The White Cliffs to the east of Mt. Carmel Junction have always intrigued us. So, when Tom said he wanted to do a hike, we suggested Diana's Throne, a unique formation that juts out from the cliffs. After researching the area and finding there was a benchmark with two copper nail reference markers (pretty rare), he was on board! Unfortunately, just before reaching the summit we encountered a "cliffy" area that was potentially passable for us, but certainly not for the dogs, so we had to turn around.
On the way back through the Coral Pink Sand Dunes area, we were able to bag a couple of small peaks - Monument Knoll and State Line Peak (a name we made up). Near the top of State Line Peak, we came across a survey marker from 1909. It wasn't until later that we realized the reason it wasn't on top of the peak was because it was marking the Utah/Arizona border. What a cool find and a fun way to end the day!
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On our way to Diana's Throne we passed through Coral Pink Sand Dunes . . .
we spotted at least 100 deer during our drive! |
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The early morning sunrise illuminates Diana's Throne . . .
Our route followed the draw (fold) just to the left of the cliff face with the sunshine . . .
The benchmark is located on top of the left most knob |
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| These Ponderosa Pines really stood out |
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We had great views from this saddle of Diana's Throne
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| Chipper & Lola were focused on their masters |
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Tom & Kent tried to find a safe route up to the Benchmark . . .
No such luck . . . we'll be back without the dogs and give it a try some other day! |
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Looking west towards Zion and, in the distance, the Pine Valley Mountains . . .
Amazing views! |
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| The sandstone was really spectacular below the Throne |
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| It was a fun area to explore and not far from HWY 89 |
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Someone has the Christmas spirit!
Hard to miss these decorated trees along the highway |
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| Tom decided we needed to climb something . . . Monument Knoll 6060 ft fit the bill |
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| Easy enough, a little sandstone and of course, sand! |
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| On top was this huge rock cairn . . . but no register was found |
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| Tom, Kent & Chipper were watching Lola . . . she was scouting for deer |
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Views from Monument Knoll looking back towards Diana's Throne
(Center spur jutting out from the White Cliffs) |
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One more little knoll (it had no name) . . . We'll call it State Line Knoll . . .
After we got back, we realized it bordered Arizona & Utah
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| There were a few beehive formations along the way |
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| A light dusting of snow provided refreshment for the dogs |
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Beehives are formed by geologic cross-bedding . . .
The layers are deposited over the years . . .
The grooves are formed as wind and water erode the material |
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| Near the top, we came across a couple of rock cairns to help guide the way |
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| We were quite surprised to find this survey marker from 1909 |
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See the leaning pipe? This is the survey marker
To the left of the marker is Utah . . . to the right is Arizona |
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| Nice views from the top |
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It was a fun day, with a few twists and turns . . .
We didn't conquer the Throne, but we did top two Knolls . . .
It was a great day to be outdoors!
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