Taking the Backroads Instead of the Highways.
We have wanted to take this back road trip for several weeks.
The roads are very primitive in spots and warnings abound everywhere to not travel them when there has been recent rain or the prediction of rain.
Every time that we have had open days to go it has either just rained or rain is on its way.
Finally consecutive dry days and no rain predicted.
The Rainbow Point section of Bryce Canyon National Park makes a nice backdrop for much of the trip on Skutumpah Road.
There are working ranches and Dude Ranches along the way. There is even a dirt runway airport near the Dude Ranch for tourists to fly in.
The day was perfect for driving with the windows down and everywhere we looked the scenery was beautiful.
The road has narrowed but it is still in decent shape with no problems.
There were frequent interesting sights. Like these roots that have climbed down the rock searching for that illusive soil.
There were many fascinating rock formations like this arch that looks like it was made out of stacked rock.
The road goes down a steep slope and all of a sudden we were at Bull Valley Gorge.
Bull Valley Gorge is a 100 foot deep slot canyon that I understand is difficult to hike. It is dark and narrow, filled with mud, pools of water and huge boulders. We didn't know until we were back that the bridge that goes over the canyon is actually built upon a wrecked 1950's pickup. The accident took the lives of 3 men. Their bodies were recovered but the truck was left in place, and the bridge that exists today was made by pushing large rocks and tree trunks over the wreck, forming a sturdy barrier about 15 feet thick. They say you can see it by walking a ways down the road. Wish we would have known. It would have been fun to see a bridge built on a wreck.
I have a slot canyon hike in mind today but this is not it. Too scary for me.
Doesn't that cloud look like it is full of rain? Oh no, we are not even halfway on this trip.
And there is water running across the road.
But soon the clouds were again white and puffy and the road was dry.
Lots of cattle grazing on the lush grasses. I think if Walt would have opened the door this one would have climbed into the car.
Down into the valley near Cannonville.
The terrain here is very dramatic and quite a change.
Since it is only a few miles to Tropic Walt was hoping for Fish and Chips at Clarke's. Needless to say he got his wish.
After lunch we headed on to Cottonwood Canyon Road.
This road is the most washboardy we have ever driven on. And very twisty and turny. We drove so slow that it took hours to go the 46 miles. We have had a definite backroad experience.
Going slow gave us time to really enjoy the views.
About 9 miles down the road we came to the turnoff for Grosvenor Arch.
Grosvenor Arch is a unique double arch that stands 152 feet high and spans 92 feet.
There were very few people there so we spent quite awhile enjoying this spectacular work of nature.
Despite the difficulty of the road this is an incredible sight and a shame that more people don't get to see it.
And arches that you can walk right under are the best.
Then on to my number one on the days wish list. The internet said that this was the rock formation we should look for.
Just across the road is the entrance to the Cottonwood Wash Narrow slot canyon.
Since the climb down was pretty steep Walt elected not to go.
From the description on the internet I knew I wouldn't get lost and the thought of a slot canyon with no one there but me was something I knew I would love.
And I was not disappointed.
So quiet, still and gorgeous.
The only sound was an occasional bird call.
What a special experience. Mark that off my wish list. A smile all afternoon.
Continuing on we saw this unusual rock. It was like it had been sliced with a knife and there was no other rock that purply color anywhere around. We are continually amazed at Mother Nature.
Soon we were following the Paria River.
It was evident why this is called Cottonwood Canyon. Cottonwood trees lined the river banks.
The road was originally built as a maintenance road for power lines following the canyon. Frequently there were huge power lines on both sides of the road and others branching off and going different directions.
The last part of the road is pretty barren and still as washboardy as ever. We said that if we had started from the other direction we may not have continued on to the beauty beyond. Oh, what we would have missed.