Utah! Fish and Owl Canyons – the first afternoon

After two nights at White Canyon we decided we had time for one more spot. John knew of another area he wanted to check out, near somewhere he had once backpacked many years ago.

On the map he spotted a road that lead to a trailhead. It looked like it might be a good spot to camp. We like to be near a trailhead for hiking. About half a mile or a mile away from the trailhead is perfect, because it’s close enough to walk to the trailhead, but not so close that we are contending with trailhead traffic while resting at our campsite.

It turned out the entire area was perfect for camping – trees for shade, flat enough to get off the road, but not so flat as to be utterly boring. We pulled off the road at a spot that had been used as a campsite in the past, about a mile before the trailhead. I was hoping for cell reception, but there didn’t seem to be much.

I liked the area because the piñon trees reminded me of New Mexico. (Piñons are short pine trees, alternatively spelled pinyon, and yes, the pine nuts are edible.)

As soon as we arrived, John and Biska ran down the road to the trailhead into the canyons to check it out while I got settled. On their walk, John found another campsite closer to the trailhead that he liked. It had great views.

But I liked our campsite better, nestled in some trees. I enjoy views, but I don’t like exposed campsites.

When John and Biska got to the trailhead parking area, nobody was there. Nobody was there the next day when I went down with him either. And nobody drove past our campsite on the road. A ranger drove down and back once. That was it. I shouldn’t even be telling you about it this unknown, amazing place. Shhh!

Here’s pictures from John and Biska’s short reconnaissance hike when we first got there.

Wow, so spectacular – and nobody here.

After John and Biska got back from checking out the canyon, we went on an evening stroll along the top of an easily accessible nearby ridge. I was hoping to pick up cell reception, but didn’t get much. Oh well, if anyone needs us they can wait another day or two.