Not to spill the beans or anything but there's a bunch of really cool shit to see and do out in the north eastern corner of Utah. Especially if you're into super hard limestone sport climbing, art installations, exploring abandoned mining claims, or visiting a micro nation. Or just driving around on well maintained country roads and staring into the sun. Letting your dogs run around off leash. Road soda and target practice. You know...my favorite Utah stuff. It's overlooked and under appreciated. Sure Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef are amazing. But there's more to see and do. You should peel back a layer of the onion and check it out.
As much as I'd like to, I can't tell you where the super hard, wickedly overhanging, badass limestone sport climbing is. I mean, I know where it is. Doesn't really matter because unless you pull 5.14--which I don't--it's just a cool cave. Suffice it to say, it's out there, somewhere northwest of Wendover before the Great Salt Lake. It's not on Mountain Project and the people who developed it have done a good job of keeping their private stash--well, private.
Easy to find, even in the middle of nowhere, the Sun Tunnels. Four concrete tubes cleverly arranged to provide maximum celestial views and a cool place to park and camp. We ran across a nice couple from the east coast. She was doing research for a graduate degree at Harvard. He was decompressing from tours in Afghanistan in the USMC. Never know who you might run into out in the "des". Fire was built, meals were made, brews were shared.
NEXT UP-figure out where the hell Zaqistan is. Having spent nine years more or less living by myself in the west desert, I feel pretty confident navigating backroads with a topo and obscure directions. So with one missed turn, some 6x glass, and a little retracking, we arrived at the micro nation of Zaqistan.
Appropriately timed after the election of DJT, we considered applying for a passport. Just looking to keep our options open. Entry and exit were smooth. Population density was low. And several miles west, there is potential for good climbing. From Salt Lake City, expect a four hour drive if you know where you're going. Moab might have more to do, but there are certainly fewer asshole visitors from Denver. In the spirit of art and giving, Jen donated the above passport entry stamp.
(Dog observing Zaqistani gaurdian)
After a fine lunch prepared out of the back of the red van, our flagship dog hauler and exploration vehicle, we packed up and drove to the Spiral Jetty. By the time we arrived, it was too late and dark to take worthwhile photos. There are plenty out there if you're curious. The water level was low and the sand was soft. The rocks were poking out.
After a fine lunch prepared out of the back of the red van, our flagship dog hauler and exploration vehicle, we packed up and drove to the Spiral Jetty. By the time we arrived, it was too late and dark to take worthwhile photos. There are plenty out there if you're curious. The water level was low and the sand was soft. The rocks were poking out.
Happy New Year and in 2017 and beyond, consider visiting the lesser known treasures in Utah, Wyoming, and Nevada. If you need ideas, feel free to ask.
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