Rider Reports
Video Taping "At Your Leisure"

March 28, 2005 - Jim Vann
Correspondence via email

I sent the following about 10 days ago.  I have not as yet had the courtesy of a response.  If this is addressed to the wrong department, please forward or advise.   Thank you.      

Jim Vann

 I am a member of the Utah / Ariz. ATV Club located in Kanab, Utah.  On  February 12th, 2005 club members were video taped by one of your staff regarding off highway vehicle use in southern Utah.  The intent was for this video to be given to the BLM so they could view comments from off road enthusiasts relative to proposed road closures and as counter input from various environmental groups.  Turnout for the video session was very good with many members of both the local ATV and 4X4 clubs in attendance.

 Could you provide some feedback on the results of the video taping?  What became of the taping session?  Was it presented to the BLM?  If so, what office?  What was the BLM's reaction to it, etc.?  I know many in the room were somewhat apprehensive about the taping session and we are curious if there was any value in it.  I will pass your response to club members via the club website.  Thank you. 

Sincerely,
Jim Vann
5265 E. Hwy. 89
Kanab, Utah 84741
435-644-2345

April 7, 2005 - Jim Vann
Correspondence via email

Thanks Dan,  I believe the segment was intended for "At Your Leisure".  My understanding was that there has been so much input to the BLM from the environmental community, that this was an opportunity for the motorized sports people to provide input as well.   The photographer told us this would be presented unedited to the BLM.  I would appreciate you keeping me informed.  Regards,  Jim Vann
Jim,

I am forwarding this to Chad Booth of “At Your Leisure” for which I presume this was shot.  (Chad, can you confirm this, and give me Jim Vann some feedback if we shot this for the show? And if you didn’t shoot it, please let me know and I’ll forward it to our news department).

Thanks,
Dan Pope

April 8, 2005 - Jim Vann
Correspondence via email

Chad, Thanks so much for your response. The multiple use issues within the GSENM and other BLM administered lands are of concern to all of us.
The environmental community with their deep pocket sponsors appear to continually barrage the BLM with information supporting their cause.
It is a rare opportunity for those of us who actually go out and enjoy the recreation opportunities, rather than continually complain about them, to voice our views directly to the BLM. We appreciate the opportunity that was afforded us and hope that it will have some impact on the RMP land use decision making process. Can you keep me informed of any updates and particularly when the segment you are producing is due to air? I will pass it on to members of the UTAZ Atv Club.

Thanks again,
Jim Vann
Red Boots Ranch
Kanab, Utah


Jim, sorry about the slow response in regards to the video taped
comments.
It was not our intention to be discourteous, but rather our e-mail
server's. That being said, I first got wind of your request today as I was catching up on my e-mail via Dan Pope's forward. Yes, we did send someone from AYL to get comments on the scoping process of the RMP for the Kanab office.
We will integrate a couple of them into a story that we are producing
about the RMP process that will air later this spring.
The comments were compiled on DVD, we personally delivered them by hand to the Kanab Feild Office, and Derek Dowsett, from our office when through all of the video taped comments with the staff at the Feild office. They accepted the comments in that format and then forwarded them to the contractor who is compiling the scoping data.
I hope that answers your questions, and sorry that it took us so long
to answer... we didn't know you had asked.

Chad Booth
Producer / Host

 

Utah/Arizona ATV Club Ride
June 18, 2005.
Great Western Trail to Jacob Lake and return.
Start/Return US 89 Staging area.

