The Hole in the Rock Trail (as we refer to it today) Prior it was called, the “San Juan Mission Expedition” to relocate and settle the 4 Corners area.
“See, learn, study and share!” William T. Smith
I will start with a disclaimer; I have run this trail over 110 times with groups of people, since the 1980's. I got the Red Rock 4 wheelers to add this to the EJS (Easter Jeep Safari). I am a old member of the group going back to when it was a club. For EJS This was a 3 day camping trail. I would depart at 8:00 AM from Moab and be on the radio talking for 3 days giving the history, background, flora and fauna, geology and much more information. As I mentioned in another thread about a couple of weeks ago this is my favorite trail in North America. I have studied the history of the area as a passion of mine.
These first routes in the deserts were built to get between water supplies and the easiest walking route. We need to remember a person on foot is different then a covered wagon and a foot path carries people and not wagons. When the pioneers came along they needed to adjust the routes to accommodate the 80 wagons, draft animals and live stock. With the hand tools of then modern man you could do what was needed to widen the routes to become roads.
The discussion about the road over Comb Ridge. As most roads today, until the 1950's when Mankind developed steam, gas and diesel powered equipment. Most routes were following the First people routes. When the New people to what we call “North America” took advantage of what the first people had discovered.
The settlers to the area as time moves along wanted a easier and shorter route form the communities to Blanding and Monticello. The minerals needed for Nuclear weapons and energy and the discoveries expanded out across the western states. Roads like many in the 4 corners area were first built for exploring and access to mining claims in the area. Some were also build by the local ranchers.
Back at Comb Ridge, This old dirt route was a county road until the big gut was drilled and blasted where Hwy. 95 cut was put through the ridge. When 95 was put in the old route was given back to nature.
I was very lucky to have been best Friends with the late Jean Akens and her husband Brad Morrison. Jean worked for the Museum in Moab. We would spend a lot of time out together exploring. From her information there are many, many thousands of documented First Peoples sights in the 4 corners sites. Jeans specialty was pottery, but she also taught classes on many areas of First Peoples culture.
A little side note; As I write this my memory of the many people I have met, through 4-wheeling and overlanding has been a blessing! I hope that all of you can take the time to see and explore the world around us. You have heard of this saying “Take time to stop and smell the roses”. Do this today, as there is no guarantee for tomorrow.
Our time is precious, make the most out of it!
