Kodachrome Basin and Grosvenor’s Arch

 

Another interesting part of the Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument is located further West from Escalante, itself.  Near the town of Cannonville, UT is Kodachrome Basin State Park.  Named by the National Geographic Society in 1949 due to its multicolored landscape.  Kodak corporation was well pleased.

We happened to be there in the middle of the day, so the landscape didn’t show up as well.  But, it was still interesting.  Made up of many spires and towers which defy logic.

I see a big dog and a small child standing back to back.

About eleven miles from the park, and down a dirt road through a desolate BLM landscape, you will find Grosvernor’s Arch.

Sally really enjoyed it, as she could run around off leash.  First time in three weeks.

Another great day trip. Now, which way home?

…….jc

Calf Creek Falls

 

A few miles East of Escalante is a BLM recreation area called Calf Creek.  The highlight of the area is the waterfall about three miles back up a canyon.  Five of us thought it should be worth the hike. 

Started out as a normal hike.

Beaver dams among the red rock.

A granary built into the side of a cliff by some ancient people.  For those from the Southern parts of the Country, we’d call it a corn crib. 

For perspective.  Not very easy to access.

Also some petroglyphs.

Almost there.

First glimpse.

 

Awesome place.  No tweaking on this photo.

A very worthwhile hike.  Nothing left but a dusty trail back.

Don’t miss it if in the area……..jc

Escalante, UT

 

We made the move to Escalante on Saturday.  Pulled up and over a 8600’ mountain pass, then down the other side through Boulder.   No pics of the mountains as auto and ATV traffic was thick.  Then it was up the Hogback for rest of the journey.

After all arriving safely, a few of us decided to hike the Petrified Forest trail at Escalante State Park.

A short, but steep trail climbs up to the top of a plateau littered with the remains of a ancient forest.

Some wildflowers and Claret Cups along the way.

Some of what we came to see.

A rockhounds paradise.  Thankfully, there were only a few signs of actual damage or removal by some that just had to have a chunk.

A few still stood upright.  Pretty lady for perspective.

Tons and tons of petrified wood every direction you looked.  Information booklet said it was all once alive near the Equator.   It’s traveled quite a ways to be here in Southern Utah. So many different variations of color in one log.

You can also see the growth rings.  Another great little hike.