Click here to see photos of the ride

Riders: 5
Bob Aiken
Peggy Palmer
Jean Roberson
Jan Smith
Sam Smith

At about 10 AM, the Riders departed Great Western Trail Staging area south of US 89 GSENM road 730 riding to the limestone sink hole called Eagle Sink. This sink hole drops into the ground about 100 feet and is the size of a football field. Rather than return to the Great Western Trail route, we continued south on Monument Road 730, to 735 then looked for road 726 which Sam thought would lead to Orderville Canyon in the Kaibab National Forest. We entered into Arizona and wandered around Buckskin Mountain looking to hook-up with the Great Western Trail again. We did discover the Honeymoon Trail and the Jacob Hamblin Historical route and wrongly followed them east till we could see the Coyote Hills near the Houserock Road. We wandering we crossed the Arizona Trail where it crosses BLM road 1025. Knowing we were too far east we backtracked Southwest until we found the Great Western Trail marker off BLM Road 1025. Back on the trail we headed south and went into the Kaibab Nat. Forest on Forest Service Road 248A. The Buckskin area of the ride passes through many Pinion and Juniper Forests, with many open pastures. Upon entering the Kaibab, you continue to cross open pastures and parks, trees gradually began to change, some spring flowers still in bloom and Cliff roses going to seed. You cross the historic Navajo Trail then the road forks and you continue on F.S. road 247 within Orderville Canyon and soon begin to see the large Ponderosa Pines as the Canyon narrows. At about 35 miles (included our wanderings) road 247 crosses US 89A east of Jacob Lake. The south side of 89A the road is numbered 205 and there are restrooms and the staging area for that portion of the Arizona Trail. After a break, and lunch under the shade of a large pine, we enjoyed the mild cool weather. We continued south on 205 for about one mile, turned right, west, onto road 200A and   634 (I think) staying on 634 where it forks to the right which brought us out at the riding stables just off of AZ highway 67. From there it’s about 500 yards into the Chevron Station at Jacob Lake. Some choose to fuel up with the $2.52, 87 octane gas. Leaving Jacob Lake we got onto the right shoulder of US 89A heading back towards Fredonia, going about 1.5 miles and just past the highway maintenance station, we got onto F.S. road 248. This is an improved road that wanders through the Kaibab pine forests gradually losing altitude. The road forks to the left onto 248A which would also take you back to the Great Western Trail. We stayed on road 248 as the road narrows and turns from a gravel base to dirt. Road 248 tee’s into the GW Trail and you head north towards Buckskin Mtn. We were going to follow the GWT back to the staging area. After leaving the Kaibab, the GWT becomes BLM road 1026A and 1045 it continues to be well marked, and generally follows the Honeymoon trail down the west slopes of Buckskin Mtn. After going down the bumpy switchbacks of the trail the road becomes GSENM 715 goes onto the flats of the White Sage Valley. The wind had come up, reducing some dust, but the temperature was in the high 80’s as we got onto road 720 then back on 730 on the last leg of the ride. Five tired riders reached our rigs, at about 4:30 PM, ready to load up and head home. The return ride from Jacob Lake using F.S. road 248 was 39.1 miles, Bob’s total mileage for the ride was about 80 miles. Bob said this was a first in UT/AZ ATV Club history; there were more females than men on this ride. I’d like to blame the girls for the wandering around Buckskin Mtn. but it was me leading. So could it be that their eyes drilling into my back made me make bad decisions? Yeah, that must be the cause.

By: S.R. Smith

Photo’s by Jan Smith
 
Utah/Arizona ATV Club Ride
June 22, 2005
Paria River to Sheep Creek and back.
Staging area, Old Paria Townsite.

