Grand Staircase-Escalante NM, Utah
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Lower Calf Creek Falls Grand Staircase-Escalante NM, Utah |
April 15, 2014
Having already hiked over in Bryce Canyon today and visited a remote arch
as well, it is time to fill out the afternoon with a walk that has been on my
bucket list for many years. After using my old-person pass for a
parking permit, I head out in the company of a variety of others, most of whom
clearly are not serious hikers.
Getting started
It doesn't take long to spot an interesting feature in the canyon wall:
Anasazi granary, circa 1200 a.d. (estimated)
Hundreds of such food-storage areas are scattered throughout the southwestern desert; but they are satisfying to find anyway.
The terrain varies dramatically as I progress
Calf Creek appears
Although the trees have few leaves as yet, some flowers are out.
Purple Locoweed
Globe Mallow
As I approach the falls, the sun has pretty much departed the amphitheater; but that's okay.
Lower Calf Creek Falls, 130' ⇔
The prettiest spot in Utah?
I am alone here now except for a quiet group over on the sand.
A good spot for a picnic
Heading back
I had read in a trailhead brochure about a pictograph sighting at
Signpost #9, which is right in front of me now. In fact,
there does seem to be something on the cliff face yonder:
Faint images adorn the smooth canyon wall
Using my walking stick as a camera support, I am able to capture
some detail at 18× zoom:
This is why I go hiking
Nice afternoon lighting
Long-spined Purple Pricklypear
§: The trail itself was just mildly interesting, and no backcountry
experience can be had here. The outstanding destination, however,
is not to be missed.
| Scenery |  |
| Difficulty |  |
| Personality | |
| Solitude |  |
