Four Corners Memorial Weekend

IntrepidXJ · 05-28-2009, 01:45 PM

Saturday morning we woke up extra early and headed for one of or favorite campsites in Comb Wash. As we were driving through Monticello, I noticed a Cherokee in my rearview mirror that sort of looked familiar. By the time we reached Blanding that Cherokee had caught up with me and it was in fact someone I knew.....Jared. We both pulled off at the local Shell for some gas and talked about our current plans for the weekend. We had spent the last Memorial Day weekend exploring the Comb Ridge area, and it looked like we would be doing the same again this year.

After setting up camp in Comb Wash we took a short walk to some ruins that Jared had found near our campsite last year.

Then we headed north to the road cut into Comb Ridge that you can see when you are on the Hotel Rock trail. I have always wanted to drive this old section of road since I first saw it, and was not disapointed.

You can see the road cut in this photo if you look closely

We stopped near the top when we saw an old car hanging onto the edge of a cliff. While we were stopped, I turned around and spotted a small arch above us.

Jared taking a photo with the small arch above us

The old car on the edge...

Jared also spotted what looked like some pictographs hidden high above us, and attempted to climb up to them, but could not find a good way up...

The final section to the top of Comb Ridge had been blasted through at one time and was pretty bumpy now with some smaller ledges.

IntrepidXJ · 05-28-2009, 01:46 PM

Once at the top we took a right on Poseys Trail which followed along the edge of the ridge for a few miles at an overlook above the cut for UT 95.

Our next destination was to find the Tower Ruin at the head of Butler Wash. We ended up taking the long way down into the canyon, but we did find the ruin.

Before heading back to the Jeeps, we hiked up another side canyon looking for other ruins.

On our way back to the Jeeps the clouds finally let loose and it started raining pretty good on us. We were pretty soaked by the time we made it back.

By the time we had finished lunch, the rain had stopped again, so we made our way over to find the Over & Under Ruins. After a few dead ends on some of the Jeep roads we followed, and then hiking down the wrong trail to find the ruins, we finally found our way (all part of the adventure).

Over & Under Ruins

By the time we made it back to the Jeeps, it was getting late so we headed into Blanding to fuel up and grab some dinner before heading back to camp for the night. Since Amanda and I had got up pretty early that morning to head down there, we were exhausted and went right to bed when we made it back to camp.

The full galley from Saturday can be found here: http://myxj.net/g2/v/2009_adventures...ners/saturday/

Sunday & Monday still to come.....

COSXJFAN · 05-28-2009, 02:28 PM

As always Randy, great pics!! Thanks for sharing buddy!!

IntrepidXJ · 05-28-2009, 09:05 PM

On Sunday we woke up early again and headed South along Comb Ridge until we reached Snow Flat Road, which would take us up onto Cedar Mesa.

Crossing Comb Wash

At Snow Flat Road getting our hiking permits with Comb Ridge in the background

On our way we passed a small natural bridge next to the road that I had to stop and get a photo of

Our first destination for today was to try and get to the Moon House Ruins. This was supposed to be an easy hike with some minor scrambling, however when we got there, we found the climb down into the canyon was more technical that we were prepared for, so we had to settle on viewing the ruins from the other side of the canyon on this trip...

Reflection at the Moon House Ruins trailhead

Moon House Ruins in McCloyd Canyon

Jared taking a photo of the ruins

IntrepidXJ · 05-28-2009, 09:05 PM

After making it back to Snow Flat Road we continued on to the highway and headed for our next destination....Johns Canyon Overlook. On the way to the overlook we found another small cliff dwelling under a pour-over. The alcove above this ruin had collapsed at some point, and a large rock was sitting on top of the dwelling. I was surprised that the whole thing had not completely collapsed.

There were some pictographs on the alcove wall

After exploring the ruin for a little bit we continued on to Johns Canyon Overlook

After having some lunch at the overlook, we headed over to Muley Point before going down the Moki Dugway

Johns Canyon Trail below....we'll be driving it later

You can barely see Monument Valley in the distance

IntrepidXJ · 05-28-2009, 09:06 PM

A photo Amanda snapped on the point

Before heading into Johns Canyon we made a quick stop at Goosenecks State park

Headed towards Johns Canyon

The first set of petroglyphs we came across

There were many recent washouts along this trail from the recent rains (we were the first sets of new tracks since then), but most of them were minor and easily navigable. However, once we reached a narrow section under a slide area, the trail was washed out too much to safely continue, so we turned around. It was only about a mile or so from where the trail would have dead-ended at a wilderness area anyways.

