Butler Wash - West Fork - Travel Guide

Butler Wash – West Fork: Ballroom Cave, Target Ruin, Tower House

Ballroom Cave

Ballroom Cave was inhabited between A.D. 1150 and 1350; there is a main alcove plus two caves.  The climb up to the alcove and into the caves is quite steep.

 Target Ruin

The Alcove is filled with various rooms with a curtain wall fronting the alcove and rooms behind it at one end. The Target Ruin is named for a large target or bulls-eye design painted on the side of a wall inside the curtain wall.

Tower House

Tower House is a 1000 year-old cliff dwelling, also known as the "Waterfall Ruin" as during rainfall, a waterfall falls over the cave opening.

·          Location is 34.9 miles from Monticello, take Hwy. 191 south into and through Blanding, 24.6 miles, until the junction of State Hwy. 95, make a right onto Hwy. 95 and travel 10.3 miles.  There is roadside pullout on the right (northeast) side of the road near the sign for the “Butler Wash Ruins”, park in the pullout. If you reach the turnoff for the Butler Wash Ruins (Overlook) you have gone too far. Turn around and head back 3 - 10ths of a mile to the pullout.  There will be a fence to walk through with a BLM mylar marker.

• Distance: 3.2 miles (round trip) to see three (3) Ruins along West Fork of Upper Butler Wash.
• Elevation: 5,215-ft. at Trailhead, 5,315-ft. at West Fork of Upper Butler Wash
• Elevation Gain: 100-ft.  
• Difficulty: easy-moderate on well worn, dirt trail; steep climbing near ruin sites.
• Admission: Free
• Camping: Dispersed, no water or vault toilets.
• Pets: Allowed, must be leashed, owners expected to clean up after pet (s).

 Bring lots of drinking water for this hike, and don't forget the picnic!

Mary Cokenour

Travel Guide to the Four Corners Monument.

 4 Corners Monument

  

Four Corners Monument is the only place in the United States where four states intersect: Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado. You can stand on that spot and truly be in four states at one time. 

·         Location from Monticello is either 99.2 miles from Monticello going via Hwy 491 through Colorado; or 90.9 miles going via Hwy 191 through southern San Juan County, UT.

                               Via Hwy 491                                        

   

 Via Hwy 191

Hours of Operation

The Four Corners Monument Visitor Center is open year-round, playing host to a variety of Navajo cultural demonstrations, as well as vendors selling handmade Navajo jewelry, crafts and food.

Open daily. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

* October 1 to March 31: 8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

* April 1 to April 30: 8 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.

* May 1 to Thursday of Memorial Weekend: 8 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.

* Friday of Memorial Weekend to Aug 15: 8 a.m. - 7:45 p.m.

* Aug 16 to Sept 30: 8 a.m - -6:45 p.m.

Park Entrance Fees

 Pay in cash at the gate. (The nearest ATM is five miles away in Cortez, CO.)

Adults: $5/day

Children (6 and under): Free

·         Camping: Not Allowed

·         Pets: Not Allowed

For More Information

Four Corners Monument Office

PO Box 861

Teec Nos Pos, AZ 86514

Phone: (928) 206-2540

If you have not tried Navajo Fry Bread yet, this would be a great chance to do it now.  You simply cannot go home without experiencing this culinary treat of the Southwest.

Mary Cokenour 

Why Go the Mountain Path?

In this age of  "technology rules, brains drool", so many visitors to San Juan County don't have a clue as to why they are even in the area.  There was a time, an ancient time, when one did research on planning out a vacation.  Library for information, travel agents supplying guides, AAA for mapping out a quest.

Now it's Siri or Alexa...which is discrimination against the male sex...whatever happened to Tom-Tom!?!  Anyway, the majority are so busy asking their cellphones, tablets, IPads to plan out their lives for them; well people have stagnant water for brains now.

