Trip report
Had a great time, thanks to all who came out, Eric and his kids, Travis and his daughter.
Day 1 was mostly a travel day to the Swell. Unfortunately the day started out badly as Paul had to cancel, literally at the last minute. Hopefully we can hook up another time soon. After the long drive, when we got to the camp we intended on using (Lone Warrior) it was taken but after a bit of searching we found a nice spot nearby. Cliffs and rocks behind us and trees in front of us.
Day 2 was exploring Swasey Cabin area, with a few ice caves where they apparently cached food. We then took a "nice" road with a few small obstacles to navigate which led us to a nice lunch spot near a tall vertical arch. We then continued to Copper Globe mine to check that out. Due to the late hour we decided to run the highway slowly back to camp on our low tire pressure.
Day 3 we explored Goblin State Park with those cool geologic features to play on and around. Travis treated everyone to Otter pops at the small visitors center. We then went to explore a slot canyon (Little Wildhorse Canyon) but when we got there we found a jammed parking lot and nobody seemed interested in cramming in that tiny space with a million other people. Luckily I had noticed a map in the visitors center and remembered another canyon was nearby. There were maybe six cars in the lot and while it was a longer hike to the canyon it was a much nicer experience.
Day 4 we had to say good bye to Travis and his great little girl, we were all sorry they couldn't stay longer. The remainder of our group went off to explore the area north of I-70. We stopped by Dutchman's arch, Head of Sinbad pictographs. We then stopped by the amazing Buck Horn Wash pictograph and petroglyph panel. Next we found another interesting geologic area called Hamburger Rocks but a group of probably 20-30 people decided to make camp there including a camp fire in the rocks. Very disappointing but we didn't let that ruin our day. We headed back checking out different routes and found the Calf Mesa uranium mine. From there it was back to camp.
Day 5 we broke camp and headed to the missile site to check out the cold war relic. Then we continued to the nearby Crystal Geyser for a lunch stop. It did not erupt but it was still an interesting stop with all the minerals. Then the long drive home.
Truly a great trip. The weather couldn't have been better. The lowest if got was freezing, the last night, otherwise I would guess 40's and highs were 60's and 70's.
Base camp
near lunch day 1
somewhere in the Swell
