Yet another day on the Uncompahgre

[IntrepidXJ]

Amanda had to go into work today so I decided to head up onto the Uncompahgre and finish some trail I have started before and check out a few new ones. I made a big loop by starting out in Escalante Canyon and following it up onto Love Mesa where I eventually joined Divide Road. I headed down the other side of the plateau through Casto Draw and made my way to Gateway. After fueling up, I headed up Sheep Creek and onto the Dolores Triangle. After looping around through Granite Creek, I headed back home through Glade Park.

It was a good day, and there was even some sun out at times today As usual, here's some photos.

H.A. Smith's cabin

Escalante Canyon

Love Mesa

Headed down Casto Draw

 

[IntrepidXJ]

Along the Dolores

Headed towards Sheep Creek

There were a number of small and tight switchbacks at the top

Steamboat Mesa and the La Sals

Left to Moab (if the Dolores were crossable now)...

Another great day exploring the Uncompahgre

 

[Bighead]

Nice pictures! I'm looking forward to heading out that way sometime soon.

 

[sinuhexavier]

There is a cabin on the Uncompahgre that is rumored to have been a hideout for Butch Cassidy. It is on a ranch now but not far from a main dirt road, a days ride to gateway by bicycle. If I remember correctly the cowboy that owns the ranch is named Tam and his wife is Jan. Don't play poker with him unless you're willing to lose.

 

[compactcamping]

Wow, HA Smith's cabin takes me back. When I was a kid, my grandfather took me up into Escalante Canyon a number of times, he was the mayor of Delta in the early 70's.

 

[upcruiser]

Nice shots! Those switchbacks do look pretty tight, and steep too. Looks fun.

 

[Bodo]

I lived in Delta for a year or so as a kid. We went out to Smith's cabin several times. It's the one with the secret room behind the bookcase, right?

We also used to go swimming in the 'PotHoles' near there. Such memories!

Really wanting to get out there again...

 

[compactcamping]

Yes, Smith's cabin is the one with a secret room. We use to go hunting for arrow heads and listen to the old outlaw stories around a campfire. Yes great memories!

 

[Lichen]

Man, your photos give me severe cubicle fever everyday at work. I'm not familiar with the area, but I have to make it up there. Can you suggest any maps (topos or otherwise) or books on the area?