Southwest Spring Excursion
After much preparation, I headed out on a planned excursion across the southwest. Exploring parts of Arizona, Utah, and Colorado seeing places missed on prior trips, doing some hiking, and mostly boondock camping along the way. Lots of miles and adventures expected.
New Mexico
Starting out, I drove a different route than originally planned in order to camp with a fellow full-timer in the Big Burro Mountains south of Silver City. Then further north to another boondock spot just shy of the border with Arizona. These were new camps for me.
Arizona
A quicker trek through Arizona than originally planned. Camps at Owl Creek CG and Riverview CG in the Gila Box Riperian NCA, Agua Fría Natl Monument, and three boondock spots in the Coconino NF. Visits to see the Old Safford Bridge, Frye Mesa, Gila River, Badger Springs, Tuzigoot and Elden pueblo ruins, Red Rock Cliffs and Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona. A few planned stops were aborted due to unforeseen closures.
Utah
Arrived in Utah sooner than expected. My plan was to travel the far western area to see new places and to stay at nice camps. I entered at Glen Canyon NRA, then over to Kanab and northwest beyond Delta. Saw Kanab Canyon, the Sand Dune Arch, a couple of Overlooks crossing the mountains, the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs, Milford History Park, and saw Pioneer Charcoal Kilns. Also, hiked to see Diana’s Throne and Belly of the Dragon. Camped at Crocodile Staging, Twin Hollows Canyon, Parowan Gap, Lions Club CG, and Oak Creek Canyon.
Continued up the western edge of Utah to see some interesting things. Stopped at Eureka to see part of the historic Tintic Mining District, saw the Benson Grist Mill park, a view of the Great Salt lake, and the double drop Bridal Veil Falls. Camped at Clover Springs CG, and boondocked at Willow Canyon and Wahnrhodes Canyon.
Moved further east to see the Buried Forest concretions, Nine Mile Canyon Rock Art and scenic Views, and hike Daddy Canyon. Boondock camped in Wanrhodes Canyon, and at the Buried Forest trailhead. Then on to the northeast part of the state for a hike on the Hog Canyon Trail and see Dinosaur National Monument Views, a visit to Fantasy Canyon, then checked out the Dry Fork Petroglyphs and Dry Fork Canyon Views. For these last few I boondocked at McCoy Flat.
Spent some time camping around Flaming Gorge, and saw the John Jarvie Ranch historic site on the Green River, the Flaming Gorge Dam, and some nice Views in the area. Then I moved over to the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway for some Views, the Provo River, and Provo River Falls. Boondocked there by Yellow Pine Creek, later near the Strawberry River and then back to McCoy Flat near Vernal.
Colorado
Moved into Colorado with a plan to travel down the western edge. Entered near the eastern part of the Dinosaur National Monument, so took a look-see on Harpers Corner Road. Then the idea was to see the petroglyphs at Canyon Pintado National Historic District which turned out to be a bust, with little accessible.
Continued southward to drive the Unaweep Scenic Byway, and stopped to see the Lowry Pueblo Ruins in Canyons of the Ancients. Boondock camped on the Unaweep Divide in the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area and a forest camp at Madden Peak.
New Mexico
Returned earlier than expected to New Mexico, and saw the Gallup Murals. Then headed for a higher elevation camp in the Gila NF where I boondocked near Escondido Mountain.
Then moved to the Cibola NF to boondock at West Pass and Slash Draw, with a drycamp at Jackson Park in Pie Town between. And of course, I had to sample the delicious pie. And, ended the month with another camp in the Gila NF by El Caso Peak.