Tom emailed us and asked if we would be interested in doing Red Reef with him. Red Reef (the name of the rock strata unique to the Leeds area) is accessed from the Red Cliffs Recreation Area. He had tried it some time back with Lola (his dog), but had turned around when they came to a chute that was impassable for her. That should have been our first clue that we were in for a rock-climbing adventure. Okay, maybe we’re exaggerating a bit . . . but coming down the chute was pretty scary! This trek had a lot of things that make a short-day hike enjoyable: a small slot canyon, some rock-climbing, route finding, beautiful scenery with nice vistas and a peak with a bench mark. All-in-all a very good hike for a beautiful April day!
Click
here for Tom’s detailed description of the hike from his Peakbagger post.
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| We're in the midst of Covid-19 closures . . . however, it's still safe to get outdoors! |
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We started from the parking lot on the Red Reef trail . . . however . . .
To access the Red Reef high-point you must take the first side canyon that heads south . . .
There are no signs, only social trails from here on! |
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Soon enough you will come to this mini slot canyon . . .
It is a fun side excursion that is worthy of exploration . . .
Here we are coming back down from the dead end that was just around the corner |
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| In the upper section of the slot, we came across some flowering trees . . . so pretty! |
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| Look at this moss covered wall with all the water pockets . . . a fun find! |
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Out of the slot we continued to climb up through the canyon . . .
This route will provide you a way around the slot canyon |
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Here's the crux of the hike!
None of us found it too hard going up . . . but coming down was pretty scary!
You have been warned! |
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Look what we found at the top of the chute . . .
It would have been a tad bit easier and safer with a rope! |
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| Once out of the chute . . . things open up as you begin to leave the canyon |
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| Do you see the trail? There isn't one, just a few rock cairns here and there |
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| Snow covered Pine Valley Mountains appear in the distance |
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| Now it's time to follow a bench that will lead us to the base of Red Reef |
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Do you see Kent? He's about to disappear!
This will be our route up to the ridge that will lead us to our final destination |
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| Our southwest Utah landscape has some of the most interesting shapes and colors |
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| It's getting steeper and we are getting higher . . . |
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We stopped to take in the views once we reached the ridge . . .
Quail Creek is in the distance between Kent and Tom |
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| Almost there . . . |
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| That's the summit of Red Reef up ahead |
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2 hrs and 1.8 miles later we reached the 4240 ft summit of Red Reef with a gain of 1191 ft!
We took a little snack break and enjoyed the views |
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We knew Red Reef was a high-point, but we didn't expect to find this survey marker . . .
I don't think very many people know it is here! |
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It's time to head back down . . .
We know what lies ahead . . . the dreaded chute . . . we must descend! |
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| Indian Paintbrush brightens up the desert landscape |
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| Working our way back down, around and over obstacles like these . . . what fun! |
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In case you're wondering . . . we made it back down!
Don't worry, Kent didn't drink the water . . . just freshening up a bit |
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Quail Creek . . .
we should have cooled our feet off in the creek,
but we had to get home to check on our dogs! |