One question that always annoys me about visitors is, "Is it worth it to me to go (insert destination)?"
Umm, do I know you?  Do I know your likes, dislikes, passions, bucket list, fears, must-dos?"  No, no I do not.  While I can tell you how much it is worth to me, we  are NOT the same person, so stop asking this rather ridiculous question.  Oh, did I offend you?  Good!  Put the cellphone down, stop asking it what to do, open your eyes and start enjoying the vacation!!!  Go everywhere you can, see all you can see, experience wherever you go as if you're a resident.  On old phrase that used to carry a lot of weight with travelers was, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."  In other words, live like you live there.

So, most folks I have met are dead set on going to National Parks and Monuments only; it's all they have heard about, only thing of importance within any state they visit.  Wow, why in the world do these people limit themselves so much?  Canyonlands National Park is located in San Juan County, the entrance to the southern end, Needles, is just north of Monticello on State Highway 211.  Many people go the quickest route, State Highway 191, but forego the one paved mountain road through the Abajos.  Many are thankful when told about this alternate, quite scenic route; while others are, "Why would I want to go that way, it's just mountains and a forest?"  This is another example of limiting one's self; there is so much to see along the way, but you won't know till you go.

I'm going to show you, via photographs, why it's worth it to me.  You will have to be brave, take the journey yourself, and then decide how much worth for yourself.

Landscape

7 miles up the mountain road is Monticello Lake.

North Creek's rushing waters due to the spring thaw.

9 miles up, Panorama taken at an informational rest area.

 Shay Mountain in the distance; Storms are normal during July and August.

At 10 miles up the paved road, 2 choices; left is to Foy Lake which has camping, fishing, mountain biking trails and the road to Shay Ridge and Shay Mountain.

Right is Harts Draw Road which will lead directly to State Highway 211.

Indian Creek Valley; SH 211 will take you through this area.

La Sal Mountains and Dry Valley

If you don't mind a bit of detouring, a road can be taken from Monticello Lake which will lead to Spring Creek Road.  Lots of scenic views, but you'll end up coming out onto SH 191; or you can simply turn around, head back to Monticello Lake and then continue the journey along the paved mountain road.  Like I keep writing, don't limit yourselves!

Abajo Mountains seen from Spring Creek Road

Spring Creek is full during spring thaw.

Abajo Mountains and Latigo Wind Farm

There is an abundance of natural wonders to be seen: plants, trees, wildlife; I love photographing it all.  Ranchers often have cattle grazing up in the forest too.

Wildlife

Wild Turkeys

Mule Deer

Photoshopped to look like a walking billboard; No cattle were shaved.

Roosters are not allowed in Monticello City limits.  Someone dumped this little guy.  We
couldn't catch him and chances are he ended up a coyote's dinner.

Plant Life

Arrowleaf Balsamroot

Blooming Yucca

Colorado Aspen

Common Globemallow

Golden Pea

Lupine

Due to the drought the past two years, this plant remained in hibernation.  Winter 2018 - Spring 2019 were very wet seasons, so Milk Vetch could be found in abundance.

Stinking Milk Vetch

Utah State Flower - Sego Lily

There you go, a little landscape and nature tour while traveling up into the Abajo Mountains and then down Harts Draw Road to State Highway 211.  Very worthwhile every moment to me, but for you, well only you  can make that decision.

Life is an adventure, or nothing.  Helen Keller

Mary Cokenour

Harts Draw Road Travel Guide.

Harts Draw Road Loop

The Harts Draw Road loop begins at the intersection of Hwy 191 and West 200 South Street in Monticello, travels west up into the Abajo Mountains, and is the only paved road through the mountains  . As the road climbs, plant life includes forests of Gambel oak, Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, aspen, spruce and wildflowers of many varieties. Wildlife sightings are usually of mule deer, wild turkeys, squirrels and grazing cattle.  Stunning views of the surrounding Canyonlands are available at nearly every turn.

