Looking down from Trail 68.

Small reservoir serving Monroe.

Heading down the 02, Dry Creek Canyon. True to its name the brook was bone dry.

Lots of fun switchbacks.

 

Not too many maples in Utah.

Old mine structures.

Woke up to see snow up above. In October in New England that means, once the day warms up a bit the snow will disappear under the 50 degree sunlight. We packed our sweatshirts and headed up.

Paul Sr. riding the 02 on a fine fall day.

 

On the 01 heading towards the highest point of the Paiute Trail.

Umm.... Unlike New England, the snows at 11,000 ft. don't necessarily melt. We went another mile or so and ran into a group coming back down saying they ran into drifting snow just over the summit. We were getting pretty cold so we headed back down into the nice warm valley. Sad part is I had a winter jacket and flannel lined jeans packed..... back at the cabin.

Looking back at the peaks from the warmer valley floor.

Moose One in the distance, Paul Sr. a little closer.

 

Heading home. Some last looks at the San Rafael Swell. Moose One's steed in the background making sure I don't take my eyes off the road too long.

More of the San Rafael Swell as we had home.

One last look before we leave the Swell heading towards the Rockies.

Up into the Rockies. Some snow at the higher elevations.

 

Awesome. Great pics.

 

Awesome pics! I hope to make it out there in a couple years to do some camping and riding.

 

Great pics Moose. Looks like some really scenic trails. Probably a little more difficult than pics show, pics always make trails look easier but trails don't have to challenging to be fun to ride. I like the idea of renting a cabin too if I were ever to go out there. I've camped some in the past but having an actual roof over your head is something I would prefer now.

 

The trip down to Lime Kiln Canyon had quite a few washouts to negotiate. Trail 68 was a narrow 2 track with switchbacks, etc. I don't take pictures in the tougher sections as a rule. Too busy trying not to go off the edge into a 50-300+ drop. When we went to The Swell and did the Behind the Reef Trail there were a couple places I was questioning my sanity. One was a steep off camber drop. Pretty straight but the soft sand and steepness of the off camber section almost pushed me over into a 10' drop. I just hit the gas and managed to get through. A bit scary.

I didn't feel as good physically this year as the last two visits. Had a lot of stomach issues that slowed me down. Was rainy too. I don't mind rain when it's hot out but when it's in the 50's I won't go out as much. So, it was good to have the cabin to relax in. Even watched a football game on Thursday night.

 

Awesome pictures Moose, sorry I couldn't spend more time with you.

The Swell is a amazing area for sure.

 

Great pics, Moose!

Looks a great time riding.