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 !

Amphitheater Loop Hike

Portal RV Resort
Moab, UT
May 11, 2016

Waking up to an absolutely gorgeous day set the mood for an outdoor adventure.  The desert was calling and we answered by choosing the Amphitheater Loop Hike.  

The trail head and parking for this quiet 3 mile hike is at Hittle Bottom Campground about 22 miles east on Hwy 128.  
The trail actually begins across the street.

The loop is an excursion into the heart of Richardson Amphitheater.  The trail follows a wash with interesting rock formations  before ascending a steep, rocky gully to the top of the ridge. 


We were first greeted by Evening-primrose also enjoying the warm sunshine before the heat of the day.  Since they depend on moths for pollination, they usually wither during the day.  

The trail is narrow and easy to follow with the help of cairns. The first section follows formations in the Moenkopi sandstone layers dating back 225.5 million years.   

 Joe has a good eye for spotting things like the ladybug on the Harriman's Yucca. 

I couldn't find the name of this beauty.  Do you know it?   Don't you love it when your pictures have surprises like a beetle tucked away in the bloom below?

These purple blooms are from the Showy Four O'Clock plant which enjoy the shade in juniper and piñon pine communities.  These must have been a little confused because they usually bloom late in the day and it was mid morning when we spotted these.

And these pale lavender blooms called Utah Daisys appear early thoughout the southwest in April and May.   

The desert was full of Scarlet Globemallow. They literally glowed in the sunlight.  

 Climbing up the gully was a bit of a challenge for short legs...

Next...

 ...but so worth it.  I love walking a ridge line !

Everything I see makes me photo happy !

 Until next time...

 HAPPY TRAILS !