February 24, 2011

Canyonlands Maze, Day 1

Both humans and animal friends at our house were growing weary of snow.  Steve noted that the top of the trailer was mostly snow-free, and he took that as a sign that it was time to go riding somewhere.  So, we loaded up and headed for southern Utah.  We drove about 4.5 hours to BLM (Bureau of Land Management) rangeland just outside of the Maze district of Canyonlands National Park.

Hoodoos and unusual rock formations made for an interesting drive once we left the paved road.
This sign marks a remote 4 way intersection of dirt roads.
As we approached, the Maze, deep sandstone canyons cut through the high desert plateau.  This place is a geologist's dream, demonstrating the effect of wind and water erosion on sandstone over millions of years.
Though we loved the scenery, we also loved having snow-free, sandy paths to ride for many miles.  We saw a few cows, rabbits, and antelope, but no cars or people.
The above photo shows the snowy Lasal Mountains (near Moab), across the expanse of the Maze District and the Green River corridor.
On the afternoon we arrived, we rode for 7 beautiful miles along the rim of Horseshoe Canyon.
The high temp was about 40 F, a little chilly for us, but good for the horses who are still wearing their winter coats.
That night, we camped near a small pond, one of the few water sources in the area.  A flock of ducks hung out there.  When we brought to the horses to the pond for a drink, the ducks flew away, circling until we were finished and the coast was clear.  Then they'd return.  They weren't about to give up the only floatable surface for miles around.
Unfortunately, our camp site had a dead cow carcass nearby, which was still somewhat odiferous.  Fortunately, Daisy was able to salvage a delicious rib bone for her supper. 
We chowed down on canned stew, which tastes like ambrosia when you're hungry enough, then huddled in our gooseneck trailer's sleeping quarters, awaiting sunrise and another day on the trail.

19 comments:

  1. What a fun trip...I thought you must have been gone on an adventure...glad your back safe..

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  2. Well, you hit the jackpot with scenery! (AND - absolutely no snow!)

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  3. That scenery is incredible. Looking forward to other photos of your trip.

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  4. Those southern Utah colors make me homesick for the canyon. I'll bet everyone was glad to get out and away from the snow, even if a little chilly.

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  5. ahh . . . love this end of the state. It is beautiful. We're thinking of heading that way for Easter Break.

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  6. Magnificent scenery with amazingly gorgeous skies!

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  7. Good on Daisy for finding beauty in a cow carcass! Lovely post--we used to vacation in Canyonlands/Moab/White Rim for spring break, 's been awhile.

    Hey, be sure & check out the film This Way of Life http://www.thiswayoflifemovie.com/ -- you'll LOVE it.

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  8. Love the Canyonlands. You're fortunate to live close to them.

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  9. What gorgeous scenery...I am sure you LOVED not seeing snow for a while.
    I had no idea you had a sleeping area in the trailer; cool.
    Cow bone? Daisy must have been in heaven!

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  10. What an adventure. The view of the LaSal mountains is great. I'm glad that Daisy got herself a rib bone.

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  11. Guess you were hoping for more than a high of 40! I'm surprised, it's been about that around here. Beautiful scenery, and Daisy must have been so pleased to have camped near a dead cow! How thrilling!

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  12. Wonderful landscape with excellent views!

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  13. Awesome! I can't wait to get out on some spring hikes. It's just that spring has to come and the bursitis and sprained toe have to go.

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  14. The terrain is so colourful - breathtaking! The fresh air must be invigorating, eh?

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  15. Hi Janie, WOW---what a gorgeous place. Glad you got away from the SNOW and went south... The area where you were is just gorgeous...

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  16. I love these photos!! We haven't made it to the Maze yet. It would be a long drive from here. The Needles were so remote, I imagine that if we make it to the Maze it will feel like the most remote place in the U.S. I guess it kind of is!

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  17. I haven't been to Canyonlands since I was a kid and all I remember is our dad trying to navigate a washed-out road in our Oldsmobile station wagon.lol What a magnificent place! Those rock formations are beautiful.

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  18. What a gorgeous start to a new season of fantastic rides. The scenery is amazing, and it must have been nice to see ground not covered with snow. It sounds as if all of you were happy with your meals, although you didn't say if the horses had anything special.

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  19. ahh love that area! I'm a little jealous :) Looks like you had tons of fun!

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