Our epic journey continues into 2021. We arrived in Escalante, Utah and are staying at the Escalante Cabins and RV Park for a week from May 6-13. Our first hike was to the Escalante Natural Bridge from the Escalante River Trailhead just 14 miles north of Escalante. It’s a 4-mile R/T hike following the Escalante River, which we had to cross four times in our hiking shoes, and the water was up to our knees in places. The Escalante River is created on the high mountains of the Aquarius Plateau, tiny springs and creeks gather and wind their way 90 miles to Lake Powell. A maze of hundreds of miles of deep, stunning canyons formed as the Escalante carved through slickrock and sandstone over eons of years. The canyon was filled with Cottonwood trees along the river and the bright red canyon walls stood out against the new green leaves on the trees. The first view of the Escalante Natural Bridge was across an open meadow and after one more river crossing we arrived at the 130 foot high impressive natural bridge. The sun’s rays made for a great shot hidden behind the arch. We stayed for lunch and then we returned back along the trail to the jeep. Click on thumbnail to view images
Escalante Natural Bridge
Upper Calf Creek Falls
We hiked to Upper Calf Creek Falls today, a 2.1 mile R/T trail over slickrock with cairns to show the way. The views right from the start are stunning and varied with much variety of geological formations and rocks. Once we reached the falls it was sort of like an oasis appeal along the creek. The water pool for swimming was so refreshing on such a hot day. There is a smaller pool further up the creek with another waterfall. This is worth the hike on a hot day! Click on thumbnail to view images
Burr Trail Road
The Burr Trail Road was originally developed as a cattle trail blazed by stockman John Atlantic Burr, the Burr Trail Scenic Backway is now one of the most picturesque drives in Utah. It is a paved and graded, gravel and dirt road, it extends from Boulder to Bullfrog Marina, passing through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. From Boulder to the boundary of Capitol Reef, the Burr Trail Road is paved and we turned around at the Burr Trail Switchbacks that we drove down last year. The drive through the Long Canyon was spectacular and one of the most impressive drives we have driven along. We stopped several times to take photos and to walk into a deep slot canyon a few yards from the road. We were very impressed by the Burr Trail Scenic Backway. Click on thumbnail to view images
