San Rafael Swell MTB Adventure
Price BLM district, Central Utah
April 18th-22nd, 2009
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| * Dennis M. (Photo credit: dm) * Bronwen L. * Morty L. * Ron L. * Roy McCormick * Deanna |
* Brad * Mark O. * Mark S. * Don T. * Tracy T. * Baxter the border collie |
Trip Report: I managed to re-arrange my work schedule and accompany my brother Dennis on his semi-annual pilgrimage to
the mountain biking mecca of central/southern Utah. With recent rains to
solidify the soft soil and excellent weather for riding we had a blast riding
some of the myriad motorcycle/MTB trails in the area. It is interesting how the
resort towns in Northern Utah empty out as the ski season ends and they all head
south to get away from the mud. On the second day I accompanied Don, Tracy, Ron, Bronwen, Morty
(age 2), Deanna &
Baxter on a hike through photogenic Chute Canyon - My first hike in a slot canyon.
The excellent company and outstanding scenery made this a very memorable trip. Many thanks to Dennis for providing a top of the line bike and support. I hope to visit this area again soon. Til next time, -Roy
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The Swell is located between Price & Hanksvlle, UT. Topo map:
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GPS analysis (Use these links to view GPS tracks on Google Maps/Google Earth): |
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| Saturday | Sunday: Chute Canyon hike Flattop ride | Monday | Tuesday: Downhill Diamond Fork |
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| Dennis with the new E-Camper | Wind Turbines in Spanish Fork Canyon | Hwy 24 south of Green River covers some desolate ground |
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| Temple Mtn Road | Dennis & Mark O. checking out the new rides | Don, Ron and Dennis headed to the Blue Trail |
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| Blue/Green trailhead (dm) | Me headed up the Blue (dm) | Mark O. (dm) |
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| Dennis with Twin Knolls in background | Lone Man Butte | Three Amigos |
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| Baxter with camp in baclground | This area was under an inland sea 100-230 million yrs ago | And was uplifted 40-60 million yrs ago |
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| Day 2 featured a hike into Chute Canyon | This slot canyon requires some scrambling | Morty enjoying the view from the backpack |
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Wind, or water? |
Crazy erosional forms | Don demonstrating his slot canyon technique |
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| Classic slot | Later that evening I rode up Flattop Butte | |
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View of camp |
& me from camp (dm) | Edward Abbey country |
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| Evening horseshoes | a few mortars... | And a bonfire to light up the night |
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| Dennis showing "first blood" on day 3 | Hot climb | Nice shorts! |
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| Nefertiti's Nipple | Sunsets are spectacular here | Photo time |
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| On the last day we stopped at Three Forks Hot Springs | A great way to end a great trip | |
| Dennis' slideshow | ||
