Nautilus Trail

(nr Church Wells UT)
Another hike, in the Grand Staircase-Escalante, was on the Nautilus trail which was only a short walk from my campsite. Following a wide wash for about 1/2 mile took me to rock formations that resembled giant oyster shells. Well, at least by using one’s imagination.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Grand Staircase-Escalante – Nautilus Trail

Cliffs and ledges on either side added to the scenic views. The variety of shapes and colors held my interest. I also found a small slot cavern eroded into the rock. The wash continued further, but the landscape changed.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Cliffs & Shell

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Oyster Mound

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Shell Formation

The road I was on would dead end about a mile or so further at a tent campground. From there, people hiked into Paria Canyon and the Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness. Those trails were much too long for me to attempt though.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Slot Cavern

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Funky Rock

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

More Shell Rocks

My boondock spot, next to the river, was under some cottonwood trees a short way off the gravel road and down a 2-track spur. Very quiet, and I had it all by myself.

Camp: Grand Staircase-Escalante NMon/Paria River boondock
Scene: Rock formations, desert

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2 Responses to Nautilus Trail

  1. Barney Ward August 10, 2017 at 3:16 pm #

    Now that looks like some neat country. Thanks for the pictures.

    • Pleinguy August 10, 2017 at 3:23 pm #

      Yes. Very interesting rocks.

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