Beef Basin. A magical stretch of Desert South of Canyonlands National Park. It’s become a special place for me, having spent some 20 nights there over the years. After finding out that some we were going to go back to Beef Basin for our “Pre Cruise Moab wanderings”, I was super excited, so much that I skipped hanging out with the gang in the Delores Triangle area and headed straight to Beef Basin. I headed out from Denver on a Friday and for the next two nights I didn’t see a single person in the Basin. Fantastic solitude. Saturday turned out to be a lazy day, going back to bed after catching the sunrise, then quite a few naps throughout the day. Couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day. Sunday morning before the gang arrived, I went out for a hike to what my dad and I dubbed “Lookout Knoll”, on a ridgeline above camp. Some great views of Beef Basin at the top and a small Anasazi ruin on the South side. Once my pals arrived we’d spend the evening catching up around the fire.
Monday was a full day. Checking out various places within Beef Basin. Starting the day we checked out an old cabin, tucked away on one of the side canyons. Then cruising down Beef Basin wash to check out the cliff dwelling- always a cool ruin. After lunch, we headed over to Gypsum Canyon with the hopes of taking a dip down at the bottom. Though the route we chose to head down ended up being aa bit to much for some. So we stopped at the edge of the first waterfall we came to. An oasis in the desert and a perfect place to chill out and soak our feet in the cool water. Later, after a fine sunset, we enjoyed one last (late) night around the fire.
Sure felt good to be back in Beef Basin!
After a long day of driving, it was a great sight to see Beef Basin off in the distance. Home.
Evening Juniper.
Woke up early on my first full day in Beef Basin to catch the sunrise. Yeah, it was good to be home:).
Soaking in the morning sun.
Out for a mid morning walk.
Old.
There’s still so much more to Beef Basin that needs exploring.
Evening light on South Spring.
Theme for the day.
Sunday morning I went for a hike from camp. Followed the ridge from South Spring to the East. Beautiful morning!
Ancient remnants. From here, my steps slowed to a careful walk. Sherds were everywhere.
Made it to what Dad and I dubbed “Lookout Knoll”. Anasazi Ruins on the South side of the Knoll.
Mormon Tea.
After the hike, I hung out at camp. Later walked out to the road as I heard my pals on the Ham. Andy coming in hot.
Shawn.
Tim.
Matt Ralston.
Marco.
Once settled in for the evening, we went out for a walk to enjoy the views.
Ralston and his gross mullet.
Monday we set out exploring some of Beef Basin. Was fun to show friends around this gem. First stop was the old cabin.
My pal Shawn.
Great timbers on this cabin.
Later we checked out a cliff dwelling from the Anasazi. Always a great spot.
Great views!
Had to pose under this lone Juniper.
To finish the day, we started hiking down Gypsum with the hopes of a afternoon dip. But ended up being a bit much for some in the group. So we took some time to hang out at this little oasis (about half way down the canyon). Doesn’t get much better than this.
The climb back out of Gypsum is always fun. Andy, Matt and I went through a break in the cliff, while Marco decided to climb up the Willows. Andy Watches on.
Marco.
Desert Paintbrushes.
South Spring.
“T”.
One of my favorite Pueblos.
A fine evening around camp with friends.
Last sunset in Beef Basin for this trip. A most enjoyable one.
Night
