A Hike to Jeep Arch

Gopher Flats
Moab, UT
May 18, 2018

Joe and I first hiked to Jeep Arch in April 2016.  We loved it the first time and were not surprised that we were just as awed last Friday when we ventured into Culvert Canyon to retrace our steps.  It is a 4 mile in and out hike that requires a lot of "paying attention" to find your way.  

The trailhead began once we passed  through a huge culvert (that always makes for a cool picture) under the railroad tracks.  

Culvert Canyon

We emerged into a cool...as in the temperature...sandy wash.  A sign pointed left and off we went, but not before I smelled and took a few pictures of the moonflowers that lined both sides of the wash.  

Once on our way, it was a steep climb up a narrow and overgrown trail.  The Colorado River quickly came into view just above the railroad tracks we had walked under.

The views of the canyon below...

The trail is not always easy to follow.  

Pay close attention to the cairns that show the way...they are not always visible.  And, plan on allowing more time than indicated by the mileage.  

The scenery and trying to stay on trail slowed us down. 






Blooming Prickly Pear cacti was the flower of the day ! There were soooo many.

Also, along the way we passed Utah Daisys and Perky Sues... 

Sego Lilies...

Utah state flower

 and a flower I couldn't identify.

 The Cliff Rose blooms are almost gone.  The mature seed has a long-tailed hair that attaches to it.  These hairs act like a "tiny parachute" and aid the wind in dispersing the seeds.  The fascinating part is that the hairs help "drill"  the seeds into the ground.  Once the seeds land in soil, the wind blows the curved hair rotating it to push the seed into the soil...amazing !

The trail traverses over slick rock, 
red sand,

 and boulders.

The toughest part of the trail was a trek up a steep slick rock section...it is steep !  I tackled it on all fours up and down !

Once we made that climb, jeep arch was just around the corner.

Joe didn't make the last climb to the arch.  He did get a "zoom" picture of me under it.

So far, we have hit the jackpot for hikes that offer quiet and solitude.  We did meet one group of four hikers beginning the hike as we were heading out...just the way we like it !  There is not much shade on this hike so we recommend an early start this time of year.  It gets hot on the rocks !

Do you see the rose ?

 Until next time, happy days and ...

 

                                                                    HAPPY TRAILS !

Oops, I almost forgot, Jack has a new baby Lamby.  

Up next...exploring, a little history, and Hellroaring Canyon