IntrepidXJ's Adventure Blog

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Over the winter I bought my own inflatable kayak so that I wouldn’t have to rent or borrow one anymore, and I’ve been looking forward to getting it on the river for the first time this year. Originally, Jackson and I wanted to go on a day trip through Ruby-Horsethief Canyon on the Colorado River, but because of the low river this year, we knew that it would not work very well as a day trip. Instead we decided to check out a new section of the Gunnison River that is very close to home.

We dropped off my Jeep at at boat ramp in Whitewater and then took Jackson’s car up to Bridgeport where we would get on the river. We knew this section of the river was going to be pretty flat, but it was much slower than we thought it would be. We ended up having to paddle much of the way to keep moving at a reasonable pace. Luckily, it wasn’t that windy today or it could have been much slower!

My new Tributary Tomcat Tandem ready for it’s maiden voyage down the Gunnison.

Ready to Launch by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Jackson and the rest of his family on the river.

Jackson & Family by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Nice view down the river.

Paddle by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
 

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

It’s been awhile since I’ve hiked to the arches in Rattlesnake Canyon and I have wanted to return again so that I could try and get some better photos of them. I figured that sunset would probably be the best time to go, and that I should have plenty of time to reach them after work before the sun went down. Last week I had originally planned on hiking to them after work on two separate occasions, but as I left work on those days the sky was completely overcast which wouldn’t have made for any good photos, so I cancelled the hike. Finally on Tuesday the conditions were looking good, so I grabbed a quick dinner and drove to the upper trailhead after work. I actually arrived in about an hour, which was quicker than I thought it would take. I got on my pack and started hiking into the canyon. There was no one else around and I would not see anyone else all evening…I had the place to myself. It’s great to be able to get to places like this not far from home to enjoy some solitude in the middle of the week.

Start of the trail.

Ratlesnake Arches Trailhead by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

View from the trailhead over the Grand Valley in the distance.

Above the Valley by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I made it to the end of the trail rather quickly which left me with plenty of time before sunset to take some photos. I went right to Rainbow Arch, also known as Cedar Tree Arch, at the end of the trail since I knew the light on that arch would be better earlier in the afternoon. Unfortunately, I was too late to catch it at the right time. I might have to return to this arch in the fall or winter for better light.

Cedar Tree Arch by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
 

Sunday, May 6, 2012

After a nice night sleeping along Indian Creek, I was awake again the break of dawn and having some breakfast. I packed up camp and then headed back into The Needles for another day of exploring. I was soon driving the rough road over Elephant Hill into the heart of the Needles. I ended up doing a little hiking and searching for some new rock art sites as I explored this beautiful area once again.

Driving through Elephant Canyon after crossing over Elephant Hill.

Elephant Canyon by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Squeezing my Jeep through this tight section into Devil’s Pocket.

Devil’s Pocket by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Interesting black handprints along the road.

Black Hands by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Great view in Devil’s Lane.

Devil’s Lane by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
 

Here’s a photo I took at North Coyote Buttes on Saturday in Sand Cove. I sure wish there had been some clouds in the sky, but I guess there’s always next time! The white stripes in the sandstone were very prominent here.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

On Saturday morning I set out early to drive down to The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. One of my goals for 2012 was to spend more time hiking and exploring in this amazing area. Unfortunately, because of circumstances earlier this year I was unable to make it down here until now, so I’m getting a later start than I had originally planned. Better late than never, I guess. I’ve still got plenty of time this year to return a few more times 😉

When I made it to the park I headed straight for the Squaw Flat Campground and started hiking the Lost Canyon and Squaw Canyon loop trail. It was a beautiful morning that was perfect for hiking. I made it to Lost Canyon in no time.

The well-used trail to Squaw Canyon, Lost Canyon and eventually Peekaboo.

Trail Ahead by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Crossing the sandstone of the Squaw – Lost Canyon Divide

Lost Canyon Divide by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Following the cairns.

Lost Canyon Trail by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr