Utah Escapes - Canyonlands National Park - Maze District / Goblin Valley State Park

For the long Memorial Day weekend, my wife and I decided to seize the day and embark on a journey to the remote Maze District on the south west side of Canyonlands National Park. A journey that we had been considering for a number of years, we had finally given ourselves the motivation to make it happen. This area of Canyonlands is known for its extreme isolation and breathtaking scenic beauty. As a photographer it has been an entry on my bucket list. This was the day to make the dream a reality.

Our drive out of Denver was met with the usual snarled traffic jams in a bumper-to-bumper concrete jungle. As we made our way through the I-70 corridor and past the Eisenhower tunnel, we were met with a blast of wind as predicted by the high wind warnings that day. Fighting the steering wheel, we made our way through to Grand Junction, CO. Instead of open country and clear skies, we were met with a full blown dust storm turning the skies brown and blocking out the sun at times. Winds gusting over 70 mph and low visibility, we fought our way through into Utah.

DSC01121.jpg


DSC01124.jpg


DSC01127.jpg


DSC01142.jpg


DSC01147.jpg


DSC01149.jpg


As we hit Green River, UT the skies began to clear and we could once again see the sun breaking through. After gasing up and grabing a bite to eat, we made our way down Highway 24 toward the town of Hanksville, UT. Along the way, we stopped at the Goblin Valley State Park to take in the unusual scenery.

DSC01169.jpg


DSC01170.jpg


DSC01173.jpg


IMG_0275.jpg


IMG_0278.jpg


IMG_0282.jpg


IMG_0284.jpg


IMG_0285.jpg


IMG_0288.jpg


IMG_0290.jpg


IMG_0295.jpg


IMG_0298.jpg


DSC01179.jpg


DSC01184.jpg


DSC01185.jpg


DSC01192.jpg


DSC01195.jpg


DSC01196.jpg


DSC01201.jpg


DSC01204.jpg


DSC01205.jpg


DSC01210.jpg


DSC01181.jpg


DSC01213.jpg


DSC01215.jpg


2J0Q6394.jpg


2J0Q6392.jpg


2J0Q6384.jpg


After taking in a beautiful sunset, we made our way through Hanksville to Caineville, UT and the five star accommodations at the Rodeway Inn … a hotel literally in the middle of nowhere but agreat base camp for journeys to The Maze District as well as Capitol Reef National Park.

2J0Q6410.jpg


2J0Q6184.jpg


More Photos below ...
 
The next morning we gased up in Hanksville and filled up the reserve cans to carry an extra 10 gallons of fuel. Our destination was the Hans Flat ranger station at the entrance to the Maze District in Canyonlands as well as Glen Canyon National Park.

DSC01225.jpg


Our goal was to get a back country camping permit for Monday night. The dirt road to Hans Flat (not the easiest to find) is a 45 mile journey across wide open desert and grasslands. A very scenic journey by itself. At the end of the 45 miles, the appearance of the ranger station seems to defy all logic as it is completely isolated. An outpost may be a better description.

DSC01416.jpg


DSC01422.jpg


DSC01426.jpg


DSC01430.jpg


DSC01226.jpg


DSC01228.jpg


2J0Q6190.jpg


2J0Q6192.jpg


2J0Q6194.jpg


2J0Q6206.jpg


2J0Q6330.jpg


2J0Q6333.jpg


2J0Q6345.jpg


2J0Q6350.jpg


2J0Q6354.jpg


2J0Q6434.jpg


2J0Q6444.jpg


2J0Q6456.jpg


2J0Q6429.jpg


2J0Q6417.jpg


2J0Q6480.jpg


2J0Q6490.jpg


2J0Q6494.jpg


2J0Q6522.jpg


2J0Q6528.jpg


2J0Q6546.jpg


DSC01238.jpg


DSC01306.jpg


DSC01342.jpg


DSC01346.jpg


DSC01256.jpg


DSC01258.jpg


DSC01259.jpg


The road keeps going and going ...

DSC01443.jpg


DSC01447.jpg


DSC01487.jpg


Officially in the middle of nowhere ...

DSC01507.jpg


DSC01504.jpg


Finally ...

IMG_0304.jpg


DSC01302.jpg


We find success and are able to get a camping permit for the Chimney Rock campsite in the Land of Standing Rocks. The rangers first words were “Has anybody warned you about the roads on this side of the park?” I point to my Jeep out the window as the ranger breathes a sigh of relief. She goes on to describe the trail to the Land of Standing Rocks as difficult with a few technical spots / obstacles. Especially after the Teapot Rock campsite … a point of no return. Then a stern warning …

“You are on your own out here. If you get into trouble you will have to save yourself. Cell phone service is almost non-existent and there won’t be anybody coming for you. It is hours to anything resembling civilization. Be prepared for anything and everything. Good luck!”

DSC01410.jpg


After leaving the ranger outpost, we ventured out to the Panorama Point Overlook to get a view of The Maze and what we are in for. After several hours, we reached the overlook. The scenery was spectacular. Incredible rock formations, canyons, and buttes.

DSC01339.jpg


DSC01310.jpg


DSC01319.jpg


DSC01317.jpg


2J0Q6212.jpg


2J0Q6215.jpg


2J0Q6219.jpg


2J0Q6220.jpg


2J0Q6223.jpg


2J0Q6232.jpg


2J0Q6233.jpg


2J0Q6235.jpg


2J0Q6246.jpg


2J0Q6250.jpg


2J0Q6298.jpg


2J0Q6292.jpg


2J0Q6300.jpg


Then began the long journey back to the hotel in Caineville for the night.
 
Last edited:
The next morning we gassed up for our epic journey to the Chimney Rock campsite and filled the ARB fridge with food, drinks, and lots of water. I have never filled gas tanks so full. We checked out of the hotel, took a deep breath, and started the journey. We were back at Hans Flat by 10:30 AM and began to make our way down the Flint Trail. After stopping at several overlooks, we reached the start of the switchbacks that take you down into the canyon. A nice warning sign greets you here.

2J0Q6551.jpg


2J0Q6600.jpg


2J0Q6605.jpg


2J0Q6564.jpg


2J0Q6574.jpg


2J0Q6578.jpg


2J0Q6591.jpg


2J0Q6593.jpg


2J0Q6598.jpg


2J0Q6657.jpg


2J0Q6645.jpg


2J0Q6642.jpg


2J0Q6647.jpg


2J0Q6632.jpg


2J0Q6704.jpg


2J0Q6681.jpg


2J0Q6684.jpg


The switchbacks are extremely narrow and you will have a few butt clinching moments as you do have to throw the transmission in reverse on a couple of the turns to make it around … and I have a 2-door! Definitely some pucker factor here.

2J0Q6689.jpg


2J0Q6706.jpg


2J0Q6710.jpg


2J0Q6714.jpg


2J0Q6716.jpg


2J0Q6720.jpg


2J0Q6722.jpg


2J0Q6727.jpg


2J0Q6730.jpg


2J0Q6734.jpg


2J0Q6732.jpg


After descending the switchbacks, the trail then runs along the edge of a cliff for a ways offering amazing views. Nothing too nerve-racking. We made a quick stop for lunch then proceeded on and down yet another steep descent into the grasslands below.

2J0Q6741.jpg


2J0Q6784.jpg


2J0Q6806.jpg


2J0Q6747.jpg


2J0Q6749.jpg


2J0Q6759.jpg


2J0Q6771.jpg


2J0Q6772.jpg


2J0Q6794.jpg


2J0Q6810.jpg


2J0Q6820.jpg


2J0Q6824.jpg


2J0Q6832.jpg


2J0Q6834.jpg


2J0Q6843.jpg


2J0Q6846.jpg


2J0Q6855.jpg


2J0Q6856.jpg


2J0Q6865.jpg


2J0Q6872.jpg


2J0Q6878.jpg


2J0Q6883.jpg


More photos below ...
 
Last edited:
We make it through to Teapot Rock passing one lifted truck along the way. We later discover that this will be the ONLY vehicle that we will pass while on the trail. We will not see anybody else for the rest of the journey … which does freak us out later on as we reach the Land of Standing Rocks. Passing Teapot Rock, another warning sign telling of the challenges to come.

IMG_0388.jpg


IMG_0391.jpg


IMG_0382.jpg


IMG_0393.jpg


IMG_0395.jpg


IMG_0397.jpg


The obstacles begin to hit … and they don’t let up for several hours. While most are fairly easy compared to Steel Bender or some of the other hardcore trails in Moab, remember that this trail is many hours away from anything remotely resembling help. A major breakdown here could be a catastrophe and very seriously put you in a survival situation if you are alone. We took things nice and easy.

