Part 2 - Two Weeks in Utah - Hiking and Jeepin'

We had so much fun and saw so many interesting areas we have a Part 2 of our two week adventure.

As indicated in Part 1 of our blog we dry-camped/boon-docked very near to The Goblin Valley State Park.  Designated as a State Park in 1964, the hundred and hundreds of sandstone goblins and formations along the valley floor were caused by forces of nature such as uplift and erosion by wind and water forming the unusual shaped 'goblins'. It's mind blowing to think that this area and formations were formed over 170 million years ago. We ventured out on our own to visit the Goblin State Park and were surprised at all the different shapes and sizes of the 'goblins'. We must of spent a couple of hours walking around high and low viewing the goblins.  There are designated hiking trails laid out for visitors and/or you can make your own paths and that is what we did.  No area is off limits and dogs are permitted.  We arrived earlier in the morning to avoid the hot temperatures of mid-day.   Vegetation was limited but there were some hardy desert plants around the area. This park is also designated a dark sky park, great for viewing the night skies. 

Maybe an elephant? 

Chicken drumstick anyone?

Snow capped Henry Mountains in background.

Three Sisters

The rest of the day we relaxed around camp and I talked Jack to driving around for some Geocaches in the area. Not a bad place to relax - right!

The next day it was back to exploring some more of the area with a short hike to Colonnade Arch plus do some old west exploring looking for the hideouts of  the notorious Wild Bunch gang in the Robbers Roost area.  From State Rt. 24 we turned East on Hans Flat Road to explore both the Colonnade Arch area and the Robbers Roost area.

Group preparing for the hike.

Looking way down at the Green River.

On the way to Colonnade Arch we detoured to take a look at Alligator rock.

Looking from above thru Colonnade Arch

Colonnade Arch. You can get a perspective how large these arches were by comparing it to the
 person in the middle of the photo.

Colonnade Arch

Just one more photo - it's so beautiful.

Inside cave/arch looking out. Awesome view and nice lunch spot.

The Robbers Roost was an outlaw hideout in southeastern Utah used mostly by Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch gang.  After they would complete their heist they high tailed it to the Robbers Roost area where there were a series of trails and safe houses for them.  There were several safe houses  in very remote areas stretching from Texas to Montana.  The remoteness of this area is also known for outstanding canyoneering and is loved by climbers.

What's left of the Roost House - Cottrell Cabin 

Old corral fencing

Old corral fencing

Old corral fencing - still wondering why there are so many holes in this post.

Middle Fork Robbers Roost Canyon area

North Fork Robbers Roost Canyon

The last day we again ventured down Hans Flat Road to go explore more of Canyonlands National Park Maze District but more specifically the Panorama Point and a closer look at the huge rock formation called Cleopatras chair.

Panorama Point - Great lunch spot.

View from Panorama Point looking East  to the LaSal Mnts. & 'Needles' District 

Elaterite Butte

Overlooking the beautiful Canyonlands National Park, 'Island in the Sky' district

Cleopatras Chair from afar

Cleopatras Chair up close. Doesn't look much like a chair when you are up close.

We recommend that you visit the Goblin Valley, Utah area. We left saying that we would return to explore again as it was so beautiful.

One last note: Most nights it was too windy for a fire but the nights we were able to gather as a group by the fire we had great conversations and roasted marshmallows.  Great endings to great adventure days, (except for the campfire SMOKE!).

Thank you for reading our blog. Until next time... Enjoy your adventure!