We blew out of Kodachrome and made a beeline for Calf Creek Recreation Area, part of the GSENM. The area features a small campground and a hike along the year round Calf Creek to the base of a 126 foot waterfall.
For us, it offered a quiet haven listening to the gurgling creek and chirping birds while we recovered from the dusty onslaught from Kodachrome.
The campground straddles the Calf Creek -- and to access about half the sites meant driving through the creek! Walking back to the bathroom, one used the small suspension footbridge. I guess at times of flash floods, a few campsites can be inundated or stranded! Welcome to life in Canyon Country.
The hike was 6 miles round trip; mostly level but actually challenging as long stretches of it were through sand. Slog, slog, slog. The scenery was incredible and unique with the rich riparian environment in the base of the canyon. We were treated to wildflowers, birds, rocks, beaver ponds, trout, and evidence of Pueblo Indians rock art and cliff side granaries. And finally: a misty, waterfall cascading 126 feet!
 |
| Footbridge across Calf Creek connecting 1 side of campground to the other |
 |
| Flower in the campground |
 |
| Trail along the Calf Creek -- so much green to contrast the rocks and sky |
 |
| Ancient peoples rock painting |
 |
| Desert Varnish |
 |
| Water Fall -- year round source of water in the canyon |
 |
| Let's go fishing! |
 |
| Gambel's Oak Leaves -- a lovely tree in red rock country |
 |
| Rocks and trees |
 |
| Driving to our campsite! |
No comments:
Post a Comment