May 11 - Capitol Reef

Watched the weather first thing this morning, they're saying the same as last night (winter weather advisory for Torrey but there are warnings throughout the Central Mts). They are saying rain could start in Torrey in the early afternoon.

Time to get moving. Heading towards Lower Spring Canyon. I heard its quite beautiful (another shot at a slot canyon for me -- 3s a charm, hopefully). There are 2 entrances one off the road near the Grand Wash parking area and the other off the Chimney Rock trail. I'm going for the Chimney Rock trail; it'll take me longer (2.5miles) to get to the canyon but I'll get to see some of the backcountry.

Its cloudy and 44 when I set off around 8am, the parking lot only had 2 other cars. My first task was to pick up 2 bags of Wendy's garbage that some idiot decided to leave next to the parking pavement instead of walking 50ft to the garbage can -- think they can haul the food from the nearest Wendy's 50 miles away but can't make it 50 more feet. Lovely folks :(

Then I set off. Its cloudy (somewhat looks like rain) and cool but there's no wind (Yea! after the gale that was blowing yesterday. But the winds are coming as part of the storm system).

Lots of flowers, the Yellow Catpaw, a different pink/purplish penstemon,

Prince's Plume (yellow), the Whitestem Evening Primrose (this one looks much more "happier" and fresher than the ones I saw yesterday)

and many others. The yucca plants have sent flower stalks up and some of the cactus' have buds.

The views of Chimney Rock were wonderful. But now I have to climb 240ft in 1/4 mile to get to the Spring Canyon trailhead. So up I went. Lots of great views as I climbed -- I could see in spots that aren't visible from the road.

I got to my trail and headed north/east through the backcountry. The trail is a well-worn path with great views and lovely flowers.

I really don't know what to say about it --- it's just raw beauty.

I can see the wash below and the trail appears to be following it between 2 tall rock formations ahead.

My "formal" trail ends as I drop into the wash. I'm a little wary because of the forecasted rain but its not like it will dump suddenly to cause a huge flood (maybe later tonight).

The wash is a sandy/small pebbly mixture (good exercise). Lots of shrubs and pines down there (including the skeletons of the dead pine).

As I go, the wash gets narrower. My first obstacle is a blockage of rocks. But I just follow a little worn path up and over.

There are other spots which seem to be blocked but somehow the trail just winds right on thru. (There was one spot that I'm very happy I have long legs because I had get over a 3 ft v-shaped rock.

Its hard to put in perspective the height of the canyon walls without having a person reference..

I find a balancing rock!

I travel the 2.5 miles but there is no lower Spring Canyon. I go another 1/4 miles, and still nothing. My "uncomfortable" level is rising -- because according to the trail guide I should be there, when a lady comes walking up the trail. She tells me that I'm 5minutes away from the Upper/Lower Spring Canyon sign and less than a mile to the Lower Spring Canyon trail; so I keep going.

I continue on and sure enough, there's the sign for the Upper/Lower markers. I continue on -- the trail is changing, a lot more rocks, a little narrower - I must be getting close. But after 4-5 "just one more corner", its just time to turn around -- I've gone 3.5 miles already. (And I'm sure the narrows were around the next corner.)

Strike 3 on the slot canyons -- at least I stopped myself and not the trail (but somehow this is not more disappointing --- I'm just not comfortable to continue to push forward -- its mostly the threat of rain and strong winds -- don't want to make this week's news).

It was a great trip though -- glad I took it --  maybe next time since I'm now familiar with the trail I'll make it to the narrows.

So I head back. And the wind has picked up. When I get out of the wash and back on the trail, I can't even keep my cap on. It had cleared up a bit (and was sunny) on my way up the wash but the sky is gloomy now. And it's cold. I would stop to put on my jacket but I don't have that much further to go.

I find a blooming plant that I didn't see on the way out -- it's a Round-leafed Milkweed.

And I find Daffy Duck -- I think Daffy might be on Elmer Fudd's head.

The people coming up the trail have ski caps and winter coats -- I'm still in a cap and long sleeved shirt. It seems so much colder out but when I start my car, its 62 degrees --- its a very cold wind.

Well that's my day. The clouds are rolling in. I can see its raining but probably not reaching the ground. I decided I'm heading back to SLC - just don't want to risk the snow threat, its a long drive above 6000ft.

The event of the drive back was a 12mile stretch that warns of frequent deer/elk crossing. So I'm looking for them. Instead I see 5 (or so) Pronghorn running towards the HWY. They looked like they'll cross in front of my car. As I start to brake, they put on the brakes, turned around and trotted away from the HWY. Pretty cool.

Made it home without getting rained on. I check the weather forecast for Torrey and surrounding mountains, the Weather Advisory has been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning (12-24 inches of snow and 20-30 mph winds) thru 10pm on Sunday. Glad I went home :)