·         Location is .3 miles south of Monticello's traffic light (Main and Center Streets), along Hwy 191; turn right onto West 200 South & follow curve onto Abajo Drive (total of 7/10s of a mile to start of paved road up the mountain).  County Rd. 101/North Creek Rd. is 10 miles upward with a turn downward onto Harts Draw Rd., leading 10 miles to Hwy 211.  

Created in 2014 by me to help navigate the City of Monticello, when
trying to find the street to the mountain road.  A few focus points are noted, like the local grocery,
library and park.

·         Loyd’s Lake is 1 mile west up CR 101, one (1) mile south on CR 102; 2.5 mile hiking trail around lake, picnic/barbecue areas, vault toilets, no camping allowed.

·         Monticello Lake is 7 miles west up CR 101, offers vault toilets, dispersed camping.

·         Foy Lake is off a short trail west of the merge of CR 101 & Harts Draw Rd., vault toilets, dispersed camping.

·         Two (2) National Forest Campgrounds: Dalton Springs at 4.5 miles & Buckboard at 5.5 miles up CR 101.

·         Pets – must be leashed at all times, owners are expected to pick up after their pet(s).

·         Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/  (type manti la-sal in Search box) US Forest Service Ranger District Office is located at 432 East Center Street (Hwy 491), Monticello

·         Phone: (435) 587-2041

This is a beautifully scenic and serene drive through the Abajo Mountains.

Mary Cokenour

Canyonlands National Park - Needles Travel Guide.

Canyonlands National Park - Needles

The Needles forms the southeast corner of Canyonlands and was named for the colorful spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone that dominate the area. Hiking trails offer many opportunities for long day hikes and overnight trips. Foot trails and four-wheel-drive roads lead to such features as Tower Ruin, Confluence Overlook, Elephant Hill, the Joint Trail, and Chesler Park.

·         Location is 14 miles north from Monticello along Hwy 191, 35 miles west along Hwy 211 to Park entrance. (total mileage = 49 miles from Monticello)

·         There is no access to the Island in the Sky section.

·         The Park is open 24/7, year round; the Visitor Center is open March thru November, 9am-4pm; restrooms & drinking fountains are open 24/7.

·         Camping - 26 sites + 3 group sites at Squaw Flats; reservations via NPS website, or first come/first serve.

·         Pets – only allowed in parking areas, paved roadway & must be leashed; owners are expected to pick up after their pet(s).

·         Tours are subject to Ranger Programs; check the schedule at website for availability.

·         Backcountry Permits for hiking & 4-wheel drive trails are available at the Visitor Center.

·         Website: https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/needles.htm

·         Phone: (435) 719-2313

At the toll booth, you will receive a Canyonlands "newspaper" which will contain maps, hiking and 4-wheel drive information plus lots more.  Go inside the Visitor Center to obtain permits, or to talk with the park rangers for more information.

There are NO services at the park, so always start the trip with a full tank of gas, drinking water (3-4 quarts/person; double that amount if hiking), healthy snacks, and bring a picnic!

Mary Cokenour

Newspaper Rock Travel Guide.

Newspaper Rock

·         Location is 14.4 miles north of Monticello along Hwy 191, 12.3 miles west along Hwy 211. (total mileage = 26.7 miles from Monticello)

·         The monument is a giant wall of desert varnish over sand stone; the artwork is from various Native American tribes spanning over 2000 years.

·         While designated a State Historic Monument, it is maintained by the BLM; open year round, there is no Visitor Center; vault toilets are open year round; no water is available.

·         Camping – Not allowed; campground was forced to close down due to flooding.

·         Pets are allowed at the site; they must be leashed at all times & owners are expected to pick up after their pet(s).

·         Website: https://www.blm.gov/office/monticello-field-office  BLM – Monticello Field Office is located at 365 North Main (Hwy 191), Monticello

·         Phone: (435) 587-1500

There is some hiking around this site.

Mary Cokenour