RadRed06
Member
That's awesome, September is definitely a great time to go. If you have any questions feel free to message me.
Westward from Mississippi: Colorado/Utah/Arizona
- Thread starter RadRed06
- Start date
RadRed06
Member
Day 8: Ouray, CO to Page, AZ
Eager to move on to a new area, we packed camp and were on the road by 9:00. As we passed south towards Utah, one could only watch as the terrain changed from an alpine environment to desert.
Stopped in Blanding, UT at the Patio Drive In for lunch. Highly recommended.
On way to Page, AZ we drove through Monument Valley. Our first time though the area and the formations were as impressive as advertised.
P1012656 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012657 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
Stopped in Page for a resupply at Wally World before heading out to Lake Powell to find a campsite.
On the way to camp
Untitled by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
Settled in above Lake Powell, we watched boats as they docked on the banks for the night. Definitely one of the top campsites of the trip.
P1012661 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
Eager to move on to a new area, we packed camp and were on the road by 9:00. As we passed south towards Utah, one could only watch as the terrain changed from an alpine environment to desert.
Stopped in Blanding, UT at the Patio Drive In for lunch. Highly recommended.
On way to Page, AZ we drove through Monument Valley. Our first time though the area and the formations were as impressive as advertised.
P1012656 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012657 by Daniel Atkins, on FlickrStopped in Page for a resupply at Wally World before heading out to Lake Powell to find a campsite.
On the way to camp
Untitled by Daniel Atkins, on FlickrSettled in above Lake Powell, we watched boats as they docked on the banks for the night. Definitely one of the top campsites of the trip.
P1012661 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
RadRed06
Member
Day 9: Page, AZ
I got up early to catch sunrise from our campsite and was not disappointed. The day started as promising as any, no sign of the things to come.
P1012664 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012667 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012668 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012673 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
I scrambled around the rocks exploring our site as we had arrived past dark
P1012674 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012675 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012677 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012678 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012679 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
Our first order of business was to go into Page in order to wash clothes and grab lunch. After that we drove over to Horseshoe Bend to brave the crowds and snap some pictures.
P1012682 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
As temperatures rose we decided to try to find somewhere to swim. Lone Rock beach was an option but the $20 per car price and people pushed us to look elsewhere. I had an idea that would take us Warm Creek Bay north of Page. Very unlikely anyone would be there and best of all it would be free.
This is where we ran into trouble.
As we made our down the road to the turn off for Warm Creek Bay, storm clouds rolled in from the north. We knew from prior research that this road can turn very dangerous when wet. We’d see the videos of flash flooding and knew the risks. Unfortunately for us the weather turned in an instant.
We were caught in a downpour that within minutes turned the road into a soupy mess.
In a stroke of pure fortune, an older man in a Land Rover was making his way towards us. He was a local and let us know that if any more rain dumped north of our location, the road could be washed out for good. This would leave us stranded for days.
After a brief discussion, we decided to take the chance on the way out letting this man lead us.
P1012683 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012684 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012685 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012686 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
This was probably the most nerve racking moment of the trip as the left side had been washed out and the mud was so slick on the road that getting momentum could potentially lead to losing a truck to the washout. Not to mention the mud was so thick that getting stuck out in the middle was a real possibility.
P1012687 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
However, both trucks made it across but not without some drama, no pics were taken in thr process as our minds were more focused on getting out of this mess.
P1012688 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012689 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
The aftermath.
P1012690 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012691 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
The radar was clear before we started down the road to Warm Creek Bay and this storm popped up in an instant. Flash floods are a real danger out west, something we rarely see in Mississippi.
Exhausted, we drove on to Kanab and washed the trucks, found a place to camp, and got some food. What a day.
I got up early to catch sunrise from our campsite and was not disappointed. The day started as promising as any, no sign of the things to come.
P1012664 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012667 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012668 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012673 by Daniel Atkins, on FlickrI scrambled around the rocks exploring our site as we had arrived past dark
P1012674 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012675 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012677 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012678 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012679 by Daniel Atkins, on FlickrOur first order of business was to go into Page in order to wash clothes and grab lunch. After that we drove over to Horseshoe Bend to brave the crowds and snap some pictures.
P1012682 by Daniel Atkins, on FlickrAs temperatures rose we decided to try to find somewhere to swim. Lone Rock beach was an option but the $20 per car price and people pushed us to look elsewhere. I had an idea that would take us Warm Creek Bay north of Page. Very unlikely anyone would be there and best of all it would be free.
This is where we ran into trouble.
