Kitchen Corral Wash Exploration

Last fall we began exploring the area around the Paria River drainage, which is east of Kanab.  We weren't able to get all the hikes that we wanted to do in before winter.  Now that spring is beginning to arrive, we thought "let's make an exploratory trip" and make sure we can get into the areas we have been dreaming about.  We were concerned some of the roads might not be accessible due to deep sand, mud or possibly being closed by GSENM (Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument).  So . . . we invited friends John & Mary along and spent a day exploring and revisiting this unique area of the state.

Little did we know, Kanab was holding a Balloons and Tunes Festival . . .
 a fun way start to our day! 

Cute as can be . . . and as luck would have it . . . 
today is Valentine's Day!

Take heed . . . 
Apparently, a few people have "blindly" followed their GPS's

John, Kent, Chipper and Mary pose in front of Mollies Nipple . . .
we're coming back to ascend this "butte"!

A different view of Mollies Nipple with a natural silhouette 

This cute guy kept an eye on us as we drove past

We're not sure what this structure was used for . . .
 but it was fun to explore the area around it

Can't imagine how heavy these are . . . I liked the natural rustic patina
In the 1930's exploration for oil was done in the area . . . 
must be "leftovers" from an earlier time

We stopped at Hackberry Canyon and walked along Cottonwood Creek . . . 
John and Mary wanted to see where the Yellow Rock trail started

Utah is full of unique geological features . . . 
possibly a fold or anticline?

One doesn't have to leave the pavement to see amazing scenery in Utah . . .
 like along HWY 89 east of Kanab . . . so get out there and go for a drive