Crystal Geyser

If you are passing through Green River, Utah and need a break from Interstate 70, then a short diversion to Crystal Geyser just might be for you.  Located on the Green River, and just five miles south of town, this interesting side trip will allow you to view one of the rare cold water geysers in the world.  The geyser was created in 1935 when a drilling firm was exploring an ancient spring deposit looking for oil. They tapped into water at 50 feet and then at a lower layer carbon dioxide.  It is interesting that John Wesley Powell noted the old spring deposits in his journals during his 1869 exploration of the Green River.  Full eruptions of up to 60 feet are rare and can occur anywhere from once a day to once every eight hours.  Are you feeling lucky?  If so click here for directions to this unique roadside attraction.

Crystal Geyser is located on the banks of the Green River

The geyser gurgled and burbled about every 15 seconds
We eagerly anticipated a major eruption . . . but no such luck!

My suggestion . . . put on a pair of flip flops and enjoy the cool water while you wait

At times, it kind of looks like a soda fountain

Just a couple of tourists doing what they do best . . . taking a selfie!

Below the geyser, and right before it drops into the Green River, are some interesting mineral flowstones

An hour later we were still waiting for the big one . . . 
guess we'll have to come back another day!

Chesler Park Loop & The Joint Trail

Wow!  To be honest we weren't sure we were ready to hike 11.2 miles in one day, but once we started there was no turning back; the scenery was so amazing it left us wanting to see more.  Hiking through and around the Needle and Graben formations was unlike anything we've ever done before.  We scaled an "Elephant" two times as we hiked down into and out of Elephant Canyon each way . . . really it wasn't so bad!

We got an early start at the Elephant Hill Trailhead

The scenery was amazing from the get-go

Passing through a narrow fracture

Desert Indian Paintbrush added an extra pop of color along the trail

Occasionally, we had a trail . . . most of the time we followed rock cairns over slickrock.

There were great views of the snow covered La Sal Mountains . . .
It's hard to imagine we've hiked four of those peaks!

Looking back to where we came from . . . Wow! 
 The colorful Needles tower over Elephant Canyon

After our lunch break at Chesler Park, we had the option to take different trails that would lead us back to where we began . . . 

Mary returned via the way we came, John circled over to Elephant Canyon & Druid Arch trail, while Kent & I continued on the Chesler Park Loop 

Cedar Mesa Sandstone formations

Kent is enjoying the view of Elephant Canyon and beyond

Walking through Chesler Park was like being on another planet

We pretty much had the place all to ourselves . . . !

We passed through The Joint, a narrow fracture, for about 300 yards

The Joint had several passages that entered from the side

Do you see Kent? 

We've just exited The Joint . . . now we are at the halfway point on the trail

Easter Daisy growing in the sand

Taking a little break . . . ahh

We passed by this pretty Claret Cup Cactus in bloom

Heading back towards Chesler Park

Off in the distance we get a glimpse of Chesler Park . . .
 just beyond are the Grabens rock formations

With about 3 miles to go, Kent's knee started to bother him . . .
On went the knee brace and out came the trekking poles! 

Notice this well worn tree limb . . . it has helped many hikers through a tight spot

Almost back to the trailhead . . . !

What a great hike! 
The storm clouds were threatening at times, but the sun prevailed. 
It took us about 8 hours to complete the hike, it was awesome even with a bum knee!

Fun in Canyonlands

It's a long drive to The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park and once you get there don't expect any restaurants, phone service or hotels.  If you plan to camp, check ahead for availability . . . spots fill up fast!  We were fortunate to get reservations at the Needles Outpost, which is located just outside the Park boundary, but close to everything Canyonlands had to offer.      

We are headed to The Needles District in Canyonlands  

Our first stop was Newspaper Rock

Wooden Shoe Arch is one of the most uniquely shaped rock formations in Canyonlands

 This silly raven followed us to our car and chased us out of the parking lot!
 I suppose he was expecting food in exchange for his picture?!

The vastness of Canyonlands is almost indescribable

One large pothole, filled with water, and three silly tourists being told to pose for a shot

John & Kent at Big Spring Canyon Overlook

"Home Sweet Home" 
Campsite 26 provided us with some great memories & laughs!

Needles Outpost, just outside the park boundary was a great place to camp 

  A quick moving storm passed over camp and the wind blew . . . 
sand . . . on the sleeping bags in our tent!  

Cave Spring Cowboy Camp remnants from the ranching days  

Pictographs at Cave Spring 

Mary & John enjoying the day

We climbed up 2 ladders to the top of the cave for some great views

At Roadside Ruin we took a short walk to view this granary which was
used to store corn, beans & squash by ancestral Puebloan tribes

Here we are!
Looking forward to our next adventure, stay tuned!