail.
 |
| Pig rock is the light colored rock on the left and Buffalo rock is the light colored rock on the right. I zoomed in as much as I could, and we could just barely see them from the trail. |
From there we head down towards a narrow canyon and back to familiar territory to a 3-way intersection for Lockhart Basin, Chicken Corners and Hurrah pass. This section is about 2 miles and the most difficult part of the trail.
This is a well maintained and beautiful trail, but beware the rocks have eyes.
What a great group of friends to wheel with ! Until next time, 
HAPPY TRAILS !
Another exciting day in the Moab and excellent pictures.
ReplyDeleteYes it was George and Susie! And beautiful too!
DeleteDarn, I wanted to see some muddy jeep pictures. I bet you had fun hosing off the jeep! :-)
ReplyDeleteI should have taken photos at the car wash Hans. It took 3 washing and there is still mud inside. The back windows were out...😝. We were also covered in mud!
DeleteNewspaper Rock looks like it's worth a stop of it's own. Beautiful trail, not quite as technical as some of your runs. Pictures of muddy jeeps???
ReplyDeleteMuddy is an understatement Jeff! It was really bad! It's a very pretty trail and well worth the long day.
DeleteAs usual, gorgeous pictures of your outing. I love seeing them. Now that we're "babysitting" our grandson's dog, I know what you mean about leaving them alone for a long period of time. We won't do it either.
ReplyDeleteThis was the first time we have ever had someone come over to let them out Jeri. Susan has pups of her own and has been over several times so she is no stranger to our three fur babies. It's a huge commitment, isn't it? And so well worth it!
DeleteNewspaper Rock is awesome. I'm glad you were able to get to see it. How nice to have someone let the puppies out so you could really enjoy a long day with lots of adventure. Love all the rock photos:) Glad you were able to get home safely with the rain.
ReplyDeleteIt's great having neighbors Pam! And with our nice doggie park here, it's easy to let pups out. I took so many pictures...the rocks were amazing!
DeleteHaving pets is a huge commitment--we don't like to leave Emmi for that long either so she usually just goes along if possible. I am thrilled after finding Home Depot allows dogs--seems while in AZ that's the only store we visit! :)) Here in Montana we have Mike's Dad as our sitter--he and Emmi love each other!
ReplyDeleteHow nice Emmi has her grandpa to visit with. Since we have 3 pups, it's hard to have them tag along with us. Usually we limit our outings to about 6 hours.
DeleteSounds like a wild day on the trail! No matter, you guys made it through safely and the scenery was spectacular!
ReplyDeleteA big thumbs up Lisa!
DeleteHi Joe and Gay, looks like a fun day on Lockhart. It is one of my favorite scenic trails in your area. Come on over and see us this summer... or else we will come to Moab in the fall :)
ReplyDeleteHey Gil...it's great to hear from you. We think and speak of you and Willa often and look forward to seeing you again. St George is still on our bucket list. As the story goes...we are still working out all bugs on the YJ.
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