Tom first brought up hiking Deer Range Point, back in February, when we were exploring Potters Butte. He
became even more interested when he found that Swallow Benchmark was on top and
had been placed there by a crew using a helicopter in 1954. Tom gets a lot of satisfaction in recovering and
updating a Benchmark by hiking (if possible) to these survey markers.
We thought this looked like an interesting hike and asked Tom if we could "tag" along. The trek to the base provided us with some amazing formations and then we enjoyed gorgeous views from the summit. There were times, while hiking the last 700 feet (in less than 1/3 of a mile), when we weren't sure getting to the top would be possible - but it was - what a great feeling and a great hike!
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We started out on Nipple Ranch Road (pictured above) . . .
Then turned off on a deep sand jeep trail . . . it was an exciting ride! |
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| Our plan was to hike up Deer Range Point & locate the Swallow Benchmark |
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If all goes as planned, we hope to be on top of this mesa tomorrow |
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Storm clouds quickly moved over Mollies Nipple to our south . . .
We had checked the forecast beforehand and there was no mention of any precipitation?? |
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Soon we were showered with graupel or snow pellets . . .
They stood out on Lola's fur coat |
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| Indian Paintbrush were just starting to bloom for the season |
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| The graupel collected, in groups, on the sand . . . pretty cool! |
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There were so many geologic surprises on this hike . . . like this red rock cluster
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The views opened up as we gained elevation
(Looking back towards the south and No Mans Mesa where we started) |
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| It's beginning to look challenging |
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| This delicate Cushion Phlox caught Allison's eye |
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| It was hard to miss these colorful striations in the sandstone |
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The going got tough . . . especially for the dogs
Are we sure there's a way up through here? |
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| We came across this little arch . . . I wonder how many people have seen this? |
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As you might have guessed there is no trail . . .
Notice Lola's expression . . . she thinks this is a crazy idea! |
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| It took teamwork to hoist the dogs up in a few places |
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We are getting close to the top!
That last few hundred feet looked impossible . . . but it wasn't! |
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The Swallow Benchmark was placed here via helicopter in 1954
What a bunch of wimps! |
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| Tom located one of the copper nail & washer reference markers |
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| We had great views from the top . . . Bryce Canyon, off to the northwest, is in the distance |
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The Grand Staircase has some of the most amazing scenery
(This is looking east . . . the Paria River drainage is below the red alcoves) |
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| Tom and Allison head back down |
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Soon we rejoined Kent, who had stayed with Lola . . .
She refused to go any further . . . one too many narrow ledges! |
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Kent takes in the scenery before we head down
(We're pretty sure we'll be back to tackle the peak left of Kent!) |
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What a great day!
With no trail we hiked 6.2 miles RT with an elevation gain of 2772 feet . . . wow! |
If you would like GPS tracks and a topo map detailing our route, you can find it by clicking
here and this will take you to Tom's Peakbagger post.
