Category Archives: Southwest hikes

Up Coyote Gulch: In Through the Crack in the Wall and Out the Scary “Sneaker Route”

Posted on October 14, 2015 by westerner54

I’m clinging to a sandstone fin, a hundred feet above Coyote Gulch.  Stuck.  Can’t go up, can’t go down, should be able to creep sideways, but that would involve looking down, and I don’t think that’s a good idea. Well. … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking, Nature, Southwest hikes | Tagged , , , , | 29 Comments

Travels with my Coffee Cup

Posted on July 7, 2015 by westerner54

My coffee cup has had a good life. And it ain’t done yet.

Posted in Camping, Hiking, Life, Montana, Outdoors, Southwest hikes, Travel | Tagged , | 14 Comments

Beware the Pesky Glochids and Other Tips from the Desert Southwest

Posted on March 9, 2015 by westerner54

Cacti have spines.  I know that.   I mean, it’s really pretty obvious. What I didn’t know until too late is that some cacti have really tiny spines: so tiny that you don’t notice them.  It would have helped to know … Continue reading →

Posted in Hiking, Nature, Outdoors, Southwest hikes | Tagged , , , , | 18 Comments

Grand Gulch Below the Narrows: Where to find the Perfect Campsite

Posted on November 17, 2014 by westerner54

This looks like a pretty good fall campsite, don’t you think?   Lots of afternoon sun , reflected warmth from the canyon walls during the night, nice clear water in pot holes fifty feet away, and even a cute little … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking, Nature, Southwest hikes, Wildlife | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Another Secret Ruin

Posted on November 6, 2014 by westerner54

It doesn’t get much better than spending days wandering the canyons and gulches of Cedar Mesa, looking for rock art and ruins.    Sometimes you know exactly what you’re looking for, since many folks have been there before, and the … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Hiking, Outdoors, Southwest hikes, Travel | Tagged , , | 14 Comments

Sipapu Bridge Hike…and a Secret Ruin

Posted on May 14, 2014 by westerner54

It’s not supposed to be cold and windy in southeastern Utah at the end of April.  I’d envisioned clear blue skies, warm sun, and hiking in shorts and short sleeves.   What we got was highs in the 40s, and 25 … Continue reading →

Posted in Hiking, Nature, Outdoors, Southwest hikes | Tagged , , , | 17 Comments

Evening in Canyonlands

Posted on May 10, 2014 by westerner54

Canyonlands National Park,  May 2014  “Let me keep my mind on what matters, which is my work which is mostly standing still and learning to be astonished. — Mary Oliver    

Posted in Hiking, Life, Nature, Outdoors, Photography, Southwest hikes | Tagged , , | 18 Comments

Government Trail to the Big Man Pictographs: Grand Gulch, Utah

Posted on November 22, 2013 by westerner54

It’s about a 10 mile roundtrip hike across Cedar Mesa, down into Grand Gulch, and up the gulch to the spectacular Big Man Pictographs.  We’ve done it as a day trip, but it’s worth spending as much time as you … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking, Outdoors, Southwest hikes | Tagged , , , | 17 Comments

Moon House Ruins, Cedar Mesa, Utah

Posted on November 5, 2013 by westerner54

Just being out in nature is usually motivation enough to get me out on a hike, so I know I’d be willing to traipse around the canyons of southeastern Utah even if there weren’t cool ruins and rock art to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Hiking, Outdoors, Southwest hikes, Travel | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

What’s The Best Campsite in Natural Bridges National Monument?

Posted on October 30, 2013 by westerner54

I know this has been a burning question for thousands of you out there. Well, fret no more.  I have the answer. Campsite Number 4. Here it is: The best part?  The view! There are only 13 sites at Natural Bridges, … Continue reading →

Posted in Camping, Hiking, Nature, Southwest hikes, Travel | Tagged , , | 13 Comments