IntrepidXJ · 05-28-2009, 09:06 PM

Jared standing near one of the washed out sections

On our way back out of Johns Canyon we found a few more petroglyphs

After spending over twelve hours hiking and behind the wheel of the Jeep we headed into Mexican Hat for some dinner at the Swinging Steak. It was another great day of exploring!

You can find the full photo gallery from Sunday here: http://myxj.net/g2/v/2009_adventures...orners/sunday/

Monday still to come...

IntrepidXJ · 05-28-2009, 11:44 PM

On Monday, Amanda and I said goodbye to Jared and headed our separate ways. We ended up sticking to the pavement and did some more 'touristy' stuff as we looped around on our way back home. Our first stop was the Four Corners Monument. Amanda has wanted to stop here for a while, so we finally did it.

Our next stop was Mesa Verde

We didn't have too much time to spend at the park as we wanted to get home at a decent time, but I really wanted to get a feel for the park, get some information to help plan future trips and to do a short hike away from the Memorial Day crowds. We managed to accomplish all of that.

After a stop at the Visitor's Center for some info, we headed a little ways down the road and took a short hike to the Far View House and surround structures. While the park was pretty busy, we saw only two other people the whole time we explored this area.

Far View House

Far View Tower

Mummy Lake

Coyote Village

IntrepidXJ · 05-28-2009, 11:44 PM

After leaving Mesa Verde we headed into Durango and then North on US 550 back home.

Silverton

As we were heading up to Red Mountain Pass, we got caught in a good snowstorm

The full gallery for Monday can be found here: http://myxj.net/g2/v/2009_adventures...orners/monday/

isbian · 05-31-2009, 02:26 AM

That looks like a very fun trip. Great photos by the way.

jgrimm466 · 01-17-2010, 06:53 PM

where is that place at love to go. looks neat

chrisdm4 · 01-18-2010, 05:00 PM

Man that is just way to cool!!

05-28-2009, 01:45 PM	#1
IntrepidXJ Seasoned Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Grand Junction, CO Posts: 386 My Photos 2000 Cherokee Year: 2000 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: AW4 Transfer Case: 231 Front Axle: D30 Rear Axle: 8.25 Tires: 32x11.5 Bighorns Lift Specifications: Approx 5"	Four Corners Memorial Weekend Saturday morning we woke up extra early and headed for one of or favorite campsites in Comb Wash. As we were driving through Monticello, I noticed a Cherokee in my rearview mirror that sort of looked familiar. By the time we reached Blanding that Cherokee had caught up with me and it was in fact someone I knew.....Jared. We both pulled off at the local Shell for some gas and talked about our current plans for the weekend. We had spent the last Memorial Day weekend exploring the Comb Ridge area, and it looked like we would be doing the same again this year. After setting up camp in Comb Wash we took a short walk to some ruins that Jared had found near our campsite last year. Then we headed north to the road cut into Comb Ridge that you can see when you are on the Hotel Rock trail. I have always wanted to drive this old section of road since I first saw it, and was not disapointed. You can see the road cut in this photo if you look closely We stopped near the top when we saw an old car hanging onto the edge of a cliff. While we were stopped, I turned around and spotted a small arch above us. Jared taking a photo with the small arch above us The old car on the edge... Jared also spotted what looked like some pictographs hidden high above us, and attempted to climb up to them, but could not find a good way up... The final section to the top of Comb Ridge had been blasted through at one time and was pretty bumpy now with some smaller ledges. __________________ Randy Langstraat .: myXJ.net \| adventureJK.com :.

