An Arch at George Rock.

I did say that I would post what it's like to be at George Rock on a sunny day; previously it was about a cool, cloudy day.  Of course, this is Dry Valley and desert, so it will be hotter; takes lots of water when hiking around.  Ok, back along Route 211 to that dirt road that goes to George Rock aka Alligator Rock.
Come on, use that imagination, don't you see the alligator?



Down the western side, and before making the turn along the southern side, you'll see metal debris which could possibly belong to that bomber plane that crashed.  The stone debris could possibly have belonged to the Home of Truth group.  More information was mentioned in the cloudy day post about all this.  Look back and forth to the photos and compare what the area looks like under clouds and in bright sunlight.

Looking back towards Route 211

Stone Foundation and Windmill

Possibly debris from bomber plane that crashed.  Be careful poking around, we found two midget faded rattlesnakes taking a nap underneath.








While a passenger car can slowly get to this point, making the turn eastward and traveling the dirt trail along the south side (where the alcoves are) is best left to a 4-wheel drive vehicle.  There is more metal debris, even an old fashioned wood burning stove/oven; also wooden debris which might have been a building at one time.  Be careful as you walk around; hidden in a hole might be a sleeping midget faded rattlesnake; this is the desert and the wildlife here is best left alone.

Wood Burning Oven/Stove

Midget Faded Rattlesnake

Plantlife Growing in Crevices

There are short trails that lead up to the alcoves; there is evidence of camping, but to see the eastern side, hiking is required....that is where the arch is located also.  That's correct, an arch just a little ways off of Route 211; but the entire George Rock area is wonderful for hiking and exploring, so don't go just for the arch.

Mary at the George Rock Arch

There is a Red Tailed Hawk in the area, more than likely with a nest; she kept a vigilant eye on us the whole time we were hiking around the front and back sides of the arch.

Roy hiking up the backside of the arch.

Backside of George Rock Arch.

Church Rock - side view and I still say it looks like Jabba the Hutt from Star Wars.

Going to Canyonlands National Park - Needles, Newspaper Rock and the Indian Creek Valley is fun, scenic and picturesque; but there is so much more to do along Route 211 than that.  Make sure hiking and exploring around George Rock is on that to-do list.

Mary Cokenour

Cloudy Days are Great Exploring Days.

This post is dedicated to all the whiners, whingers, spoiled brats, entitled, feeling owed, and all around basic cry babies who make the claim that, "Nothing can be done on a cloudy day!!!"  Stop sniveling!!!  No one owes you a thing because you don't know how to make the best of every situation.  No one is going to compensate you because you feel your vacation is now ruined.  Get over yourselves and better start learning how to enjoy life to the fullest!!!

Now that I have your attention; lets go gallivanting!  Across from Church Rock is another large sandstone formation called George Rock aka The Alligator aka Alligator Rock.  George Rock is named after George R. Adams (Mormon pioneer) who ran livestock there in the 1890s.  Now why the nickname "The Alligator" or "Alligator Rock"?  Use a little imagination when looking at two of the side views; the snout, eyebrows and head of an alligator can be seen.



View looking west from Route 191.



View looking south from Route 211.

To access George Rock, go about a half mile down Route 211 (the way to Newspaper Rock and Canyonlands National Park - Needles) and there is a dirt road (not the one with the metal gate, after that one) through the sage brush.  If you miss this one, there is another about a tenth of the way further; it can get bumpy, so 4 wheel drive is advisable.  As you travel around the formation, take note of how it changes in structure; the side facing south is home to several huge alcoves; while facing east is a small arch that can be hiked to.

East Side (with small arch), South Side (with alcoves)

Part of West and South Sides
 

Western Side.

The Alcoves



East Side with Small Arch.

George Rock and Church Rock Panorama

Views from the Alcoves

Now George Rock has two other claims to fame, one infamous; the other as a minor part in a cult's development.  In 1961, a B52 Bomber crashed; parts of the plane were distributed at both Church and George Rock.  It was speculated that the plane was carrying nuclear bombs, and the Air Force did a thorough clean up of the area.  An article about the crash can be read at the San Juan Record's archive; link: http://www.sjrnews.com/view/full_story/17361767/article-Revisiting-the-crash-of-Felon-22instance=1.  In the 1930s, Marie Ogden and her Home of Truth cult resided in the Dry Valley area; George Rock being part of that.  Now there are piles of debris (wood, metal and a stone foundation) still there, but what, if any, are part of either the B52 crash, or the cult's buildings, is unknown; there is also a small, white windmill and an irrigation ditch. 

The day we were here at George Rock was in April; it was cloudy with a slight breeze...not one drop of rain, no thunder, no lightning, and we had an awesome day of hiking around and exploring.  For those who are afraid of a cloudy day, well you'll just go on missing out on life and adventure.

Oh, we went back in May on a beautiful sunny day, but you'll just have to wait for those photos now, won't you.

Never say never, and don't let a little cloud cover make you cry.

Mary Cokenour