Westward 2013 (5/4: Lick Wash, Bull Valley Gorge, Willis Creek, & Grosvernor Arch)

Today Vaughan and I explored the back roads of The Grand Staircase-Escalante.  I think we wore out Jeff & Linda who decided that a long bike ride would be more to their liking than the hikes and Jeep rides we have been taking them on.   Our first stop was Lick Wash.  We hiked here last year and decided to return with a rock ax to hunt crystals.  We noticed last year that inside of some of the most ordinary looking rocks are the coolest crystals.  The hike alone is incredible but we also left with some amazing crystals.

Lick Wash

Lick Wash

Vaughan climbing a tree - sort of - in Lick Wash

Our next stop was Bull Valley Gorge.  The road was only wide enough for one car to drive over at this spot.  I took this picture out of my window - a very long drop.

Bull Valley Gorge

Our next hike was Willis Creek.  This was through some really interesting slots canyons with a small creek running through it.

Willis Creek

Willis Creek

Willis Creek - it's hard to see how big these slot canyons are in a picture unless you see someone about to enter - hence a picture of Vaughan.

Willis Creek - I can't imagine this will remain up there much longer.

Willis Creek

Willis Creek

We then reached the top of the mountain and were rewarded with the following views of the valley. 

Below is Grosvernors Arch - pretty cool.

You never know what you'll find around each corner.  There were about 50 cows being herded by about 8 cowboys down the middle of the road.  We has to just sit and wait until they all passed.

We joined Jeff & Linda for dinner at the Rocking V and then crashed once again.