Canyon Rims to Photograph Gap.

Returning to Canyon Rims Recreation Area (CR 133); we were on our way to finding out what there was to see off of North Flats Road (CR 137) past Sugar Loaf (CR 140).  Along the way, ravens kept flying overhead; and with our little raven stuffed toy on the dashboard, we felt watched over.




Staying along CR 137 this time, instead of taking that side road that circled round, it was 5.0 miles before we reached the CR 140 junction.  Like most trails in our area, 4 wheel drive is a must; take your car if you want to, but whatever happens to it is totally on you.   Out here, a standard passenger vehicle equals a 4 wheel drive vehicle, but I've already mentioned this before, and hope you were paying attention.

At 6.8 miles we stopped and I took some shots of where we'd come from (looking northeast); we have the most stunning scenery in San Juan County!

Looking southeasterly, large sandstone mounds loomed ahead; at 7.3 miles, a trail on the left led to them; and to a cave area as well.  We found one of the best nature made playgrounds!  By the way, our adorable Doberman, Jenna, was with us and she was having the best fun ever as well.  It was incredible watching her maneuver up and down the slickrock, sandstone, and along the rims of the formations with such sure footing.  Here and there was a stone campfire ring, so camping is a given; there's more shaded areas near the caves, and at the bottom of the sandstone hills at the back.

Roy and Jenna.



Sculpture by Mother Nature

Roy at the top of one of the sandstone hills.

At the top of the hills, we found the sandstone slides; weathering of the sandstone created them in such a fashion that, instead of complete potholes, slides were formed.

Views from on top of the sandstone hills.

The Abajo Mountains in the distance.

La Sal Mountains in the distance.

Raven in flight.

The Cave area.

Not sure if this is weathering or writing; couldn't get close enough to examine fully.

We reached the Photograph Gap area at 8.2 miles; it's a beautiful area and no wonder Marie Ogden decided to settle here and create The Home of Truth; her cult's settlement.  4/10ths of a mile and we were on Route 211; what remains of the settlement is only 2/10ths of a mile to the east (make a left onto Route 211).

View of the Abajo Mountains.

Driving the trails, whether County, BLM or National Forest, is a must in San Juan County.  Not only do you find the most beautiful landscapes, but plant life, wildlife; and it's the biggest stress reducer that's free!

Mary Cokenour

CR 288 and CR 291; Two Roads off State Highway 95.

After exploring the various San Juan County roads off of Routes 191 and 491; it was simply a given that we would begin exploring the roads off of State Highway 95. It's the "wanderlust" thing; the "where does this road go" thing; and we are addicted to those things. By the way, if you happen to be an ATV enthusiast, you will love these roads I'm writing about.


Lets me start off with Warren Allen Road (CR 288); it's only 6.5 miles itself and ends on CR 277 which I'll write about at a later date.  Basically lined with shrub trees and bushes, an occasional glimpse of a canyon, and pretty boring for the most part when it comes to sight seeing.  About 2.4 miles up, you'll come to a split to CR 2571 which will take you back to State Highway 95, or continue on to CR 277.  It's the dirt trails leading off to the left and right of these county roads that ATVers will enjoy.

Dry River Bed

The next road was a lot more scenic, and we got some get views of Cottonwood Canyon; West Water Oil Well Road (CR 291).  Sorry folks, no mileage reading for this road; we were having too much of a good time to pay attention to an odometer.  There was plenty of evidence though that ATVers love this area.

Cottonwood Canyon

Standing at the edge of the cliff, taking photos, when suddenly we heard two ravens calling to each other.  We turned just in time to watch them take flight over the canyon; it was so silent out there, that the flapping of their wings was the only sound we heard.  A slight breeze touched my face, and I wonder if it came from their wings.  We didn't move, I didn't take one photo of them; I didn't want to ruin the moment with the click of the camera shutter.  Sometimes you just have to enjoy a scene with your senses, and keep it in your memory.

Mary Cokenour

Monument Canyon, the Upper Section

This is about my little detour when I was traveling through Coal Bed Canyon on CR 341.  This is also about conquering fear of these canyon roads that are strictly for 4 wheel drive vehicles and ATVs.  On CR 372, there are areas on the road where you will stop and all you will see out your front windshield is the sky; you're practically parked vertical.  That's when you have to do some deciding; can't back down the road in reverse; can't do a U-turn; might have a cell signal, but who do I call for help; sit there and hope someone comes along; or the hell with it, drive and damn the torpedoes.  I chose the last option and am the stronger for it; pretty darned proud of myself too!  Alright, I'll admit it, I believe I'm becoming an adrenaline junkie from all this adventuring...and I like it!

Oh, don't confuse Monument Canyon with Monument Basin which is located in Canyonlands - Islands in the Sky; nor Monument Valley on the border of Utah and Arizona.

Anyway, I'll post the map, follow the bright red road on the right hand, central part of the map; I'll post a map of Colorado later, so you can follow the road back to Route 491, or you back track back to the 341/372 junction and decide where to go from there.

There we were, Jenna (my dog) and I at the junction taking a water and snack break.  So Jenna, which way should we go; down 372 she began to trot; of course I called her back into the SUV and off we went together.  Yep, I let the dog decide.







Monument Canyon is another beautiful area to travel through; quiet and serene.

At the 1.5 mile mark, I spotted a cave almost at eye level to the vehicle.  Even though I was careful to keep an eye out for any animals, I definitely had the feeling of being watched from the area above.  There was scat nearby which I knew was not cattle or deer; I didn't wait around to see who its owner was

The next mile and a half is the road winding up and down, around corners, glorious views and a few, "OMG!", but it's more thrilling than it is frightening.

Looking back at where I'd just driven from.

At mile mark 3, I spotted caves along some ledges; while they might have been good spots for living in, the absence of ruins indicated that the ancient people thought better than that.

At mile mark 4.5 I came up from the canyon to find...farmland!  I could not believe that the land suddenly flattened out and farmland stretched on both sides of the road.  Two miles more and I reached the junction of CR 348 - State Line; that's right, the border of Utah and Colorado.  So, you would think I simply follow State Line Road north and I'll be at Route 491 in no time.  Yeah, think again; at the end is a pump jack and oil tanks.  Maybe go south, and it will swing around to Route 491?  Nope, it dead ends at private property.  What the heck!?!

Back to the junction, so there is a dirt road at 3/10s of a mile on the north side, with no sign of course.  It ended at 3/10ths of a mile and there was finally a sign, I had been on Road S; the curve left took me onto Road 2 which ended at Road P.  Oy vey! Don't even waste a moment of thought on finding someplace to stop and ask for directions; these roads are littered with abandoned homesteads.

Road P to the left is a quick dead end, but I did pass by a Llama ranch, and two of the cutest llamas decided to pose for me.  Back tracking, I took Road P until I reached Road 6 and that took me up, finally, to Route 491 and into Dove Creek, Colorado.  Now you understand why I'm also posting the map of Colorado or you'll be driving up and down those country roads for hours; just follow the bright red line on the map.

..and so ends that adventure with my dear girl, Jenna.  She jumped onto the bed as soon as we got home, and didn't wake up till way past dinner time. 

Mary Cokenour