After breaking camp, we set out for a short hike overlooking Cataract Canyon and the Colorado River. At the Colorado ( some 4k feet down), we had some fantastic views of the Henry Mountains tot he West. Back at camp, we back tracked to the Sundance trailhead, then enjoyed a few hours of high speed driving on some dirt roads that were pure bliss. The roads put us at Bears Ears, and after some time searching, Martin found a great camp at an old homestead just below Bears Ears. After the cows left us, Tim brought out some good sushi, then sang a few tunes while Shawn and Corbet cooked another fine meal. The fire going, we settled in for another fantastic night. Doesn’t get much better then hanging with friends around the fire in the middle of the desert.

Saturday, Martin bid us farewell and started the long trek home. The rest of the group, after making our way through a cattle drive, headed to the trailhead for Peavine Canyon. Peavine Canyon is a spot that I had been reading about for some time. Remote and located close to Bears Ears- it’s actually a 30ft corridor grandfathered into the current Bears Ears National Monument. At the end of the road is a cabin built by Al Scorup- the Mormon Cowboy. The drive down the canyon wasn’t majorly challenging, just enough to keep you on your toes. But once at the bottom and near the end the canyon showed it’s beauty. High canyon walls and lush floor. Things were still green in October when we visited. The road ends a mile and a half from Scorups cabin. Most of the group headed on to the next camp, but Corbet, Travis and myself set out to finally check it out.

Al Scorup, better known as the “Mormon Cowboy”, or “Cattleman of the Canyons” at one point with a herd of cattle ranging from 7-10,000k his herd covered an estimated 1.8 million acres. Later he would serve as San Juan County commissioner, president of Moab’s First National Bank and represented Grand County on the district Grazing Board that was established by the 1934 Grazing Act.

It was a beautiful hike to the cabin, making our way through the thick willows, deep in canyon country. once at the cabin, we spent some time checking things out. The cabin itself still in really good shape. After a quick bit exploring, we headed back for the rigs, finding some bear tracks along the way. After climbing out of Peavine Canyon, we made the long drive back to Moab where we reconnected with the rest of the gang. Later that night, after crossing a shallow Delores River, and a super dusty road to camp, we settled in for the night. Tim cooked a mean meal as we enjoyed our last night under the stars.

The next morning with Orion still high in the sky, I packed up the 4runner and head towards home.

Morning light on the Orange Cliffs.

Martin and I out wandering around camp.

Mormon Tea.

Had to stop and photograph this old Juniper and the Little Rockies.

Cataract Canyon and the Colorado River in the distance.

My pal the Honeybadger made his first appearance on an Outlaws Run.

Before breaking camp, we set out on a short hike.

Hanksville Kingpins…

Cataract Canyon and the Mighty Colorado River, some 4k ft below us.

Back on the trail.

The gang.

Martin.

Pure bliss. We had a few hours of this kind of road to get to Bears Ears. Smooth roads and high speed cruising.

Below Bears Ears on a dusty two track.

A fine camp below Bears Ears.

Living the highlife.

And Tim singing us some tunes.

Eating like kings.

Bears Ears.

Another fine evening around the fire.

Ran into a cattle drive the next morning.

The start of Peavine Canyon.

The gang, minus Martin.

Making our way down into Peavine.

A most beautiful drive along the canyon bottom.

End of the road. From here Corbet, Travis and I set out on foot to Al Scorups cabin.

First glimpse of the cabin.

Checking out the corral and out buildings first.

The cabin was in surprisingly good shape.

Would love to find a copy of this book.

Spotted some bear tracks on the way back to the trucks.

Loved this stretch of the drive.

Climbing back out of Peavine.

From Peavine Canyon, we made our way out of Dark Canyon. A quick stop in Moab for fuel, crossed a low flowing Delores River before taking a super dusty drive to camp. Tim cooked a mean dinner while we settled into the campfire for our last night.

Up at 4am, I loaded the 4runner under a star filled sky. Crossed the Delores one last time, aired up then hit pavement for home. Enjoyed a nice sunrise as I came into Parachute.

A block away from home. Always a fun contrast, waking up in the middle of the desert, then back in the heart of Downtown Denver.