Sitting in my house at 7000 feet on the outskirts of Park City, I dream of a place with little snow, solitude, and room to explore and enjoy--the Utah desert. Now, don't get me wrong. I love my share of the greatest snow on Earth, a 60-day skier, but each year I get the itch. Call it cabin fever or wanting to feel the warmth of the sun once again; but every year I get it. When did I get out last year? Where did I go? With who? My mind thinks back to the previous year.
Each desert explorer has their reasons they make their first voyage south each year. For me, it's the temperature and the amount of daylight. I want the temperature to be in 50s and at least 12-13 hours of daylight. With temperature and daylight; I can explore and play! So, once February hits; my eyes are closely watching the weather. I am not looking for the White Coat Eubanks (our local meteorologist) wears on Channel 5 for the next winter storm approaching but listening for the words-warm, high pressure.
Wait...watch...and go! It's coming! Don't worry? When and where was your first desert trip last year?
March, 2012
I got the green light from my wife that I could get away and play for a weekend. After a few calls, the plan was set in motion. Now, I just had to watch the weather. The weather report was atypical for an early March forecast. Warm and dry...the three words were heard a lot this winter. With snow pack hovering in the 50% range statewide, it was time to head south.
My friend Doug joined me as we cruised South on Hwy 6. The Land Cruiser really didn't have a compass pointing it in any specific direction. Just south! The weather forecast looked promising with temps in the mid'60s and 70s. Game on!
We gassed up in Green River and drove South on Hwy 24. Our plan solidified to exploring the Roost. We made a left-hand turn at my favorite Utah Road sign.
Our morning dawned! It felt good to be in the desert. Clear, beautiful!
Our canyon exploration started with a morning walk, up high...robbers roost is a gorgeous canyon system in south-central Utah. It's famous for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Today, it's famous for the desert slots and the drop dead gorgeous oasis that is below the desert rim. For us, it was the desert rim for 30 minutes or so before we dropped into a drainage. The road goes somewhere...Trust me!
What I love about exploring Utah's Canyonlands is that one can hike in a high and dry drainage and within in minutes; the camera is out snapping photos; capturing the lure, solitude, and sheer beauty of the canyons. Doug, was not sure where I was leading him. Patience...
With our gear on; it was time to descend! It had been a few years since I had done this canyon with my wife but I tried to be quiet and let Doug find all the hidden treasures within the sandstone walls. He seemed to be having good luck!
What I love about many of the canyons in the Roost, is that many are somewhat a stroll in the park. All my senses were alert. We were enjoying the day. Enjoying the Roost!
It was the golden hour as we headed back towards the cruiser. We enjoyed the fire, a few drinks, and talking smart about past and future adventures. There was no wind and the evening was spend enjoying the desert calm. Sometimes rare in early Spring.
Each desert explorer has their reasons they make their first voyage south each year. For me, it's the temperature and the amount of daylight. I want the temperature to be in 50s and at least 12-13 hours of daylight. With temperature and daylight; I can explore and play! So, once February hits; my eyes are closely watching the weather. I am not looking for the White Coat Eubanks (our local meteorologist) wears on Channel 5 for the next winter storm approaching but listening for the words-warm, high pressure.
Wait...watch...and go! It's coming! Don't worry? When and where was your first desert trip last year?
March, 2012
I got the green light from my wife that I could get away and play for a weekend. After a few calls, the plan was set in motion. Now, I just had to watch the weather. The weather report was atypical for an early March forecast. Warm and dry...the three words were heard a lot this winter. With snow pack hovering in the 50% range statewide, it was time to head south.
My friend Doug joined me as we cruised South on Hwy 6. The Land Cruiser really didn't have a compass pointing it in any specific direction. Just south! The weather forecast looked promising with temps in the mid'60s and 70s. Game on!
We gassed up in Green River and drove South on Hwy 24. Our plan solidified to exploring the Roost. We made a left-hand turn at my favorite Utah Road sign.
Our morning dawned! It felt good to be in the desert. Clear, beautiful!
Our canyon exploration started with a morning walk, up high...robbers roost is a gorgeous canyon system in south-central Utah. It's famous for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Today, it's famous for the desert slots and the drop dead gorgeous oasis that is below the desert rim. For us, it was the desert rim for 30 minutes or so before we dropped into a drainage. The road goes somewhere...Trust me!
What I love about exploring Utah's Canyonlands is that one can hike in a high and dry drainage and within in minutes; the camera is out snapping photos; capturing the lure, solitude, and sheer beauty of the canyons. Doug, was not sure where I was leading him. Patience...
With our gear on; it was time to descend! It had been a few years since I had done this canyon with my wife but I tried to be quiet and let Doug find all the hidden treasures within the sandstone walls. He seemed to be having good luck!
What I love about many of the canyons in the Roost, is that many are somewhat a stroll in the park. All my senses were alert. We were enjoying the day. Enjoying the Roost!
It was the golden hour as we headed back towards the cruiser. We enjoyed the fire, a few drinks, and talking smart about past and future adventures. There was no wind and the evening was spend enjoying the desert calm. Sometimes rare in early Spring.
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