I'm convinced Utah has the most diverse and beautiful landscape in the country. Driving along Scenic Byway 12 is an extraordinary experience, a journey like no other. Kent and I took in the sights as we headed to Boulder, from here we drove the Burr Trail Road on our way to the
Henry Mountains. We hiked to the top of
Mt. Ellen and
Ellen Peak to celebrate our 28th Anniversary.
The Henry Mountains rise straight up out of the desert, surrounded by rugged and remote canyonlands. Bison roam free and people are scarce. We spent a morning in the Fruita District of
Capitol Reef N.P., there's so much to see & do. The aspens were changing at Fish Lake making it a picture perfect day; Fall is our favorite season of the year. Hope you enjoy coming along on our journey through some of Utah's most amazing scenery.
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| Utah's Scenic Byway 12 traverses over and through the colorful slickrock between Escalante and Boulder |
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| Starting point for the Escalante River Trail......a 13 mile hike along the crookedest river known |
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| Boulder is the last town to receive mail by mule train in the US |
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| We enjoyed lunch at the Burr Trail Grill in Boulder |
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| We are heading out on the Burr Trail Scenic Backway |
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| The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument covers a huge area of diverse rock formations |
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| Driving through Long Canyon |
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| Colorful cliffs |
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| Beyond the Circle Cliffs are the Henry Mountains |
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| Strike Valley area |
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| The Burr Trail cuts through the Waterpocket Fold |
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| Ready or not.......here we go ! |
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| We are headed to the Notom Road Scenic Backway |
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| Looking back at the Burr Trail Switchbacks |
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| Heading north on Notom-Bullfrog Road towards the Sandy Ranch turnoff that will lead us to the Henry Mountains |
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| McMillan Spring is where we are headed |
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| The Henry Mountains were the last mountain range in the lower 48 to be mapped and named |
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| To pay or not to pay ?? How much was up to us......this is the first time we have ever seen this |
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| The moon was rising over the Henry Mountains |
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| We took a little hike near the campground |
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| Our new tent worked out well on this trip......it's a keeper |
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| Beautiful sunset |
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| The morning sun felt good against the chill in the air |
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| Starting up the Bull Creek Pass Scenic Backway |
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| The Henry Mountains come into view |
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| This is the highest Trailhead we have ever started a hike from......we have 1,022 ft. to go to reach the top of Mt. Ellen which is the highest peak in the Henry Mountains |
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| A quick 'before" picture......we are ready for an adventure |
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| It's a beautiful day for a hike |
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| That is one deep wind shelter |
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| We are on our way....... |
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| Looking north towards Hanksville |
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| Today is our 28th Anniversary, we exchanged cards at the top of Mt. Ellen.....then we signed the hikers log in the mailbox |
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| What is Kent looking at.......? |
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| Part of the largest free roaming bison herd in the US |
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| They were far away, but you can see those really are ......buffalo |
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| Kent decided we needed to hike some more....so we started towards Mt. Ellen Peak.....this required a 400 ft. drop & 400 ft. climb each way.....oh boy! |
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| It was easier once we found the trail |
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| On top of Mt. Ellen Peak looking back at Mt. Ellen, named in honor of the sister of John Wesley Powell |
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| We found another log to sign at the top |
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| Taking a short break before we head back |
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| Savoring the views before continuing on |
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| Time to begin the 3 mile trek back to the Trailhead |
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| What goes down must come back up.....meaning us ! |
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| Kent was testing out his new Salomon Trail Shoes.......he gave them a Thumbs up ! |
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We enjoyed seeing some Fall colors
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| Aerial view of Mt. Ellen and Ellen Peak Trail |
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| Colorful aspens mixed in with the pines......Waterpocket Fold in the distance |
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| We spotted these nice mule deer |
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| This guy must have known it was Muzzleloader season, he was watching us |
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| Interesting rock formation |
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| Looking back towards the Henry Mountains from near Caineville, Utah |
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| Such diverse landscape in every direction |
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| We are in the Fruita Historic District of Capitol Reef National Park |
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| If you visit the park be sure to stop by the Gifford House |
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| Yes, we did buy some of these...... |
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| and a Mixed Berry pie to go......yum! |
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| You can eat for free in the orchards, but if you want to take fruit home there is a small fee to pay |
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| We hope to return in the near future and spend more time exploring the Park |
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| Capitol Reef is a unique National Park |
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| School was taught in the Fruita Schoolhouse until 1941 |
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| A peek inside the schoolhouse |
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| These aspens were changing from top to bottom......very interesting |
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| A good place to end our journey.........a beautiful Fall day at Fish Lake |
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