A “Curious Slot”

As part of my study of an area for future exploration and photography, I will use Google Earth to scan areas of interest. While doing this kind of “fly over” along the Paria River in Southern Utah I noticed a strange location. I was following a wash bed as it made its way through some striking white and red soils.  The funny thing about this wash was how it meandered in a series of straight spots with right angle turns and then back to straight. All this time this wash was “flowing” perpendicular to the general slope of the hillside. After a series of turning back on itself the wash appeared to end altogether, then after a break along what appeared to be a stone band it again appeared and meandered as a normal stream would out into a bigger valley and eventually emptied into the Paria River. With closer study it appeared that the break in the wash was indeed a short slot canyon through the band of stone.

On a trip to the area I determined to explore this curious slot and the zigzagging wash above.  Once crossing the Paria River using a pair of old shoes with garbage bags over my socks. (This is a great way to avoid hiking in wet gear.) I proceeded to route find up a small side valley. Range cattle in the area had created a wonderful well used trail in the direction of the slot canyon.  This made hiking much more enjoyable.  Be aware that even domesticated cattle when they have very young calves with them can be ill tempered so it is best to keep your distance.  After 1.25 miles the wash turns and leaves the open valley and enters a shallow canyon. Shortly after that I entered the slot portion which, while not amazing colored or long, it was a delight to walk through and explore. 

After the slot, the canyon paralleled the stone band which held the slot and then turned into the hill and the brightly colored bands of white and red soil/rock. Here the wash wandered back and forth in short stretches turning back on itself a few times before once again turning into the hill and following the slope up.

Returning the same way I came, I was pleased to have taken the path less traveled and explored a spot probably rarely if ever visited.  Fun places come in all sizes and shapes and each adds to the overall experience of the time spent in the great country of Southern Utah. Want to know more about the “Curious Slot” drop me a message and I will fill you in.