No room at the Canyonlands campground

Went to Canyonlands early in the week before Memorial Day, hoping to get into the no-reservation campground before the weekend.  Arrived too late in the day to get lucky, but lucky I was.  I returned to the nearby canyon I had explored on my motorcycle on my way to Cortez a few years ago (see overlandtocortez.blogspot.com).  Through the river and up the canyon a bit, there was a handy box canyon about a half mile off the main dirt road.  With an alluvial rise between the camp site and the road, this was a private spot on no fee BLM land perfect for off-grid, dry camping.

Dry camping doesn't have to mean roughing it however.  With some great gear and a little time, this was a very pleasant week.  This will be mostly a picture blog, email if you have any questions.

Springbar tent set up in the camp site.  More level than it looks.  Absolutely the best tent available for car camping.  Weighs about 50 pounds, you wouldn't want to pack it far.  Easy up.  Stake the base, install the ridge pole, and stand up the two end poles and you are finished.  Stands up to high winds and heavy rains ( had plenty of both this week) and really roomy.

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Sunset behind me, scenery and firepit in front.

Road into camp.

Orange in an NRS sand mat.  Sand and debris falls through, can't get out!

Taking a break.  Canyonlands behind me.

      Abajo Mountains to the southeast.  More on that tomorrow!

Campfire with lighted tent behind.  Light on the right is an area light so I don't trip over stuff!

Hoodoo near camp site.  about 30' tall!

Light stored for daytime

Dirty little secret for 60 year-old camping.  Inflatable air matress.  This is a nice one.  plug it in to inflate.  Sounds like a vacuum cleaner for about 5 minutes, then shuts off.  The great part is there is another air pump about as loud as an aquarium pump that provides a keep filled pressure all night.  It has to be plugged in, but that is another secret.  A Goal Zero generator, essentially a deep-cycle battery provides 110 power all night.  The last secret?  A heating pad that also plugs in and warms up the area around your feet!

Note there are sheets instead of sleeping bags.  Easier to put on the bed, easier to throw in the washer at a laundromat.

Panorama of the canyon behind the tent site.  Hoodoo is behind the tree.

Click on any photo to enlarge.

View from the camp chair.

Driving up the Abajo Mountains.

The "Causeway" Southeastern Utah's answer to Hell's Backbone bridge.

Shower nozzle and bucket.  foot pump pressurizes water bag, nozzle delivers warm water for shower.

Folding tire step to access Yakima box.  Box holds the bed and all the bedding.

In Canyonlands Park.

Making coffee in the morning.  Pour hot water over drip filter, into Thermos.

View from the gruver.  Packing EVERYTHING out when camping in the back country.

At the state park in Blanding.  One of the best exhibits I have seen of artifacts.  And the only place I have ever seen a restored Kiva that can be entered.

Large old house in Blanding.  Southern Utah has many of these.  Notice second front door on the left.  Main wife used the front door, the others....

German adventure rig.  Already crossed Canada, starting with Labrador Highway, they were ready for anything.  I was ready to steal their rig :-)

Moki Dugway.  1100' vertical feet in 3 miles.

I like maps better than GPS.  The map showed a small dirt road across the mesa at the top of the dugway.  I figured it would offer good views.  I had no idea.  Seeing a tree trunk make way for a flower was nice.

Others had the same idea.  Here overlooking Valley of the Gods.

Across the canyon, an indian ruin.  Remember to click on picture to enlarge.

Driving US 95 between Blanding and Hite.

Bridge at Hite.

The big empty south of Hanksville.

Next entry will pick up in Capitol Reef Park.