Click here to see photos of the ride

Riders: 6
Tony Wright
Bob Aiken
DeLynn Shumway
Jim Vann
Jan Smith
Sam Smith

Departed Kanab at 8:00 AM with arrival at the Paria staging area located just past the old Pahreah cemetery at 8:45 AM (approx). This area of the Paria River is well known for the many movies made here and the multi colored clay hills of blues, purples, grays, gold, and rust. And for the Historical Mormon pioneers who in the 1870’s settled this area which they called Pahreah. Riders departed going upstream for several miles. We briefly explored a side Canyon to the west below the visible Starlight Arch. The Paria River as usual was running its tan murky color, like coffee with lots of cream in it. DeLynn said he has seen it run clear, “when it’s dry”. As we ascend up river the colorful clay hillsides fade into the bright vermillion sandstone cliffs rising up from the river bottom. Tony, Bob and DeLynn all past visitors to the area gave insight and history into the beautiful country we were passing through. Our first stop was at “Hawkeye” it’s a land mass island within the Paria River bottom, where on rocks pioneers had placed their names with axle grease and is still visible (see photos). Further up river, Bob pointed out a landslide on a western Cliffside, where the spires of red sandstone remained intact after sliding away from the cliff. Further on Tony pointed out where pioneer cowboys had stacked rocks along canyon hillsides allowing cattle on drives to come down one side of the canyon then climb out the other. Thousands of stones were stacked across the washouts of the side hills one by one to make a rough trail. This hard work was done around the turn of the century, and we all mutually admired the work ethics of these individuals. As we continued up river, the canyon becomes narrower, with the red cliffs rising to spectacular wind blown designs. We arrive at Dear Creek, a beautiful deep canyon lush with large trees.  Coming in from the west, as we went up the clear stream searching for some petrography rock art from the past we encountered a Boy scout Troop (out for a 50 mile hike). They had three scout leaders who said they had been dropped off and were heading north up river to be picked up Friday. They were all doing well and appeared to be camped for the day. Up the Deer Creek Canyon and on the right in a rounded out hole you will find the rock art, some ancient images and small hands in red and some in yellow paints. We then went out to the entrance of Deer Creek at the NW corner and there is much petroglyphs of very interesting design (see photos)Continuing up river we arrived at “Crack Spring” well hidden on a west cliff wall behind many cottonwood trees. Crack Spring is actually a crack in the sandstone cliff wall; someone has placed a PVP pipe into the lower part of the crack and spring allowing a clear cool flow of pure water which comes from the pipe. I drank it myself and it was sweet spring water. It was for obvious reasons that this was a favorite camp for there are many names in black, written on the nearby walls, some as far back as the late 1800’s. I saw Calvin Johnson, a Swapp name, many others. We moved across the river canyon into the shade of the many cottonwoods and along the east cliff wall and had our lunch. It was there I saw a stately Falcon resting on a dead cottonwood. After lunch, we continued up river. To the north the white sandstone cliffs of Sheep Creek, the Bull Valley Gorge and Willis Creek gorge, are visible. We reached the fork of Sheep Creek clear running coming in from the left or west. The Paria continues to the north. At this point we had come about 20 miles from the staging area deducting for our side trips. We crossed the Paria River per my count 82 times. There was an abandoned red three wheeler ATV abandoned at this location. DeLynn said it was there a few weeks ago when he was last up here with his grandkids.Bob said he would take us up to where the Bull Valley Gorge comes into Sheep Creek. This was another 1.5 miles, and 13 more water crossings going us Sheep Creek. The color of the sandstone changes going up the creek bottom, and it is quite beautiful. The gorge enters into the narrow Sheep Creek from the west; here it is very narrow with a hundred feet sandstone walls and a passage of about 10 feet. One could continue up Sheep Creek and exit the creek bottom onto the Skutumpah Road.At this point we decide to return and head down river. The sky’s been off and on cloudy, but now thunderstorms were predicted for the afternoon. We rolled down Sheep Creek, back to the Paria, then down river, taking several rest breaks along the way. We arrived back at our vehicles at about 3:30PM, having gone a total of 39.4 miles per my ATV. We had made a total of 206 water crossings, but they are all shallow water crossings, no feet got wet as a result. As we got loaded, the wind came up with a nearby thunderstorm and it’s a good idea to get out of the Paria River bottom on a dry road which we soon did. This ride is a very enjoyable ride, with outstanding scenery, Deer Creek (UTM 12 409068E and 4136201N) is a great spot for overnight camping, and water is available at crack spring. (I forgot to GPS Crack Spring but will do it and add the GPS location later) This ride is rated easy except for some of the climbs up the washed out banks to the side trails could be hazardous, care should be taken when doing so. The water crossings were easy.  Of course, awareness of water conditions and the possibility of flash floods must be taken into consideration as you ride the Paria. As usual, care for the environment, pack out more than you take in which we did.  

