Valley of the Gods-Comb Wash-Monument Valley December 2009

[Moody]

Seems to be the norm, rather than the exception now, that I take a little trip somewhere over the holiday break. I teach the 8th grade, so I have a nice little 2 week window for exploration. I planned originally on going to the Kofa NWR in AZ, but decided to stick closer to home.

My brother in law, Kevin, as well as my friend Scott came along for the trip. We decided we would all ride together to mitigate fuel costs, and to enjoy each other' s company. We left early the morning of the 26th, and drove to Moab for lunch at the consistently good Moab Brewery. After trying to find stamps on a Saturday, and being shot down, we continued south.

We arrived in Bluff, and after seeing a sign for 'Espresso' on the side of the road, we stopped in. Turns out it was one of the more 'hippie' establishments I had ever set foot in (and I have some hippie blood in my veins), boasting a "variety of vegan and vegetarian foods." Wonderful. I just wanted some Java.

Kevin:

 

[Moody]

We overheard that the temperatures in Moab had been below zero as reported at the airport for the past few days. As such, we were confident that we would keep warm combined with warm sleeping bags and Mr. Buddy propane heaters. We bypassed the turnoff to Valley of the Gods in order to hit up Mexican Hat, UT for supplies.

The Rock that gives the town its name:

I have spent some time in the area in the past, but I had never seen it with snow covering the ground...

 

[Moody]

We arrived in Valley of the Gods just as the sun was beginning to set for the day. We quickly set up camp, and I caught a few photos of the sunset:

 

[Moody]

Three things sum up the first night camping in Valley of the Gods:
1- Johnnie Walker
2- Flares
3- Cold

The next morning, we decided to head through the park and exit on the opposite side. Despite us driving a crappy Lexus, we made it though some slick, snowy, and downright sketchy roads to end up at the base of the Moki Dugway and then Goosenecks SP.

Kevin at the Goosenecks:

 

[Rot Box]

Good times! :coffeedrink:

If that trip didn't offer you guys a sense of solitude I would be very surprised :elkgrin:

 

[Moody]

It was quiet. To hear the sound of silence was welcomed, after the event of Christmas was over with. Aside from the 2 or 3 vehicles driving past us, giving us the look of, "You're camping...out... here?!" we had the place to ourselves. Valley of the Gods they call it, and we were certainly feeling it.

With the roads being so snowy, we decided to skip exploring the backroads around Comb Ridge as we had expected to, and went truckin' down to the reservation to see Monument Valley.

 

[scarysharkface]

I love this!

Nice pics! Cool (no pun intended) to see the snow.

John

 

[Moody]

On the way back from Monument Valley:

I am still amazed at how much snow was down there...

 

[Willman]

:drool:

 

[mph]

Great trip report...I forgot to tell you about the awesome diner in Bluff. Right across from Recapture Lodge! Good food...fyi....

Awesome pics...Well done!

 

[Overland Hadley]

Goosenecks looks amazing in the snow.

Precipitation wise, how much above average is southern Utah this winter? Thinking it might be another good spring for wildflowers.

 

[Desert Taco]

Nice pictures. We drove through the area just a few days before on our way back from Moab. There was lots more snow!

 

[KSJeep]

Amazing how even a little snow cange change a landscape and really bring it to life.

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

One of my most favorite areas! I love what you have done!

I am enjoying all of it!

Thanks for sharing!


Now just where is my high country desert Smiley.....when I need him>?!!!

Carry On!



...... :beer:



.

 

[Moody]

Goosenecks looks amazing in the snow.

Precipitation wise, how much above average is southern Utah this winter? Thinking it might be another good spring for wildflowers.

I would have to check into it to be sure on the formal side, though locals seemed to think it was more than normal...I tend to trust locals more than 'professionals'...you know.