05-28-2009, 01:46 PM	#2
IntrepidXJ Seasoned Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Grand Junction, CO Posts: 386 My Photos 2000 Cherokee Year: 2000 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: AW4 Transfer Case: 231 Front Axle: D30 Rear Axle: 8.25 Tires: 32x11.5 Bighorns Lift Specifications: Approx 5"	Once at the top we took a right on Poseys Trail which followed along the edge of the ridge for a few miles at an overlook above the cut for UT 95. Our next destination was to find the Tower Ruin at the head of Butler Wash. We ended up taking the long way down into the canyon, but we did find the ruin. Before heading back to the Jeeps, we hiked up another side canyon looking for other ruins. On our way back to the Jeeps the clouds finally let loose and it started raining pretty good on us. We were pretty soaked by the time we made it back. By the time we had finished lunch, the rain had stopped again, so we made our way over to find the Over & Under Ruins. After a few dead ends on some of the Jeep roads we followed, and then hiking down the wrong trail to find the ruins, we finally found our way (all part of the adventure). Over & Under Ruins By the time we made it back to the Jeeps, it was getting late so we headed into Blanding to fuel up and grab some dinner before heading back to camp for the night. Since Amanda and I had got up pretty early that morning to head down there, we were exhausted and went right to bed when we made it back to camp. The full galley from Saturday can be found here: http://myxj.net/g2/v/2009_adventures...ners/saturday/ Sunday & Monday still to come..... __________________ Randy Langstraat .: myXJ.net \| adventureJK.com :.

05-28-2009, 02:28 PM	#3
COSXJFAN BROWN CHICKEN, BROWN COW! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 5,783 My Photos 1987 Wagokee Year: 1987 Wagokee Engine: 4.0 Renny Transmission: AW-4 Transfer Case: NP 242 HD drive shaft Front Axle: HP non-C.A.D. Dana 30 w/ 4.88s (locked) Rear Axle: Dana 44 w/ 4.88s (locked) Tires: 33X12.5-15 Pro Comp MTs Lift Specifications: Hodgepodge 6.5 front 5.5 rear Misc Accessories: custom 2.5" exhaust, cold air intake, homebrew bumpers & armor, winch	As always Randy, great pics!! Thanks for sharing buddy!! __________________ STEELER FAN TIL DEATH!!! BAN OWNERS, NOT BREEDS!!! AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIERS ARE GREAT PETS!!!

05-28-2009, 09:05 PM	#4
IntrepidXJ Seasoned Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Grand Junction, CO Posts: 386 My Photos 2000 Cherokee Year: 2000 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: AW4 Transfer Case: 231 Front Axle: D30 Rear Axle: 8.25 Tires: 32x11.5 Bighorns Lift Specifications: Approx 5"	On Sunday we woke up early again and headed South along Comb Ridge until we reached Snow Flat Road, which would take us up onto Cedar Mesa. Crossing Comb Wash At Snow Flat Road getting our hiking permits with Comb Ridge in the background On our way we passed a small natural bridge next to the road that I had to stop and get a photo of Our first destination for today was to try and get to the Moon House Ruins. This was supposed to be an easy hike with some minor scrambling, however when we got there, we found the climb down into the canyon was more technical that we were prepared for, so we had to settle on viewing the ruins from the other side of the canyon on this trip... Reflection at the Moon House Ruins trailhead Moon House Ruins in McCloyd Canyon Jared taking a photo of the ruins __________________ Randy Langstraat .: myXJ.net \| adventureJK.com :.

05-28-2009, 09:05 PM	#5
IntrepidXJ Seasoned Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Grand Junction, CO Posts: 386 My Photos 2000 Cherokee Year: 2000 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: AW4 Transfer Case: 231 Front Axle: D30 Rear Axle: 8.25 Tires: 32x11.5 Bighorns Lift Specifications: Approx 5"	After making it back to Snow Flat Road we continued on to the highway and headed for our next destination....Johns Canyon Overlook. On the way to the overlook we found another small cliff dwelling under a pour-over. The alcove above this ruin had collapsed at some point, and a large rock was sitting on top of the dwelling. I was surprised that the whole thing had not completely collapsed. There were some pictographs on the alcove wall After exploring the ruin for a little bit we continued on to Johns Canyon Overlook After having some lunch at the overlook, we headed over to Muley Point before going down the Moki Dugway Johns Canyon Trail below....we'll be driving it later You can barely see Monument Valley in the distance __________________ Randy Langstraat .: myXJ.net \| adventureJK.com :.