2J0Q6892.jpg


2J0Q6895.jpg


2J0Q6897.jpg


2J0Q6906.jpg


2J0Q6910.jpg


2J0Q6930.jpg


2J0Q6937.jpg


2J0Q6940.jpg


2J0Q6943.jpg


2J0Q6945.jpg


2J0Q6948.jpg


2J0Q6949.jpg


2J0Q6954.jpg


2J0Q6959.jpg


2J0Q6963.jpg


2J0Q6969.jpg


2J0Q6971.jpg


2J0Q6978.jpg


2J0Q6981.jpg


2J0Q6995.jpg


2J0Q7003.jpg


2J0Q7018.jpg


Making it through the difficult section of the trail, we found ourselves exhausted. As we approached the campsites, the famed scenic beauty of the Land of Standing Rocks came into view. Difficult to describe with words, this is a landscape of amazing, awe-inspiring beauty. I think the best way to describe it is “sacred”. The rocks in this area jut out of the ground like totem poles. How these few tall rock pillars survived the eons of erosion and weathering is certainly a mystery.

2J0Q7022.jpg


2J0Q7025.jpg


2J0Q7027.jpg


2J0Q7032.jpg


2J0Q7034.jpg


2J0Q7042.jpg


2J0Q7053.jpg


2J0Q7057.jpg


2J0Q7062.jpg


2J0Q7065.jpg


6.5 hours after leaving the ranger station and 9 hours after leaving the hotel, we pull up to the Chimney Rock campsite and learned exactly why the ranger recommended it. The scenery is incredible and extends in all directions. Truly magnificent.

2J0Q7068.jpg



2J0Q7073.jpg


2J0Q7074.jpg


2J0Q7086.jpg


2J0Q7095.jpg


2J0Q7101.jpg


2J0Q7103.jpg


2J0Q7106.jpg


2J0Q7110.jpg


2J0Q7113.jpg


More photos below ...
 
Last edited:
First things first, we emptied the 10 gallons of fuel out of the jerry cans into the main gas tank in the Jeep and were relieved to find that we had a full tank with which to get home.
We setup camp and got dinner on the grill before sunset. No campfires are allowed in Canyonlands National Park. So, we had everything cleaned up before the sun dipped below the horizon. The lighting at sunset and the twilight hour made for some amazing views. Needless to say, I was glued to the cameras clicking and filming away…


2J0Q7116.jpg


2J0Q7132.jpg


2J0Q7145.jpg


2J0Q7151.jpg


2J0Q7153.jpg


2J0Q7155.jpg


2J0Q7159.jpg



2J0Q7163.jpg


2J0Q7182.jpg


2J0Q7189.jpg


2J0Q7197.jpg


2J0Q7204.jpg


2J0Q7209.jpg


2J0Q7213.jpg


2J0Q7217.jpg


2J0Q7229.jpg


2J0Q7240.jpg


2J0Q7244.jpg


2J0Q7252.jpg


2J0Q7270.jpg


2J0Q7273.jpg


2J0Q7283.jpg


2J0Q7285.jpg


2J0Q7288.jpg


2J0Q7293.jpg


2J0Q7296.jpg


2J0Q7299.jpg


2J0Q7321.jpg


2J0Q7322.jpg


2J0Q7333.jpg


2J0Q7340.jpg


2J0Q7347.jpg


2J0Q7353.jpg


2J0Q7355.jpg


2J0Q7360.jpg


2J0Q7362.jpg


2J0Q7370.jpg


2J0Q7371.jpg


2J0Q7374.jpg


2J0Q7377.jpg


The new LED Coleman lantern that we picked up at REI worked wonders. It did a great job of lighting up the tent as darkness fell.

2J0Q7379.jpg


2J0Q7382.jpg


The stars came out and gave us a show that night. My wife and I each saw a number of shooting stars as we lay in the tent. The one thing that made us uneasy though was the complete and utter silence. No wind, no sounds of bugs chirping away, no sounds of a nearby stream flowing … just no sound whatsoever. So, when a lizard tried to crawl under the tent … needless to say I thought the worst and figured a snake was trying to get in. I picked up a knife and ran out of the tent … thankfully didn’t find anything.

2J0Q7384.jpg


At this point I decided to unplug the ARB fridge to be confident that the battery would have enough juice to crank the engine and get us out the next day. Started kicking myself for not having a dual-battery setup. If that battery goes … that’s it … were done. Nobody around to offer a jump start.
 