As we made our down the road to the turn off for Warm Creek Bay, storm clouds rolled in from the north. We knew from prior research that this road can turn very dangerous when wet. We’d see the videos of flash flooding and knew the risks. Unfortunately for us the weather turned in an instant.
We were caught in a downpour that within minutes turned the road into a soupy mess.
In a stroke of pure fortune, an older man in a Land Rover was making his way towards us. He was a local and let us know that if any more rain dumped north of our location, the road could be washed out for good. This would leave us stranded for days.
After a brief discussion, we decided to take the chance on the way out letting this man lead us.
P1012683 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012684 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012685 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012686 by Daniel Atkins, on FlickrThis was probably the most nerve racking moment of the trip as the left side had been washed out and the mud was so slick on the road that getting momentum could potentially lead to losing a truck to the washout. Not to mention the mud was so thick that getting stuck out in the middle was a real possibility.
P1012687 by Daniel Atkins, on FlickrHowever, both trucks made it across but not without some drama, no pics were taken in thr process as our minds were more focused on getting out of this mess.
P1012688 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012689 by Daniel Atkins, on FlickrThe aftermath.
P1012690 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012691 by Daniel Atkins, on FlickrThe radar was clear before we started down the road to Warm Creek Bay and this storm popped up in an instant. Flash floods are a real danger out west, something we rarely see in Mississippi.
Exhausted, we drove on to Kanab and washed the trucks, found a place to camp, and got some food. What a day.
RadRed06
Member
Day 10: Bryce Canyon and Zion NP
After calling an audible the night before and finding a place to camp near Kanab, we made the drive over to Bryce Canyon National Park.
Definitely a unique place. The problem with NP’s is the tourists. As we ate lunch we watched bus after bus drop people off. This was something we managed to avoid most of the trip. Regardless, Bryce Canyon is a special place.
We picked a short hike that would allow us to walk among the hoodoos.
P1012693 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012694 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012695 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012696 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012699 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012703 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012706 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
As soon as we finished the hike the skies opened up. Rain pelted our trucks, helping to wash some of the remaining mud off. Stopped for free showers at Ruby’s Inn and grabbed some food before hitting the road for Zion.
Wanting to get to camp before dark, we drove right through Zion NP. Really amazing place and an incredible drive.
Angel’s Landing, a trail we really wanted to do, had been washed out a few weeks prior and would be closed during our time in the area. Big damper on our plans.
Camp for the night. Water was muddy because of rain upstream of our location. Still a great place to stay a night even if a bit trashed which was sad to see.
Untitled by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
After calling an audible the night before and finding a place to camp near Kanab, we made the drive over to Bryce Canyon National Park.
Definitely a unique place. The problem with NP’s is the tourists. As we ate lunch we watched bus after bus drop people off. This was something we managed to avoid most of the trip. Regardless, Bryce Canyon is a special place.
We picked a short hike that would allow us to walk among the hoodoos.
P1012693 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012694 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012695 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012696 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012699 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012703 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012706 by Daniel Atkins, on FlickrAs soon as we finished the hike the skies opened up. Rain pelted our trucks, helping to wash some of the remaining mud off. Stopped for free showers at Ruby’s Inn and grabbed some food before hitting the road for Zion.
Wanting to get to camp before dark, we drove right through Zion NP. Really amazing place and an incredible drive.
Angel’s Landing, a trail we really wanted to do, had been washed out a few weeks prior and would be closed during our time in the area. Big damper on our plans.
Camp for the night. Water was muddy because of rain upstream of our location. Still a great place to stay a night even if a bit trashed which was sad to see.
Untitled by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
RadRed06
Member
Jackson area, went to school at MC.
RadRed06
Member
Day 11: Sand Hollow and the North Rim
The original plan for this day was to do some hiking in Zion. Seemed great when we planned the trip but the trail was closed. Plus the bus system used to transport people from trailhead to trailhead really didn't appeal to us as we hadn’t showered in a few days.
So another audible was called and we went swimming at Sand Hollow State Park. Turned out to be a great decision.
IMG_3891 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
Untitled by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
Refreshed, we hopped back in the trucks and headed towards the Grand Canyon.
We hit dirt around Jacobs Lake, AZ and traveled for around 25 miles to our destination for the night.
IMG_3900 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
What a place. At the top of the list of best campsites ever.
IMG_3909 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
IMG_3913 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012709 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
IMG_3907 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
IMG_3904 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012714 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012723 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
Best part was that we had the place all to ourselves.
IMG_3922 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012729 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
This would be our last true camp night of the trip and I believe we saved the best for last. I can imagine I’ll be back sooner than later. Until next time.
