The Great Pyramid Loop and OOPS!

Moab, UT
June 9,2013


Sunday morning we were up and out the door by 7:45am. When the temps are predicted to get into triple digits, an early start is a must! Our destination for the day was Dead Horse Point SP and a hike on the Great Pyramid Loop. Our trusted guide book rated this 3.7 mile loop as easy to moderate.





When we arrived and paid our fee, we did find out this is a shared trail with mountain bikes...not a problem. As we headed out, the trail was a little rocky to say the least...like walking on marbles.

 In fact, we both thought this might turn out to be a boring hike. But after several turns, we were standing in front of spectacular views of the canyon.
 
 
 

The first "WOW!" was at the Colorado River Overlook. It is a huge slickrock area with no rails. Notice I kept my distance from the edge!

 

 The inclines on this trail have gradual changes in elevation making them fairly easy to hike.

 

The second overlook was a view of the Great Pyramid.



We just can't get enough of these views. Some might think if you have seen one view of a canyon, you have seen them all. Yet, when there in person,  each view is so different, rendering a completely fresh perspective and visual impact.  I have run out of adjectives...maybe I haven't said breathtaking so that will do!

 Once past the second overlook, the trail heads away from the rim with another slow climb 






with a few larger rocky shelves.


                                                               

We entered a basin and enjoyed the shade from the pinyon pines.  Perfect for a water and apple break!


Did you know pinyon pines do not produce pine nuts every year?

A tree produces edible nuts just every three to seven years. The irregular cycle prevents animals from adapting to an abundance of pine nuts and guarantees that at least some nuts will become new pine trees instead of a quick meal for a squirrel.

 This partial cone was crushed on the trail so Joe picked it up for a closer look.

 Shortly after our break, we came to a fork in the trail.  Although I usually take pictures of the signs, the one for this junction had about a dozen bikers in front of it. Their bikes were scattered about and looked to us like a huge wreck. Well, this is where the OOPS! part in the title comes in.

Without looking at the direction sign, I said "turn right" so we did.  After we had hiked one for over an hour, we came to a trail marker with a map and "you are here" designation .  We were now a third of the way into the Big Chief Loop, which is a 9,2 mile hike that includes the Great Pyramid Loop.  In looking at the map we calculated that our 3.7 mile hike should just about have been completed and we were left with a decision.... turn around, or finish out the 9.2 mile loop.  We did not have enough water or time to complete the extra miles so we back tracked.

                                                                                                       

My mistake cost us about 2 hours and boy was it getting hotter by the second! What a relief it was to see this sign. We still had 1.5 miles to go, but at least it was in the right direction!



 From here we climbed another hill. Why does it seem like the red sandy parts of the trail all go uphill? Not hard packed red sand, but soft,  red sand that your feet get buried in. Good for the legs but tough to walk in!

 Once at the top of the mesa, it was an easy walk through a meadow to the visitor center.






Dark pink

Pale pink

or Yellow

The meadow was full of prickly pear cactus. And this little guy was sure enjoying brunch!

 

Pretty Buckwheat

Mystery flower of the day...I could not find it. Does anyone know what it is?

Sure wish this cairn had been at the fork in the road and not in the meadow!

 Whew! What a sight...Don't mind telling you we were tired and hot by the time we returned to the Visitor Center. What should have been a 3.7 mile hike in the early morning, turned out to be about 5.7 miles.

We didn't budge on Monday except to take Sally to the vet for her annual shots and exam. Dr. Jim Gostlin and his wife Lou were great with Sally.  During her exam, Dr. Jim showed us the heavy tar build up on her back teeth.  He suggested we should have them cleaned when we were in a location and had time.  With yet another week here in Moab, we asked if he could do it for us.  He could, so she returned Tuesday for the procedure.  If you are in Moab, UT and find yourself in need of veterinarian we highly recommend Dr. Gostlin and his staff.

"But daddy, I'm people, not a dog!"

 

Thanks for stopping by.

Y'all come back!

Onion Creek, Thompson Canyon, Bever Mesa

Moab, UT
June 8,2013

 It was a beautiful Saturday morning. The air was cool, the sky was blue and not a cloud to be seen. We decided to take our Sunday drive on Saturday...just because.


Our next ride had already been picked out so we loaded up water, lunch and Dover and Wrecks and headed for Onion Creek.

Fisher Towers

 Onion Creek is off Hwy 128, about 20 miles from the junction of Hwy 191 north. It is well maintained by the BLM. It is rated easy in our 4X4 Guide Book.




This is a relaxing drive through a beautiful canyon. This time of year and with no rain, the creek is just a trickle. We crossed this little creek 22 times!



Notice Dover is on a leash...well, the wild child thinks she is suppose to chase everything. She especially likes to chase lizards of all things. The last time we went hiking, her feet and legs were covered in prickly pear pricklies.

Totem Pole and Mongoose Tower

We, or I should say, "I" (Joe had his eyes on the road) were treated to unique rock formations. The guide said to look for Totem Pole and Mongoose Tower...we think we found them.

 For a few miles, we followed a shelf road with the creek below.

There was a gentle breeze and the grasses were so pretty dancing along the creek bed with the rock walls as a backdrop.


At about 7 miles, our nose found Stinking Spring...the sulfur-based natural spring that gave Onion Creek it's name.

 From there it's a climb up and out of the canyon.







Just magnificent!







After approximately 9.6 miles we reached Fisher Valley Ranch and a fork in the trail.

    Notice the sign? No, we haven't made any major purchases like a farm. But, can you just imagine waking up to that view everyday? We turned left and headed toward Thompson Canyon.

The Thompson Canyon trail is also in our guide. It is rated moderate, but we thought it was easy except for a few steep, rocky sections.

 We very quickly found ourselves descending into the canyon.

 The trail skirts around Hideout Canyon ( we didn't have time to take the short walk to "The Hideout").   

 From that point, the trail snakes around onto a rocky ledge...

 ...the most difficult section of the trail. I didn't get any pictures here...had to hold on!

Our two passengers enjoyed the views (and smells) and agreed it was a  fun way to spend Saturday!

                                       


We did make a few stops for me. This is a Sego Lily. It is the state flower of Utah. And even though we probably never would try it, the bulb of this beautiful wildflower is edible.

                                                              



I believe this is Larkspur.

It wasn't long until we entered the LaSal Mountains. What a nice change in temperature...about 15 degrees cooler.






















From there, we turned right and passed through Castle Valley towards Highway 128.

We had a wonderful day and week-end. I can't believe it is already Wednesday...

We hope you are having a great week.

 Sue and Paul, fellow bloggers, were at Portal this past week. We all had a nice dinner at the Blue Pig here in Moab last night...yummy BBQ...and two very nice visits at their home on wheels. Thanks for the hospitality! It's so interesting how the conversation just flows...sharing and laughing about all the adventures  we have experienced. They moved on to Kodachrome SP this morning. You can check out their blog at www.youngerday.blogspot.com. Sue is a great photographer!

 

 Thanks for visiting and for all your comments.

Y'all come back!