Trip rated ***** 5 stars

By; S. R. Smith 
 
Utah/Arizona ATV Club Ride
July 8, 2005
Cedar Mountain

Click here to see photos of the ride

Riders: 7
Tony Wright
Bob Aiken
Evan McAllister
Bonnie Vann
Jim Vann
Jan Smith
Sam Smith (with Katy the Mighty-mutt)

Photos: Jan Smith,

Friday morning at 9:00 AM riders gathered at Honey’s. We drove north on US 89 to Todd’s then west on UT 14 past Duck Creek Village to the Aspen Mirror Lake parking area. The weather was clear, and warm with a cloudless sky.

The ATV’s were unloaded, and riders were soon on the trail. This parking area is a staging area for the Duck Creek ATV Trail System which has clearly marked trail signs. One could ride back (east) towards Duck Creek Village or (west) upstream towards Duck Creek lake. Conditions in the area were dry, with much evidence of the recent snow melt. The ATV trail was dusty with many large lava rocks exposed. We headed west negotiating the very rough and bumpy trail, crossed the rapid and full Duck Creek over an ATV/foot bridge. We continued through the forest pines to the parking area of Duck Creek Lake, where we followed the trail and crossed UT 14 heading south. The ATV trails are identified with trail numbers, however, I am not familiar with the trail numbering system up there nor do I know if maps are available. We continued up and south along the trail, seeing the recent efforts to open the trail by the cutting of many deadfall trees which had blocked the trail. We found the Ice Cave road and went up to the Ice Cave and viewed this historic land mark. There was a large pile of snow and ice right in the entrance area of the cave. One would have to scramble across large rocks downward about 15 feet to the top of the snow pile, then carefully slide down the snow pack into the cave. There is a rope secured to assist the more adventurous explorer. We were content to peer into the cave and pose for a photo at the entrance. We backtracked to the ATV trail, and headed south to Cascade Falls. The ATV trail parallels the gravel road to Cascade Falls, first on the east then crossing to the north. Upon arrival to the Cascade Falls parking area, we parked our ATV’s and enjoyed the views to the south overlooking the North fork area, and Zion to the Southwest. The trail to Cascade Falls starts here, Bob, Jim, Bonnie and Jan decide to hike the ½ mile trail (one way) to view the Falls and take photos. Cascade Falls is the primary outlet of Navajo Lake; the water leaves the lake through sink holes just east of the dike then reappears as Cascade Falls. (see photos) While the others hiked, Tony, Evan and Sam discussed various issues of the day and had most of the worlds troubles solved, but soon forgot what the solution was when the others returned and suggested we go eat lunch. We backtracked on the ATV trail to a grove of Aspen trees overlooking Cow Lake which is a snow melt lake, usually dry. Areas of the pasture were purple with Larkspur flowers providing a beautiful setting for our lunch break. Evan told us that the larkspur is poisonous and Tony told of an incident on the Kaibab where cows had died at Jolly Sink apparently due to eating larkspur. No one was willing to try one out. After lunch we were back on the trail heading back to the staging area.  Where we cross the gravel road, one of our group got briefly disoriented and ran the ATV down the gravel road. Because of this egregious act, out of the trees swooped a hiding Forest Service green truck with “LAW ENFORCEMENT” on the back. This Agent soon had the ATV culprit stopped. A warning was issued and the reminder that such acts could bring a $100. fine. The ATV outlaw was released, and as a result Homeland Security could reduce our nations terrorist threat color back to yellow. Staying back on the ATV Trail we were almost back to the Staging area when our group ran into County Commissioner, Mark Habbeshaw, a Forest Service Ranger, others from Kane County riding ATV’s to survey the ATV local trail system condition. (what a job) We could verify that the trails were extremely rough and bumpy. After a brief visit we were soon back to our trailers and Bob said we would load up then go to Bowers Flat off the Mammoth Creek road. (Total ride to Cascade Falls and the Ice Cave is about 12 miles.) We were soon loaded and back to UT 14, east through Duck Creek Village to the Mammoth Creek road, (paved) turning north for several miles to Bowers Flat.  Onto the rutted dirt road we found a flat staging area and off loaded the ATV’s. Soon we headed down the road where Bob located the Bowers Cave, (see Photos) which is difficult to locate. There is a narrow hole in the limestone and lava rocks with a wooden ladder that allows you to descend 10 feet into the cave. Tony, Bob, Jim and Sam went down into the cave. From the outside temperature that was in the 80’s into the cool cave where the temperature was in the low 60’s. The cave has a large chamber about 7 feet high. Since our flashlights all had low batteries exploring was limited, no bats were observed and the cave was mostly dry. The amateur spelunkers exited the cave and we were back on the trail, heading across many dirt roads and ATV designated trails to Asay Knoll. A sign directs you to Asay Knoll, and the trail takes you to the top of the Knoll. What a vista; to the east the Sunset Cliffs bright pink in the afternoon, below us was the east fork of Asay Creek and the lava points around the creek bottoms. Looking south you see the vast forest and dust rising above the pines from the roads in Swains Creek and Strawberry Point. To the west you see Henries Knoll, the extinct volcano hummock, and more forests of Cedar Mountain. Looking to the north; the Mammoth Creek drainage, with white wind blown hoodoo’s visible above the Asay Bench and Mount Dutton far away. The 1989 Unita Flat lightning fire was visible, below the Knoll. This is a 360 degree panorama worth the days outing all alone. (see photos)  Once everyone had enjoyed the views we were returning to the trail, through the forests green, we see a Buck Mule deer, already in velvet, long spikes soon to fork into large antlers. Across the green Unita park, with grass green and high, we go to an alternate ATV trail back to our trailers. Approximate distance traveled 14 miles. Total miles ridden during day 26 miles. (approx.) Time: 4:00 PM.