The original plan for this day was to do some hiking in Zion. Seemed great when we planned the trip but the trail was closed. Plus the bus system used to transport people from trailhead to trailhead really didn't appeal to us as we hadn’t showered in a few days.
So another audible was called and we went swimming at Sand Hollow State Park. Turned out to be a great decision.
IMG_3891 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
Untitled by Daniel Atkins, on FlickrRefreshed, we hopped back in the trucks and headed towards the Grand Canyon.
We hit dirt around Jacobs Lake, AZ and traveled for around 25 miles to our destination for the night.
IMG_3900 by Daniel Atkins, on FlickrWhat a place. At the top of the list of best campsites ever.
IMG_3909 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
IMG_3913 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012709 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
IMG_3907 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
IMG_3904 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012714 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012723 by Daniel Atkins, on FlickrBest part was that we had the place all to ourselves.
IMG_3922 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
P1012729 by Daniel Atkins, on FlickrThis would be our last true camp night of the trip and I believe we saved the best for last. I can imagine I’ll be back sooner than later. Until next time.
Kenstaroni
New member
Awesome trip!!! We did a very similar trip last year but in reverse. North rim of GC, Zion, Moab, CO. Sucks you couldn't hike the narrows while you were in Zion, that's something I'll never forget. Zion in general is just awe inspiring. We were in CO the week after FJ Summit as well, we might have passed each other who knows...lol
Pacific Northwest yetti
Expedition Medic
Great write up! Living the dream, and simply exploring. Thanks for the share
Jtranum
New member
Good to see more MS people out there on the trails. I reside in the Delta. Great trip and write up.
RadRed06
Member
Will definitely be back to Zion to do some hiking. We were really bummed about the trail conditions when we arrived. We probably did! Saw a lot of FJs that's for sure
RadRed06
Member
Yeah not a lot of us unfortunately. Thanks for the kind words.
RadRed06
Member
Day 12: Headed Home – North Rim to Sedona, AZ
We drove out of the Grand Canyon and headed straight for Flagstaff, AZ. After grabbing some Chickfila we continued down to Sedona, AZ.
After window shopping and waiting for a storm to pass we settled in at a local bar called the Sundowner. This quiet hole in the wall was the perfect place for us.
Looking to find camp we drove Schnebly Hill Road up to the overlook and watched lightning strike the surrounding landscape as we waited for more storms to pass. The thunderstorm watching was complemented nicely by a few more episodes of Up and Vanished.
P1012731 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
Eventually we pulled off the road and decided just to sleep in the trucks, not wanting to get all of our gear muddy and wet.
Day 13: Headed Home – Sedona, AZ to Tucumcari, NM
If you ever get a chance to stay on Route 66 in Tucumcari, NM, I highly recommend it. We found a room at the Motel Safari. Great owner, clean rooms, and a very historic place.
We sat outside on their patio and relaxed that night. For me, imagining the place we were sitting as a stopping point for people headed west years ago was special in itself. I love places like this.
Untitled by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
IMG_3928 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
The next day we stopped in Dallas, TX at a friend’s place for the night before continuing home to Madison, MS.
IMG_3932 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
~3500 miles total. May be heading a little farther north for the next one. Until then..
We drove out of the Grand Canyon and headed straight for Flagstaff, AZ. After grabbing some Chickfila we continued down to Sedona, AZ.
After window shopping and waiting for a storm to pass we settled in at a local bar called the Sundowner. This quiet hole in the wall was the perfect place for us.
Looking to find camp we drove Schnebly Hill Road up to the overlook and watched lightning strike the surrounding landscape as we waited for more storms to pass. The thunderstorm watching was complemented nicely by a few more episodes of Up and Vanished.
P1012731 by Daniel Atkins, on FlickrEventually we pulled off the road and decided just to sleep in the trucks, not wanting to get all of our gear muddy and wet.
Day 13: Headed Home – Sedona, AZ to Tucumcari, NM
If you ever get a chance to stay on Route 66 in Tucumcari, NM, I highly recommend it. We found a room at the Motel Safari. Great owner, clean rooms, and a very historic place.
We sat outside on their patio and relaxed that night. For me, imagining the place we were sitting as a stopping point for people headed west years ago was special in itself. I love places like this.
Untitled by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr
IMG_3928 by Daniel Atkins, on FlickrThe next day we stopped in Dallas, TX at a friend’s place for the night before continuing home to Madison, MS.
IMG_3932 by Daniel Atkins, on Flickr~3500 miles total. May be heading a little farther north for the next one. Until then..
Gotta Love It
New member
Looks like a great trip! Madison here also.