Adventures in North America

Dark Canyon Wilderness is noted for its diversity including beautiful forest, desert scenery and rich biological, geological and archeological resources. When we hiked, it was lightly travelled. The Dark Canyon Wilderness area is located in San Juan County, Utah, west of Monticello and north of Blanding. Designated in 1984 and managed by the U.S. Forest Service and part of the Bears Ears area The Wilderness Area includes Dark Canyon and its two main tributaries, Peavine and Woodenshoe canyons, plus several Colorado River drainages.

Hiking up Paintbrush Canyon and over the Divide offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the Tetons. Passing by lakes and through forest’s with stunning views. Beautiful camp areas and a strenuous climb over the pass are well rewarded.

All the backpacking hikes in the Grand Canyon are breath taking and a walk through geological time. Thunder River spectacularly flows out of a cave high up a cliff face and Deer Creak has a beautiful high waterfall and swimming hole.

Careful attention needs to paid to water sources and route finding. Best time is fall when temperatures are more suitable for hiking. Usually can count on receiving a beer from rafters down at the Colorado River.

One of Utah’s less crowded national parks, nestled beside the Fremont River in Fruita. This giant wrinkle in the earth extends for some 100 miles called the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline. Filled with canyons and towering cliffs. Close by is Goblin Valley State Park located on the San Rafael Swell. The landscape, covered with sandstone goblins and fascinating formations, is often compared to Mars. These areas have some great slot canyons to explore.

A great backpacking trip that takes you over the continental divide at 12000 feet. Taken in early summer provides the hiker with spectacular wildflowers.

Arapahoe pass over to Monarch Lake then south following the Continental Dive Trail. Then climb back up to Devils Thumb along the ridge to Rollins pass and descent.

This trail follows the old gold miner’s route of the 1980’s stampede to The Klondike gold strikes. Full of beautiful scenery and historical memories that takes you from Alaska to the Yukon. Trail head starts near Skagway. Getting there by Inland Passage ferry from Bellingham Washington State or fly to Whitehorse and get transport to Skagway. Permit required.