This would end another enjoyable, but dusty ATV adventure. Many thanks to our Club leaders, and local pioneers for their insight and history lessons of this area.

 By: S.R. Smith 

 
Utah/Arizona ATV Club Ride
July 30, 2005
Kanab to Hatch

Click here to see photos of the ride

Photos and Report: Jim and Jo Ann Schreiner

It happens to the best of us I'm told. We hurried out to Johnson Canyon to the Nephi Pasture junction, to meet the gang only to discover there were no keys for my new ATV.

Yep they were still lying on the dresser, right where I left them. So we hurried back to Fredonia and then to the airport at Deer Springs.   Bain said it would take them about an hour and a half to two hours for them to get there. And so it did.

The next embarrassment came when someone noticed that my trailer had loose wheels. Well now that made me feel like the "new guy"!   But a bunch of the guys grabbed a hold and they had those wheel bearings tightened up in no time. Thanks Y'all.

A quick smooch from my Mrs. And we were finally on our way again to Hatch Town by the back way.

It is a gorgeous country. I could barely keep my mind on my new machine. After all this was supposed to be when I got acquainted with it. Bain took us to a bunch of scenic overlooks and at each stop I noticed that the cameras were kept busy.

I was pleased to find out that the Arctic Cat didn't need the extra gallon of fuel I brought along, yet was happy to help out another rider with it.

After a great ride we pulled into Hatch and we were led to Bain's cabin on the creek and a good time was had by all as it is often said. And a perfect end to a great ride. Thanks to Bain and his family.
 

D & P Performance's Customer Appreciation Ride
 August 20, 2005
Casto Canyon

I received this invitation from the folks, in Cedar City, who sold me my Arctic Cat. They were holding this 43 mi ride into and around Casto Canyon, which is NW of Red Canyon and Bryce.

