In October 2024, I journeyed to western Colorado and eastern Utah to go exploring magnificent sandstone canyons of the west.
Colorado National Monument – October 9, 2024
My first stop of this four-day adventure was the Colorado National Monument. The monument is in the high desert south of Grand Junction and Fruita, Colorado. Congress designated this area as a national monument on May 24, 1911. After a pit stop for food in Grand Junction, I drove the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive in the park. It was fun to stop at the many viewpoints on a sunny warm day and soak in the incredible vistas. However, driving is not for the faint of heart with the sheer drop-offs into the canyons below!
Fortunately, I had no problem reserving a campsite in Saddlehorn loop B a couple days before my visit. After stops in the visitor center and at the nearby campground, I hiked along the Window Rock, Canyon Rim, and Black Rim trails. I even walked to the impressive Saddlehorn Amphitheater and strolled around the picturesque campsite loops. Before settling for the night, I enjoyed a delicious dinner, a cup of cocoa, and the twinkling night sky from my camp chair. It had been a wonderful day exploring this amazing monument!
Canyonlands National Park – October 10, 2024
Bright and early the next morning, I enjoyed a cup of coffee while exiting the monument through Fruita, CO. My next stop of Canyonlands National Park, just under two hours away. I had visited the park prior and longed to experience it once again. After a quick stop at the Island in the Sky visitor center, I continued to the Shafer Canyon Overlook. From here, one enjoys memorable views to the east and south. Admittingly, I felt a tinge of anxiety watching drivers carefully navigating their vehicles down Shafer Trail. Imagine how invigorated they felt!
Given my limited time, I ventured to the Green River Overlook with its jaw-dropping southern views. I was captivated by the distant canyons formed by the Green River, the Maze district, and White Rim Road. While taking in the incredible views, I reflected on how I had been to the Island in the Sky district twice. I felt happy knowing one day I would return to explore the Needles, Maze, and Rivers districts.
San Rafael Swell – Old Woman Wash Hike – October 10, 2024
After the thrill of visiting Canyonlands again, I arrived in Green River, Utah about an hour later. I met my hiking group at the Green River State Park, which is in the small town of Green River. As I drove through the town, I surmised it had good amenities for its small size. After greetings among our group, we carpooled thirty minutes south-west to the Old Woman Wash trailhead. This route is located in the San Rafeal Swell Recreation Area. The U.S. Congress designated this area (approximately 217,000 acres) as wilderness on March 12, 2019. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the swell is the perfect place for lovers of sandstone formations and canyons, like me!
Our hike of Old Women Wash was 3.7 miles with 450 feet of elevation gain. We began our journey at 1 p.m. and finished under three hours later. We traveled through a scenic wash and around a reef during the heat of the day (mid-80’s F). Consequently, we took several shade breaks, relishing the beautiful scenery. On the loop back, we did some route-finding and paused to observe pictographs and petroglyphs. After an air-conditioned drive back to camp, we showered, dined, and shared fun-filled hiking stories. It was a satisfying first day of the Utah adventure!
San Rafael Swell – Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon Loop – October 11, 2024
After a quick camp breakfast, we departed for a much-anticipated hike about an hour away in the San Rafael Swell. The Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon Loop is 8.1 miles with 810 feet of elevation gain. One is rewarded hiking two of the most scenic slot canyons in Utah. We began our high at 9:30 a.m. and finished six hours later. Our hike leader had anticipated the hike would take four to five hours. Nevertheless, she did not remember the extent and difficultly of the scrambling, especially in Bell Canyon.
Fortunately, our group included nine experienced hikers. Because some scrambles involved challenging foot and handholds, we were glad to assist one another. Therefore, I would not recommend anyone hike this route alone or go with inexperienced hikers. Despite the effort, I would happily hike this loop again for its sheer beauty and wonder. Given this, I encourage you put this loop on your hiking list if are a lover of sandstone and slot canyons!
Fall Colors Along I-70 in Colorado – October 12, 2024
I rose early the next morning for the return drive to my home in the Front Range of Colorado. Lucky for me, I was treated to exquisite fall colors along Interstate-70! I couldn’t help but marvel at the foliage, especially along Glenwood Canyon through Vail and then around Georgetown. If you happen to travel this route around the same time, you will not be disappointed!
Have you gone exploring magnificent sandstone canyons of the west, or do you want to? If so, I hope you drop me a line. I’d love to hear from you!