Kanab, Utah (Squirrel Creek, High Heel Arch, Gifford Creek, Narnia, Teepees, DeNaZin)
Trip Report
Personnel:
Stan Wagon and Joan Hutchinson, Silverthorne, CO
Katie Larson, Montezuma, CO
Janet Jacks, Silverthorne, CO
Bob Portmann and JeanMarie Mendesh, Silverthorne, CO
Elke Dratch (all but first day), Breckenridge, CO
Sunday April 14. Drive Silverthorne to Kanab. 550 miles.
Monday April 15. East Temple Loop by Stan, Katie, Elke, Bob, Jeanmarie, Janet. It was cold and damp so we did it in reverse. The weather improved, but a squall came in as we reached the final saddle, our high point. Thus we had annoyingky wet sandstone on descent. It was manageable and the weather improved a bit. About four miles and 1000 ft climb. 4.5 hours. We went too far in Pine Creek from the track I had seen and exited the canyon by a slightly off-route class 4 slope. Beautiful sandstone throughout.
Tuesday April 16. Drive to Hildale, Colorado, for the Squirrel Canyon Trail to Eye of Heaven Arch (shortcutting the trail route) and return via the standard trail route. 10.5 miles, 8+ hours. Bob, Katie, Elke, Janet, me. The arch is interesting and large, but does not yield a great photograph. On the return trip we want below a beautiful sandstone wall that might be worth visiting in future. We saw no people this day.
Wednesday April 17. Joan and I went to High Heel Arch, above Wire Pass Canyon. 3.85 miles. 700 feet climb. Very nice. Sandy walking. Elegant arch.
Thursday April 18. A long hard day towards Bridge Mountain for Katie, Elke, and me. We did not get close. We started in Gifford Creek, then left it for two bowls above, and then into upper Hepworth Ck. But we were slow and we ran out of time. So we turned around after the little narrows in Hepworth and climbed to a sub-summit of Destination Mtn. for our return. 7.3 miles, 8 hours, about 2500 feet climb. There were nice flowers, including Claytnia umbellata (desert spring beauty), phlox, and lots of yellow wallflowers.
Friday April 19. Narnia Arch and the North Teepees with Katie, Elke, Janet, Bob, and JeanMarie. 9.5 miles. This was my 4th time to Narnia. The entrance climb is tough. We saw one large male ram. Katie and I went into the Vortex and then out and around clockwise. Katie did a nice jump near the end to downclimb a tricky section that I had looked at in past years. I then did it with some help from her. We saw no one once we left the Wave trail. Nice birthday dinner for Joan at Sego.
Saturday April 20. Katie, Bob, Elke, and I explored the terrain around and in a beautiful valley SE of Yellow Rock. Cloudy day, but sunny spots. I was tired as this was third strenuous day in a row. But we took it easy, enjoying the generally mellow terrain.
Sunday April 21. Joan and I stopped at Wukoki Ruin, and then a one-mile hike through the lava of Sunset Crater. It erupted 800 years ago, rather recent. Night in Flagstaff.
Monday April 22:. Petrified Forest National Park, South End: Crystal Forest Trail and Blue Mesa Trail. Both were excellent. Spent the night in Farmington.
Tuesday April 23: Solo hike to Triple Arch of De-Na-Zin in De-Na-Zin Wilderness area, then return via hoodoos on the near rim. Second night in Farmington.
Wednesday. Drive home via Wolf Creek Pass. Very beautiful route.
Photos and Commentary
Eye of Heaven Arch Above Squirrel Creek