This would be my second unorganized ride on my new machine. I met some new folks mostly from St. George, Cedar City and surrounding areas. I noticed that they ride a lot closer to each other, making it necessary to wear protective eye and nose gear. I guess we are more at ease with our club members or we are more familiar with the country we ride in. After a lot of rest stops, we meet in a narrow little canyon where we ate lunch. We returned to parking by the way we came.

 

UT/AZ ATV Club Ride
January 20, 2007
Cinder Knoll, Little Creek Mountain

Riders: 18    ATV’s: 18

Tony Wright (leader)            Bob Aiken             Bain Swapp
Jerry Foote                         Cindy Foote           Lindsay Preston
Ken Hodson                        Don Kramer           Karen Kramer
Margie Norris                      Jim Norris             Delyn Shumway
Marie Shumway                   Bill May                Bob Wallen
Jim Harris                          Jan Smith              Sam Smith

Meeting location:  Honey’s 8:00AM

Staging Area: Cinder Knoll, Little Creek Mtn. off Utah highway 59.
Weather at start of ride: 13. F. cold and clear.

Ride Activities:
Ride on Little Creek Mountain plateau area, first stop to slick rock flats and Petroglyphs at old water hole, and double waterglyph. Next to old camp site and ancient Indian grainery in rock overhangs. To the 500 feet cliff edges overlooking St George, Sand Hollow and Arizona Strip country to the south. A spectacular view enjoyed by all.
Continuing on to flat rock petroglyphs on exposed flat rock patina. Group photo taken.
Temperature warming to near freezing. Continued to lunch location. Group continued onto the Arizona strip and to the Canaan Gap petroglyphs. To reach location required a tough climb out of wash up a frozen and slick hill. On return Lindsay had mishap going down the hill and turned her ATV on its side, and being bucked off onto the snowy hill side. With the ATV being righted, she bravely got back on the machine and rode it back to the staging area. No reported damage done to the young lady.

Total miles ridden: 45 miles (approx)            Riding time: 6 hours 30 minutes.

Photos available: Yes
 

UT/AZ ATV Club Ride
February 17, 2007
Paria Plateau, Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona

Ride Date: February 17, 2007            Riders #: 25                ATV’s: 24

Riders:
Tony Wright:  (leader)               Ron Glover (leader)                  Bob Aiken
Sam Smith                                Jan Smith                                  Jim Vann
Bonnie Vann                             Bill Mays                                  Jim Harris
Bob Wallen                              Don Kramer                             Karen Kramer
Bruce Truff (Murray, UT)         Varl Riding                               Pacilla Riding
Keith Perkins                            Mont Chamberlain                    Delynn Shumway
Dave Little                                Randy Merrell                          Charlie Liebfried
Jackie Liebfried                        Jim Whitlock                            Thois Chatterley
Dick Chatterley

Meeting Location:  Honey’s parking lot, Kanab, Ut.                  Time: 8:00AM

Staging Area:  Houserock Road, 10 mi. north of US 89A           Weather: 7:00AM 23 to low 50’s clear.

Ride Destination: Paria Plateau, Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona

Ride Length: Approximately 70 miles.   Photos by: Tony Wright, Bob Wallen, Jan Smith

