We first noticed the White Teepees when we were making our
way up Mollies Nipple and, then again, when ascending Calico Peak & Starlight Arch, several
years ago. So, what’s taken us so long
to go and explore these unique rock formations?
Primarily the deep sand that isolates them from easy truck access. So, when Tom (who has a Can-Am) texted us wanting
to know if we could do them on Tuesday, we cleared our schedules and made plans
to meet him east of Kanab for an early November excursion. What a fun and rewarding day this turned out
to be! None of which would have been
possible without Tom and his machine!
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| We were so thankful Tom brought his Can-Am . . . we drove through deep sand the entire way |
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Starting out we had a nice view of the northern teepees . . . they look interesting, as well . . .
But, today we are headed for their counterparts, the southern teepees, two-miles away |
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| Looking east, beyond Pilot Ridge, towards the Paria River |
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Passing by a beehive formation . . . notice our tracks in the sand . . .
When we passed by here, several hours later, they were almost covered up from the wind |
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Soon we came to this mesa and were able to pass around it by going to the west side
On the way back, we plan to get on top of this mesa and bag the highpoint known as 6760 |
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The entire mesa rim consisted of bright white sandstone with a red jagged top . . .
We're hoping we'll be able to find a weakness that we can scramble through to get on top . . .
But, that's not our priority right now |
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As soon as we passed around the mesa, the southern teepees came into view . . .
From here it appears there just might be a route that will take us to the top . . . only one way to find out! |
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| A partially formed moqui marble |
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| We have arrived . . . let the fun begin! |
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Allison thought it was too steep to ascend, but Tom and Kent decide to give it a go . . .
After a slab of sandstone broke loose on Kent, both of them decided she was right!
(In retrospect, those with climbing skills could have definitely made it up using this route) |
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| This piece of sandstone almost looks like an old rusty can |
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After the failed attempt, we hiked around to the west side to look for another route . . .
We might have been able to make it up, but getting down would be a major concern! |
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Allison still had her doubts . . . and Tom appears to be wondering just what on earth Kent has in mind . . .
Hey, you can't blame him for trying! |
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| We continued to work our way around the teepees looking for a possible route . . . this is the southern side |
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| Along the way, we found a very cool arch! |
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The arch is quite ornate and fairly large (7-10 ft high)
It almost looks like an animal . . . use your imagination |
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| This view shows several of the beehive formations that make up the teepees |
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| We had planned to make a complete loop around the teepees until we came to this abrupt cliff edge |
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| Off in the distance we could see Yellow Rock and Gingham Skirt Butte |
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Looking back at the teepees as we work our way back towards Peak 6760
(If you're so inclined to try getting to the top, the suggested route would be directly behind the little beehive that stands in front/center of this unique formation) |
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| A slab of iron concretions |
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Back at the mesa . . . we were only able to find one possible route to the top . . .
Tom is waiting to see if Kent can make it up |
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It worked! We're up on top of Peak 6760 . . .
Could the view get any better?
(Click on the picture for an enlarged view) |
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As a matter of a fact, "Yes!" Just look at what you can see on the other side of the mesa
(Mollies Nipple towers over Pilot Ridge and the northern teepees) |
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This is kind of a special picture . . . our first hike with Tom was Mollies Nipple about 3 1/2 years ago!
(Man, we've shared some fantastic hikes together!) |
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| Kent waits his turn as Tom descends . . . one last look at the southern teepees |
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We still have about a half mile to go before we get back to the Can-Am
Even with blustery winds and sand in our shoes, it's been a great hike! |
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By the time we got back to Hurricane, the sun was setting . . .
There's something special about Utah sunsets!
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Don’t let this seldom explored area get past your
radar. You will need a 4WD off road
machine that is capable of going uphill through deep sand to get you to the trailhead. If you don’t have one then expect a 6-7 mile
trudge (one-way) to reach them. No matter which way you choose, begin making plans right now for this four-mile (r/t) romp
through some spectacular country. For
more information you can click
here to access Tom’s Peakbagger.com post for GPS
tracks and a topo map of our hike.
