Hoo-doos, Wildflowers, and Gorgeous Scenery...Amphitheater Loop

Gopher Flats
June 2, 2019
Moab, UT

About 23 miles east on Hwy 128 is a great hike that is fast becoming a "tradition".  We have enjoyed this easy trek for the past couple of years with spring being our favorite time. I love the wildflowers and this year with Mother Nature's delay of warmer weather, we waited until  the first of June to head that way. 

Parking for the hike is at Hittle Bottom Campground across the street form the trail. 

Amphitheater Loop is an easy 3 mile trek through a wash area before it climbs a 250 ft rock wall to the top of a ridge that circles back to the beginning.  The suggested route is counter-clockwise.  

Hoo-doos are typically a thin spire of rock that protrudes from a wash.  They consist of softer rock that easily erodes and topped by a harder rock that protects the spire. 

  

 A variety of wildflowers dot the desert along the trail, but our reason for waiting until June was so we would be sure to see the Showy 4 O'clocks.   These large clumps of purple flowers die back each winter and reappear the next spring.  

It is so cool that Navajo Indians boiled these flowers to make a light brown or purple color for dying wool.

















Some flowers don't grow in bunches, but are just as showy.

At the end of the wash, just before the rock climb, the amphitheater really comes into view.
Looking left...

to right.

Once on the ridge, gorgeous views of the Colorado River, Castle Valley and Fischer Towers come into view.



















































We didn't really have a spring here in Moab. Just like most of the country, we went from windy, cold, rainy days to quite warm and dry days.  On the home front we have settled into a nice routine which includes an early evening play time at the doggie park.  

So, until next time, take care and...

HAPPY TRAILS !