San Rafael Swell
The San Rafael Swell created by an anticline 60 million years ago resulting in the tall benches that are eroding so beautifully around here. The rock is 145-185 million years old and is composed of 4 basic layers (Morrison, Summerville, Curtis and Entrada). The Entrada layer is the sandstone created when the area was a great inland sea and as it erodes, it creates the fantastic shapes found in the Goblin Valley. The section of I-70 going through the San Rafael Swell and ending at Green River, Utah is one of the prettiest I’ve ever driven. The signs say that it is also the longest stretch of highway in the U.S. without services – I can believe it – it’s just one incredible wilderness vista after another.
Curious Pronghorn Antelope - not very shy at all!
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| Along the first part of the wash leading into the slot canyon at Little Wild Horse. |
Little Wild Horse Canyon
Just a few miles from Goblin State Park, this hike is one of the most popular in the San Rafael Swell area. It’s a slot canyon that doesn’t require any special skill or equipment to navigate so is popular with families.
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| Walk into Little Wild Horse Canyon |
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| Where the pot holes were still filled with water in the slot canyon. |
Unfortunately, it has rained recently and I find the slot canyon to be pretty wet. Apparently, it can be waist to chest high during times like this. Several more intrepid hikers than I pressed on – but I kind of have a thing about not liking to go into water I can’t see thru – and the water in the washes here is a deep chalky red – one could be stepping into anything (wire, other debris). So, my hike was cut short for today. I might try again before I leave the area if things stay dry.
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| The things you find in washes as they dry out (washes: sewers of the desert) |
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| Cow with better luck than the one above! |
Plan B – Lunch in Hanksville
About 35 miles south of the park, is the small community of Hanksville. Pretty much a couple of gas stations, RV parks and café’s. I had lunch at Dukes Grill and RV Park (a massive hamburger and beer!).
There was a European tour group there at the same time. Look at these cool rides!!
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