Gateway to Moab

[IntrepidXJ]

Originally, I was supposed to go to Moab this weekend with Amanda for her birthday. Unfortunately, she ended up having to work today, so we are putting that trip off until next weekend. However, I still wanted to get out and do a little exploring yesterday. Last year I went to Moab through Gateway, Colorado and thought it would be fun to do a little exploring in that area. Here's a few pictures from the day

Heading into John Brown Canyon

Spot the small hole in the rock

Found this old truck cab on South Beaver Mesa

Snowy La Sals

Little used two-track that dead ended at a cool overlook

Took a side road to Beaver Basin until I ran into too much snow and mud and had to turn around. A little snow bashing

I ended up taking the La Sal Mountain Loop and following part of the Kokopelli Trail to Sand Flats Road. The section of the Kokopelli Trail that I followed, ended up being quite a bit narrower and rutted out than I thought it would be.

 

[IntrepidXJ]

After stopping in Moab to fuel up again, I headed back to Gateway.

Heading back into John Brown Canyon

Once got back to Gateway, I headed into Lumsden Canyon, which follows along the Dolores River. I wasn't sure what to expect, but there was some great scenery in this canyon.

Stopped and took a picture of Driggs Mansion and Thimble rock on my way home through Unaweep Canyon

More pictures can be found here: http://www.myxj.net/g2/v/2008trips/gateway_moab/

 

[taco chaser]

Nice photo's, all of these Utah trips being posted are making me itch to get out there.

 

[Spikepretorius]

That's a first. An old truck that's not riddled with bullet holes.

Stunning scenery. I hope I get to see that one day

 

[Elvota]

Thanks for sharing. Nice to see some different photos from around the Moab area. I may have to go check those out next time in the area. :sombrero:

 

[Cabrito]

I like this one a lot...

 

[ttora4runner]

lol. Awesome photos. :bowdown:

The closest place like that around here is 3 hrs way in 3 directions (the other directions goes into Mexico, no thanks.)

 

[Cole]

Roughly how long is the trip from Gateway to Moab?

 

[CA-RJ]

Great pictures! I absolutely love Moab and can't wait to visit there again.

 

[IntrepidXJ]

Roughly how long is the trip from Gateway to Moab?

Don't recall mileage....but the trip from Gateway to Moab can be done in about 2 hours or less. Of course, if you stop and explore some side trails, it can last quite a bit longer.

There is a Google Earth track here:

http://www.myxj.net/blog/?p=894

...and a GPX file here:

http://www.myxj.net/trailinfo/GPX/Gateway-Castleton_Road.gpx

Hope that helps

 

[cellularsteve2]

Thanks much for your post. Your photos convince me. I may go there on my trip next month.:clapsmile

steve

 

[JKJenn]

Any idea which ranger district(s) to call for current road conditions? I want to take this route in a few weeks but I know Moab was slammed by storms recently and some of the roads had decent damage.

 

[28.]

Great pics. Hope to hit Moab next year..