Points of Interest:  After riders assembled in Kanab, UT the group departed southbound on US 89A through Fredonia, AZ climbing over and through the Kaibab (National Forest) passing Jacob Lake and continuing east on US 89A then dropping down into the Houserock valley. Turning north on the Houserock road we continued north on the recently graded and very dusty road for about 10 miles to the staging area. Bill Mays and Jim Harris had come in from the north. The Vann’s and Charlie and Jackie had arrived earlier. Soon all ATV’s were unloaded and the group was on its way at about 10:00AM.
We were soon climbing up to the Paria Plateau and it’s deep sand trails finding the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument.  Using the designated road signs we continue east to an old water well and windmill. One of the ride leaders, (Ron Glover) family were pioneers in this area, they ran cattle throughout the plateau area. Ron had, since being a youngster, explored much of the Paria Plateau area. This water well is located atop a slight hill at about 6500 feet, the 360 degree view offered panoramas in every direction. The Grand Staircase, Escalante National Monument to the northwest, Powell point to the northeast and further away the snow covered Boulder Mountain. Here we took a group photo.
Continuing, the group went to a trailhead to the Vermillion Cliffs vista point. The group hiked (1/2 mile) to the tops of the cliff side which overlooked the Houserock Valley, Marble Canyon of the Colorado River and even further south was San Francisco peak near Flagstaff AZ. This is a feeding area of the California Condors which nest in these 2500 foot cliffs. We were treated with watching three of them gliding effortlessly on the wind currents just above our heads. After a few snap shots of these rare birds we soon departed leaving them to their stately home.
The group continued the ride going east on the designated road to another cliffside viewpoint where the drop-off was a vertical 2000 ft. This takes your breath away as does the views. The altitude at the cliff tops is between 7000 and 7100 feet. As we continued we were then taken to and walked into an old Indian dwelling which was built in rock caves in a rock outcropping. Surely this was an old Anasazi site.
We were soon on our way to the old ranch site called Jasper. Jasper has an old house, which is still used by the local cattlemen. This homestead had a unique water gathering system, built into the cement foundation was a water cistern where rain water runoff from the roof was collected. Access to the cistern was through a trap door in the floor of the kitchen. The various out buildings are showing their age as time had taken a toll on them. Soon everyone found the shade of a convenient Juniper tree and enjoyed their lunch.
After lunch we pushed on eastbound to an Anasazi site high on top of a rock palisade, which I’ll take the liberty and name “Fortification Palisade”. Many took the difficult hike to the top where we found that there were the remains of many ancient rock houses and stacked rock walls as if used as a defense against attacks. The group was careful not to disturb the history of the location, but photographed the location and views.
From here the group briefly separated and half went to and hiked to a third vista point on the Vermillion Cliffs overlooking Soap Creek. The others proceeded on to Joe’s Place. We were soon reunited at Joe’s place.
About Joe’s place, years ago Joe Hamblin homesteaded this spring and made a beautiful holding lake all tucked into a small pocket canyon. Surrounded by unusual rock formations (like you see at Zion) you go over slight rise and view the small lake with water a dark blue in color surrounded with rock walls and a sprinkling of green pines and junipers. This site is a welcome surprise considering the harshness of the surrounding country. The ranch is long abandoned and time has taken its toll on it as well.
The group, now all accounted for, strikes out and continues going south, and since it was getting into the late afternoon the pace quickened as we were following another designated route across the sands of this very primitive country. Views in every direction change with the degree of the falling sun, all are very pleasurable, as the group turns back west spread out in a line probably over a mile long. Rolling across the huge and beautiful plateau we reach the cabin at the Big Sink pause then continue on. The weather has been agreeable most of the day, cool but not cold, but a chill starts with the late afternoon. As we see the sun sinking low in the west over the Kaibab we reach Pine Tree Pocket. Another old home site. This is where Bill Mays and Jim Harris had staged, so they load up as the remaining group continued to the west to our parking area. Arriving at about sunset I registered a total of 70 miles traveled on my Suzuki. Jan showed 67 miles on her Honda.

As the sun went down everyone was loaded up and ready for the long trip home. Maybe slightly dusty but happy for a nice day and good company of our fellow ATV riders.

All of the riders had a wonderful time exploring the Paria Plateau sand hills country. We thank both Ron Glover and Tony Wright for leading the way and showing all the sights and points of interest in this area. Hopefully, the area will remain open for entry such as our group enjoyed. If it was not for the ability of using the ATV’s for our trip many of us would not have had the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful country.

Until the next Utah/Arizona ATV Club ride, be safe.