05-28-2009, 09:06 PM	#6
IntrepidXJ Seasoned Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Grand Junction, CO Posts: 386 My Photos 2000 Cherokee Year: 2000 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: AW4 Transfer Case: 231 Front Axle: D30 Rear Axle: 8.25 Tires: 32x11.5 Bighorns Lift Specifications: Approx 5"	A photo Amanda snapped on the point Before heading into Johns Canyon we made a quick stop at Goosenecks State park Headed towards Johns Canyon The first set of petroglyphs we came across There were many recent washouts along this trail from the recent rains (we were the first sets of new tracks since then), but most of them were minor and easily navigable. However, once we reached a narrow section under a slide area, the trail was washed out too much to safely continue, so we turned around. It was only about a mile or so from where the trail would have dead-ended at a wilderness area anyways. __________________ Randy Langstraat .: myXJ.net \| adventureJK.com :.

05-28-2009, 11:44 PM	#8
IntrepidXJ Seasoned Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Grand Junction, CO Posts: 386 My Photos 2000 Cherokee Year: 2000 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: AW4 Transfer Case: 231 Front Axle: D30 Rear Axle: 8.25 Tires: 32x11.5 Bighorns Lift Specifications: Approx 5"	On Monday, Amanda and I said goodbye to Jared and headed our separate ways. We ended up sticking to the pavement and did some more 'touristy' stuff as we looped around on our way back home. Our first stop was the Four Corners Monument. Amanda has wanted to stop here for a while, so we finally did it. Our next stop was Mesa Verde We didn't have too much time to spend at the park as we wanted to get home at a decent time, but I really wanted to get a feel for the park, get some information to help plan future trips and to do a short hike away from the Memorial Day crowds. We managed to accomplish all of that. After a stop at the Visitor's Center for some info, we headed a little ways down the road and took a short hike to the Far View House and surround structures. While the park was pretty busy, we saw only two other people the whole time we explored this area. Far View House Far View Tower Mummy Lake Coyote Village __________________ Randy Langstraat .: myXJ.net \| adventureJK.com :.

05-31-2009, 02:26 AM	#10
isbian Newbie Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 11 My Photos 1994 Cherokee Year: 1994 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 HO Transmission: AW4 auto OD Transfer Case: NP231 Front Axle: 3.73 Rear Axle: 3.73 Tires: 225/75/15 Lift Specifications: stock	excelent That looks like a very fun trip. Great photos by the way.

01-17-2010, 06:53 PM	#11
jgrimm466 Junior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: arvada, colorado Posts: 59 My Photos 1999 Cherokee Year: 1999 Model: Cherokee Engine: 6 cylinder Front Axle: dana 30 Rear Axle: chysler Tires: 32x11.5x15 Lift Specifications: 4.5 rough country Misc Accessories: flomaster exhaust, Indash tv,	where is that place at love to go. looks neat

01-18-2010, 05:00 PM	#12
chrisdm4 Seasoned Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Telford PA Posts: 485 My Photos 1997 Grand Cherokee Year: 1997 Model: Grand Cherokee Engine: 4.0L I6 Transmission: 42RE Transfer Case: NP231 Front Axle: dana 30 Rear Axle: dana 35 Tires: BF AT 31 Lift Specifications: 4" RC short arm Misc Accessories: cragar wheels, dynomax exhaust, K&N Intake, JKS discos, Skyjacker stabilizer, Riddler Mfg Diff cover	Man that is just way to cool!! __________________ If it ain't broke, re-engineer it 2nd Annual Unibody Run 2009 Wheels Conquering Childhood Cancer 97 ZJ......75 CJ5

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
3 wks, 13 trails; Part 2 - Chicken Corners 3/26/09	Cliff	Trail Reports	8	06-23-2009 12:02 PM
dresser, wi memorial weekend	fixitman	Trail Reports	11	05-22-2009 08:41 PM
Four Corners Section Meet & Greet:	COSXJFAN	Trail Reports	16	05-19-2009 01:22 PM
best way to trim rear corners	willscuatt	Cherokee Tech	1	03-28-2009 11:32 PM
any 1 going to rausch creek memorial weekend	wicked_xj	Off-Topic Discussion	10	05-12-2008 10:56 PM