The next morning came and lit up the opposite side of the canyon. Truly a beautiful sight.

2J0Q7399.jpg


2J0Q7402.jpg


2J0Q7404.jpg


2J0Q7408.jpg


IMG_0349.jpg


IMG_0358.jpg


IMG_0362.jpg


IMG_0365.jpg


IMG_0369.jpg


We packed up the Jeep … relieved as the engine started knowing we were all set to make the long journey back home. The way out was the way that we came in. There is one alternate route that takes you out through Glen Canyon … but decided to pass back by the ranger station.

2J0Q7416.jpg


2J0Q7427.jpg


2J0Q7435.jpg


IMG_0369.jpg


Lots of cryptobiotic soil / crust out here ...

IMG_0372.jpg


IMG_0374.jpg


IMG_0376.jpg


IMG_0377.jpg


After coming back up the switchbacks and making our way back past the ranger station and through to the open grasslands on the other side, we began to get that awesome feeling of freedom! We rolled the windows down put our arms out and smiled as we watched the world go by. An epic experience! Certainly one we will not forget!

IMG_0416.jpg


DSC01450.jpg


DSC01464.jpg


DSC01476.jpg


DSC01487.jpg


If you decide to drive this trail and experience it for yourself, bring a friend or two or three, a couple of well built Jeeps, and plenty of spare parts. I carry spare drivelines and axles along with other spare items … brake lines, serpentine belt, steering hydraulic lines, fluids, etc. I also do my own work on the Jeep so I know the mechanics. Driving this trail alone is a risk. Yes, we did it … but I wouldn’t recommend it.

Hope you enjoyed this write-up! If you want to see more photos, please visit Alpine Spectrum Photography on Facebook.com.

I will be releasing a video of this trip. Watch for In Search of Freedom - Chapter 4 coming soon to You Tube and Vimeo.
 
Last edited:
It a crying shame I live so far away from this beautiful countryside. Thanks for post these pictures, and for sharing the story.:yup:
 
What a fantastic journey and photo collage! I would be all over this trip with a few other Jeeps!
 
Great pictures! thanks for sharing, looking forward to the video. Did I miss in search of freedom part 3?

Thanks for the feedback! I'm currently working on In Search of Freedom Part 3 which will cover Steel Bender and the Lockhart Basin trails. Hope to have it released soon. Then part 4 of the series will cover Goblin Valley, the Maze, and Colorado National Monument.

Awesome! Looks like an amazing place!

This truly is an amazing place. Put it on your bucket list!

It a crying shame I live so far away from this beautiful countryside. Thanks for post these pictures, and for sharing the story.:yup:

Thanks Bondsy! Back in 2003, my wife and I took the plunge when we moved to Colorado. Following a massive layoff (40% of the workforce) at my previous employer, my wife and I moved out here with no jobs and not knowing a soul in the area. We were all alone without a safety net. Thankfully it all worked out. It's events like this which really change your life. It gave us the motivation to move to an area where we truly wanted to live.

Awesome pictures. Can't wait to get on some more overnighters.

Thanks! Love the multi-day wheeling trips. They're always an adventure.

Eric,

an incredible photo essay/journal on the trip:thumb: Thanks for sharing :clap2:

Thanks for the comments! Appreciate it!

What a fantastic journey and photo collage! I would be all over this trip with a few other Jeeps!

Yes ... do take some friends with you on this trip. It will give you a new definition of the word remote.

Beautiful! That is one awesome trip :thumb:something I would love to do someday... :daydream:

This is another one of those epic wheeling trips that everybody should do at least once in their life. An incredible experience.
 
Never seen these before. Awesome pics! Please post more of your travels. Very nice rig as well.:thumb:

BUMP!!!
 
Never seen these before. Awesome pics! Please post more of your travels. Very nice rig as well.:thumb:

BUMP!!!

YEAH, thanx for telling us this story. AWESOME pictures and sights. And to you Catahoula, thanx for finding this thread and the bump...Bump:yup::clap2:
 
YEAH, thanx for telling us this story. AWESOME pictures and sights. And to you Catahoula, thanx for finding this thread and the bump...Bump:yup::clap2:

Amazing trip, and one I hope to do sometime later this year. Is there a part 1 and 2 of your journey? I tried searching for them but couldn't find em....can you post up links?
 
Top Bottom