Escalante to Boulder
38.4 daily
987 total
I am eager to beat the wind this morning and chomp away at the first climb as quickly as I can. The mornings are really quiet until about 10 and then the RVs and motorcycle troops roll by. This little flower just happened to catch my eye- one of the few shots I've taken while not straddling the bike.
The steady climb gives way to an incredible road that curves and carves through rock on the way to Escalante River
My photos of the canyon that follows the Escalante River don't fully capture tne moment, but it is a fantastic place! I meet a French couple at a viewpoint. Their last destination on their vacation is San Francisco and they are shocked when I remind them to bring a jacket.
Today's ride was remarkable and I put time and plans aside and just parked the bike and took a seat to enjoy the scenery.
On a stretch of road known as the "Hogsback" I meet two Westbounders. They started in Colorado and got stuck in Pueblo for six days due to snow. They plan on returning home to Austin,TX after touring the Grand Canyon.
I arrive in Boulder and get the low-down on camping. It's a bit sketchy but I make a go at it.
I end up traveling down the wrong road, but I get a chance to see some beautiful scenery and a lesser-known entrance into Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument.
Well, I strike out on locating the lovely camp-spot by the creek and check in to a motel. At the coffee shop the manager tells me there is a movie in a barn tonight. The organic farmers that own the barn get their hands on films and show them every Tuesday free of charge. I'm tempted but I want to get an early start tomorrow. The Burr Trail Grill is a cool spot and they have killer house-made pie.
