IntrepidXJ

This past Labor Day Weekend Amanda had to unfortunately work on Sunday and Monday, so I was on my own. I figured that I would head back to The Henry Mountains to complete some of the trails that were blocked by snow on our last trip, plus do a little hiking to the top of Mount Ellen. You can find the previous trip report <a href="http://www.myxj.net/blog/3201" target="_blank">here</a>.

After some breakfast on Sunday morning I made my way to Hanksville, where I topped off of my gas tank and headed south towards The Henry Mountains.





I did a little exploring on some side roads before actually reaching the mountains.


Following the Sawmill Basin Road around Bull Mountain




...and then up to Wickiup Pass at 9,200 feet.


Nice views of the desert stretching out beyond the mountains


On my way to Copper Ridge

IntrepidXJ

View over the desert from the end of Copper Ridge. You can just see the outline of the La Sal Mountains in the distance.


Circling around the South Summit of Mount Ellen. Waterpocket Fold in the distance


Stopped at Bull Creek Pass. Mount Ellen in the background. It was very windy this day, so I decided to wait until the next morning to hike to the high peak in this photo.


On my way down from Bull Creek Pass

IntrepidXJ

Past Bull Mountain again


...and into Crescent Creek Canyon


This old miner's cabin was along Crescent Creek




This cabin built from stone was a little further down the road


I looped back around Bull Mountain and setup camp for the night in Sawmill Basin


The following morning I packed up camp and headed five miles up to Bull Creek Pass again, so that I could start my hike up Mount Ellen. It was pretty cold when I started the hike, but before I reached the top the weather finally warmed up a bit and got much more pleasant.

On my way up


Finally out of the shade.....my shadow overlooking Capitol Reef

IntrepidXJ

Looking back towards Bull Creek Pass


Continuing up


Nearing the high point


Great views from the top


There were a few small shelters built into the rocks at the top


Self portrait at the top


Time to head back down


Back at the trailhead

IntrepidXJ

Before driving home to finish off the weekend, I made a stop at Little Egypt and took a few photos.













Thus ends another nice weekend of exploring. It was nice to be able to finish what I started back in June

TRAUMAhead

Nice pictures. I have to visit Colorado some day.

What kind of tent are you using?

Mark Doiron

I agree, nice pic's. And Colorado is a pretty state, but this is in Utah. Waterpocket Fold in Capitol Reef National Park is probably the most colorful, natural formation you'll ever find. It's an incredible landscape in a state known for its natural beauty. Someday I'll have to go back and drive up into the Henry Mountains.















And a view of the Henry's from the other side of the reef ...

TRAUMAhead

Well looks like I'll have to visit Utah and Colorado then.