Hondu Arch – San Rafael Swell Hondu Arch is perhaps the largest arch in the San Rafael Swell and for many, if not all of those who have seen the arch, it is from the road far below near Muddy Creek.  On one of my adventures I set out to hike to the rear of the arch and witness it from up close and from behind. My trip first required driving into the somewhat mysterious Mussentuchit Badlands an area located to the west of the “Swell.”   How did it get such an interesting name, well if you speak clearly enough it makes more sense. It is the “must not touch it” badlands...

The San Rafael Swell is located in the east center of Utah and is an area about 46 miles long and about 27 miles wide in the Emery County, Utah. For decades I have been enjoying and exploring the “Swell.” The landscape is similar to the vast areas of Southern Utah but not as far away from my home town of Nephi. Two streams cut through the San Rafael Reef and the interior. While these are not large streams, during good water years and during spring run-off floating the San Rafael River and Muddy Creek is an activity many adventurers plan on. Because of the size and varied landscape of the Swell...

If you enjoyed reading and learning about White Valley you will also enjoy Side Step Canyon. Both of these canyons/valleys feature similar but, different hoodoos and pinnacles.  Side Step Canyon has more color than White Valley and is a little more difficult to enter and escape from (if you are trying to avoid back tracking,) like I was. Side Step can be approached a couple of different ways. One can walk up the Wash from just above the Big Water Fish hatchery for about five miles. Or one could follow the directions to get to the mouth of White Valley and then cross country hike northeast...

Hayden Peak, elevation 12,479, is the located in the Uinta Mountains of northern Utah. Hayden Peak is the furthermost west peak in the High Uinta Wilderness Area and is the easiest peak to reach due to its location just off the Mirror Lake Highway. Hayden Peak from the west side Hayden Peak from the east side While there is no designated trail to the summit the route is fairly straight forward. From the parking lot which serves the west terminus of the Highline Trail one simply heads east toward the ridgeline that connects Hayden Peak with the next peak east which is Mount Agassiz 12,428...

Dark Castle: The deserts of southern Utah are wonderful places and the open solitude is enhanced more come evening time. The stark mountains and valleys take on a mystical feel as the shadows lengthen and the light fades. On a recent trip to the Wahweap Hoodoos near Big Water, Utah I arrived late in the evening. After I set up camp and stretched my legs from a long drive, I noticed off across the open desert floor an intriguing dark rugged shape of an outcrop of black rock in the distance. It almost appeared as the jagged remains of an alien spacecraft in the shadows from the setting...

The San Rafael Swell is a large region in the east central part of Utah.  It occupies a good part of western Emery County and is the home of many wonderful places to explore and enjoy. Along the Mexican Mountain Road One such place is the Thin Man Pinnacle, located out on the Mexican Mountain road which follows the San Rafael River downstream from the Swinging Bridge campground.  The Image above has our destination in it. A sharp eye may find the Thin Man. Those wishing to explore the area can contact me directly for more specific directions.  The hike begins 14.5 miles from the turn...

With all that you can see and do in the St. George area of Utah one of the off the beaten path places is Yant Flat. I first learned of its existence from a German friend who sent me a photo and asked if I could identify where the place was. My attempt was “somewhere in Snow Canyon State Park” With some glee he said nope it is “Yant Flat” obviously pleased that a foreign traveler knew of a place that his local friend did not.  Yant Flat is located 4 miles north (as the crow flies) of Exit 16 on interstate 15 northeast of St. George, Utah.  Easiest access road is from the small...

Hoodoo Valley in white If solitude and toadstools (see Paria Toadstools) or hoodoos are what you are looking for then a trip to White Valley in southern Utah is what you need. Located about half way between Kanab and Page on Highway 89 is a small town named Church Wells. Really this is a no services kind of town but, it is the turn off point for the adventure that awaits you in White Valley. Entrance into White Valley Take a left off the highway at the second intersection to Church Wells. This street will take you right through the heart of the town and you can get a real feel of how small...

What is the Pocket for in “White Pocket” White Pocket is a place located a few miles (5-6 miles) east of South Coyote Buttes on the Paria Plateau. This area does not require a hiking permit to visit and has become a great destination for those who failed to get hiking permits into North or South Coyote Buttes. Getting to White Pocket with its sandy roads will be the greatest challenge. White pocket is named for the white sandstone that makes up the area. The term “Pocket” is derived by the natural water catch basins that form from eons of weathering of the sandstone. They become...

The Lasal Mountains on the eastern border of the State are an oasis in a sea of red rock near the desert country of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.  Rising to the height of 12,721 feet Mount Peale reigns as the highest peak in this range which is second only to the Uinta Mountain range in height. The high mountain green and lushness is a stark contrast to the area around Moab Utah which is the community that serves the whole area. This summer I came to the area to explore one of the lower peaks and to enjoy the high mountain serenity which this range offers. Our two night adventure...