Comb Ridge, Utah - April 11, 2007 (Re-run)

 Some 65 million years ago, while tectonic plate activity was busily creating the Rocky Mountains, other faults in the earth's crust were broken and uplifted, creating either monoclines or anticlines.  One monocline, which runs north to south for about 8o miles in eastern Utah, came to be known as Comb Ridge.  The formation got its name because it is very jagged and reminded folks of a rooster's comb.  Erosion carved large canyons in the ridge, making ideal locations for the Anasazi to construct homes that were both defensible and near a water source.

With as much as 1400 feet of sheer cliff, Comb Ridge was once a significant barrier to travel in this part of Utah.  Mormons who settled the town of Bluff traveled along the ridge until reaching the low point at the San Juan River.  Even there, getting wagons and stock across was a tremendous ordeal for both people and the horses pulling the wagons...with blood from both left on the steep slope.  The early wagon road over a higher point is one of the sketchiest trails I've ever been on.  Modern highways through and over Comb Ridge seem easy enough, but are quite steep despite the huge section of rock that was removed.  From the top, views into Arch Canyon are most impressive.

 

On the east side, the ridge slopes steeply upward, nearly 45 degrees in places.

 

 Some ruins can be seen on the sheer cliff walls, making them difficult to access. Water had to be carried from a source below.

 Canyons in the ridge were good choices for locating homes.

Relatively flat areas have potholes that catch rainwater.

Blanding, Utah - April 9, 2007 (Re-run)

 With a population of less than 3500 people, Blanding is still the largest town in San Juan County, Utah.  It's location is ideal for people interested in visiting Native American ruins and rock art.  One of my favorite RV parks, located in the downtown area, is run by very nice folks with a wealth of knowledge about the archeological sites. 

One of the easiest ruins to visit is known as Butler Wash Ruins.  Actually, Butler Wash extends for many miles and there are dozens of ruins within or near it.  Regardless, this site took on the name for some unknown reason.  Just a short walk from the highway, these ruins are situated within an alcove overlooking a small canyon.  The ruins themselves are inaccessible, but can be viewed from an overlook.

Going past the viewing area, there is a pretty arch that can be crossed.

Butler Wash itself has a small stream that made for a nice walk.  I learned later that other ruins can be found by hiking farther along the wash, but that's a story for another time.

Bullfrog, Utah - April 6, 2007 (Re-run)

 Bullfrog is a National Park Service marina on the north side of Lake Powell.  For a place that is so remote, it is in the center of several parks and other outdoor attractions.  While only about 115 residents are considered permanent, there is a resort, restaurant, campground, airport and a ferry to the south shore of Lake Powell..  Most of the people who come here do so to enjoy water activities.  Many houseboats dock here, along with smaller boats, kayaks, paddle boards, etc.  Some of these are available for rent.

Others are lured here by the ruggedly beautiful desert scenery and the numerous hiking trails nearby.  The area is a mecca for the sport of canyoneering, an outdoor activity that combines route finding, rappelling, problem solving, swimming, and hiking.  The slot canyons in this region are among the most challenging and rewarding found anywhere, not to mention stunningly beautiful.

Earlier on this trip, we drove a part of the Burr Trail from Boulder to the entrance of Capitol Reef N P.  The remainder of the Burr Trail, entirely unpaved, ends at Bullfrog.  It was our opportunity to complete the trail, as well as explore some side roads.