Yesterday we had inquired at one of the satellite visitor centers what conditions of the dirt access roads were in other parts of the park. (We had in mind our crazy ride down Notom Road at Capitol Reef.) The ranger recommended against driving them in our car because of rough conditions, and that we should only go with a high clearance vehicle. We were somewhat disappointed, as there were hikes we wanted to take in those areas.
Today, we opted to stop at the main Visitor Center and inquire once more about those roads. "No problem! I drive them in my Malibu!" was the reply. So, off we went to a southern area in the park.
The road out to the trailhead was 15 miles of washboard dirt. We're getting used to this. It wasn't as bad as Notom Road at Capitol Reef, but there were a few spots where the 2-way road was definitely only wide enough for 1 vehicle. Trees and rock lined the road to eliminate any chance for 2 cars to squeeze through. On our way back up this road later this afternoon, we met at least one large truck with a trailer coming at us from the opposite direction in one of these 1-wide spots. Generously, he immediately backed 100 yards down the curvy road. What a champ!
We stopped at the trailhead near the end of the road, and were pleasantly surprised that no one else was there. The day was clear and cool, and in this area of the park, the smoke was not as heavy as we experienced yesterday. Our trail took us up the side of a hill through fields of serviceberry and sagebrush to a lovely aspen forest and a grove of mountain mahogany. As we gained elevation, we
loved the grand views of varying shades of green punctuated with the gold of autumn aspens. The mountain mahogany trees grow in semi arid areas and have contorted shapes. This stand of trees reminded me of a spooky goblin forest. At one point we came upon a dead fawn right by the side of the trail.
Mid-afternoon, we found a large rock in an open area where we could rest a while and enjoy liunch. We ate in view of the mountains.
When we finished this route, we decided to head to the end of the road and take one more hike to what turned out to be another obscured overlook. Park Service: Cut some trees, or don't call it an overlook! We passed a huge dead limber pine that had lost all its bark, but still had most of its branches. The trunk was a gorgeous swirl of color.
Photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Vow2LFb5uqnVi3jb7
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