Even More Buckskin

I enjoyed thos bend a lot

Massive Arch

Looking up to the sky

Face in the truth

Puppy Love

Egyptian Pharoah

Just fartzin around

That is it for Buckskin...until next time!

Buckin skin ...more

Finally heading downstream

The waist deep puddle...yuck

When do we find the holy grail

That is where we are going 

Look up Christal

Finding the light

Opening up

Big section

The open section was nice

Looking back Buckskin was awesome

Can't wait to go back!!!

Buckskin!!!

11-11-14

16mi Buckskin Gulch

Ran the Cottonwood Narrows just to get the blood pumping before we drove out Cottonwood Rd.  Nothing spectacular, but worthwhile with its proximity to the road.  A quick stop at the Paria Ranger station sent us towards Wire Pass TH and Buckskin gulch. Thankfully, the policy for getting a Wave permit doesn't allow you to just show up.  We might have gone that direction and missed this gem.  They tote Buckskin Gulch as the longest and deepest slot in America.   Or as we say, the most Slotty.  Right off the bat, Wire Pass was red and gorgeous.  When we met Buckskin, we went upstream about a mile.  Turning around and heading back down stream, I couldn't help but think everyday on this trip has been better than the day before, again.  We passed Wire Pass and continued downstream Buckskin.  We crossed a waist deep puddle and 4 more no deeper than knee in the first mile.  After that it was a nice sandy trail with an occasional mud puddle here and there.  Beyond words to describe, so prepare to be inundated with pictures.  Even still, just go there and check it yourself! 

Follow me

Heading upstream

Tricolor

Checking out the rocks

The "Skull" on the mountain

Sandy Trail...Christal wore flip flops

You mean it just keeps going?

Still upstream.....

Getting Slottier

11-10-14

16mi Bull Valley Gorge/Round Valley Draw

The description of Bull Valley was intimidating.  "Deep gorge, narrow walls, obstacles, can't see the sky and water pools".  Well I am up for a challenge. Turned out to be a 6 foot down climb and thats about it.  It was gorgeous, deep and dark.  Seemed like there was a bit of everything, including an overhanging car wreck of a Jeep, stuck in between the walls.   But the main theme was high, whitish/pink walls with black natural designs mixed in.  When the wash opened up and was less "slotty" we didn't wander far before deciding we weren't impressed anymore.  I guess we have been in a lot of cool slots lately.  We headed over to Round Valley draw.  Wow. Short but sweet.  This was certainly a favorite.  There were a few scrambles throughout, with the biggest being an 8ft down climb to get into the slot.  Once inside, it was ooohs and awwhs around every corner.  White walls with occasional color and juicy lines.  Surely this will be the climax with only one more day before Zion and nothing lined up for it.  We drove over to Grovesnor Arch, ate dinner and hung out until the sun went down.  Drove over to Cottonwood Narrows and camped for the night. 

Bull Valley had a bit of it all

Enjoying the lighting

Probably not a good parking spot

Candle holder or two faces?

Lines, lines, everywhere the lines

Enter Round Valley

Dropping in

More lines

Can't stand all these lines

Checking out the lines

The world can make you feel small sometimes

Got to be one of the best days on this trip!

Mosey day

11-9-14

11mi Calf Creek/Willis Gulch

Started out by driving the Burr Trail out. Expectaions were low after an incredible day yesterday. We got some groceries, gas and used the facilities.  Moseying along, we plopped out at the Calf Creek TH. I begged Christal to let me piggyback her, to once again get a leg workout on a short hike day.  She agreed. I have the best girlfriend in the world.  Calf Creek canyon was different from everything else thus far. The more we hiked, the more the stoked meter climbed.  Until, eventually we turned the corner and voila!  The 120ft Calf Creek falls cascading to an emerald pool surrounded by a sandy beach.  Sweet. Back to the car.  Headed out Cottonwood Canyon Rd to Willis Gulch TH.  Not expecting much but an afternoon stroll.  We dropped into the slot immediately and were flabbergasted.  The lighting was making the walls glow divinely.  The white striped walls with black and gold mixed, contrasted the colorful rocks we found in the creek bed wonderfully.  There was some water, which made a few falls and rinsed our feet nicely.  After returning to the car; I had a tuna and beans feast while Christal cooked some Simply Asia Thia Kitchen.  Wow what a day again! 

Calf Creek from above

In the middle

The falls

A little bit of everything in Willis Gulch

A little waterfall

Really was a nice afternoon stroll

The "giants boot garden"

Golden

Little Cass

Time for feast!