We had read several interesting articles about Flag Point and the dinosaur tracks and pictographs panels that are located in the vicinity. However, ascending from the bottom of the precipice didn't seem like an option, as ropes are suggested, and we didn't have a side-by-side UTV to come in from the top. After mentioning a possible outing to Flag Point to Tom, he became very interested when he learned there were dinosaur tracks . . . seems he's never seen one before. Add in a 3.5 mile (r/t) hike to recover Navajo Wells benchmark atop Flag Point and he was on board! Oh, did we mention he has a side-by-side? What a friend . . . but then we already knew that!
 |
The 20 miles of winding, sandy, snow covered road with huge mud puddles to Glass Eye Butte
is not suitable for vehicles . . . but it was perfect for Tom and his Can-Am |
 |
| We followed a trail down off the butte and within minutes we started to see dinosaur tracks! |
 |
There were several tracks of all sizes along the edge of the Vermilion Cliffs
(This one looks like it was headed west then pivoted and went east) |
 |
| Possibly a baby Dino? |
 |
| Look at the size of this track compared to Tom & Kent |
 |
Searching the cliff face we found the pictograph panel we had heard about
(Surprisingly, they were just below the dinosaur tracks) |
 |
| Simple, yet meaningful pictographs |
 |
Notice the dinosaur track surrounded by figures . . .
This is the oldest known recording of a dinosaur footprint in North America . . .
It dates from 900-1150 A.D. |
 |
| So many different shapes . . . there's a lot going on here |
 |
Looking back at Glass Eye Butte . . . how did Tom get his Can-Am up there?
By following the winding road, of course! |
 |
| This large Juniper appears to be growing right out of the sandstone |
 |
We are headed for Flag Point . . . we weren't prepared for snow . . .
Thankfully it was primarily on the north facing slopes |
 |
| We stopped to check out this little window along the way |
 |
| We saw a lot of deer tracks and even a few deer while riding in the Can-Am |
 |
Looking back from where we have come . . .
The Vermilion Cliffs tower over the valley below |
 |
Tom with his crew taking a picture of the survey marker monument at Flag Point . . .
The benchmark is right behind Tom in the rock by his right foot |
 |
| Navajo Wells Benchmark (1954) was placed here by surveyors who arrived by helicopter |
 |
| Old wire |
 |
It appears that the surveyors wanted this cross to stand for a long time by
looking at the amount of wire they used to hold it together |
 |
| Looking west from Flag Point towards Kanab |
 |
| Time to load up and head out . . . it sure beats walking! |
 |
| The long and winding road . . . |
The Kanab area never ceases to amaze us . . . so much to see and do! If you would like road directions to Glass Eye Butte, where we parked Tom's Can-Am, you can click
here to get our route on a topo map. Once you've seen the dinosaur tracks and pictographs you might want enjoy a leisurely stroll out to Flag Point for some more amazing views. If you'd like a topo map and GPS tracks for this portion of our outing you can click
here for a link to Tom's Peakbagger.com post.
