What’s in the Wash?

There is unfinished business in the Capitol Gorge Wash. After the Golden Throne hike, only five of the original eight opt to hike the wash, and two out of those five turn back early. So the group decides to return the next day, as there are many reasons to revisit the wash.IMG_1155
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Prior to 1962 when Highway 24 was constructed, the “wash” beneath Capitol Gorge was the only road through what would later become Capitol Gorge National Park. Diversion dams were built along the road, and one can only imagine the amount of rock clearing required after a rain. This must have been one tough road to navigate through soft sediment, curving canyons, and massive boulders.

The first signs of settlers are seen along the walls on what is called the “Mormon Register,” or the more politically correct version, the “Pioneer Register” which contains signatures carved into the walls of the canyon dating back to the late 1800’s.

One of the "tanks" or water pockets that flow into the wash.

One of the “tanks” or water pockets that flow into the wash.

View from the top of the tanks spur trail.

View from the top of the tanks spur trail.

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About a mile into the canyon is a sign indicating “tanks,” or water pockets two tenths of a mile up.  This part of the trail leaves the shade of the canyon behind, and begins a long circuitous route over many steep steps in what feels more like two miles to me, rather than two tenths!

Debbie makes navigating the obstructions around the edge of the tank look easy.

Debbie makes navigating the obstructions around the edge of the tank look easy.

The day prior, Mark has spotted a natural arch that has both a concave and convex side, opposing curves from water flowing over and under the arch. But the lighting was not right for photos on the previous afternoon hike, and only he, Gayle and Bobbie saw it, so Debbie and I want to return. Besides, Mark has decided he needs his photo standing on the arch. But a closer look reveals a steep, slick decent to get onto the arch, and what would potentially be a long fall into a steep stagnant hole below.

Box Canyon Mark surveys access the the arch below.

Box Canyon Mark surveys access the the arch below.

Even those long legs are not long enough to reach.  Hard to see, but the arch is actually the curved shelf one level below.

Even those long legs are not long enough to reach. Hard to see, but the arch is actually the curved shelf one level below.

Bobbie maintains her cool while Gayle and I shriek “NO! DON’T DO IT!!” until Mark either comes to his senses, or gets tired of the women all yelling at him, and settles for a photo instead.

Bobbie watches calmly while Mark explores a route.  He can get down, but can he get back up??

Bobbie watches calmly while Mark explores a route. He can get down, but can he get back up??

A collective "WHEW!" can be heard amongst us.

A collective “WHEW!” can be heard amongst us.

Thank goodness, he settles for a photo from a distance.

Thank goodness, he settles for a photo from a distance.

We continue on down the wash in search of what we have heard to be an old abandoned car. We must cross the barbed wire fence and continue to the point where the canyon opens up, but we finally make it to the car, our designated turn around point. Apparently this was an old sight-seeing vehicle, as the sign painted on the door says “Scenic Attractions entering capitol Reef National Monument.” (The monument received National Park status in 1971.)
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Gayle quizzes our Junior Ranger Bobbie on geology.

Gayle quizzes our Junior Ranger Bobbie on geology.

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There is another side climb past the turn off to the tanks to “secret petroglyphs.” Mark, Bobbie, and Gayle found the secret. Gayle reveals the secret over on her Life’s Little Adventures blog. But for this blog, they will forever remain a secret, as I was just too hot and tired to make the scramble….

My one poor excuse for a petroglyph.

My one poor excuse for a petroglyph.

7 thoughts on “What’s in the Wash?

  1. I love to make up my own stories to go along with the ancient petroglyphs. This last pic says….You will need exceedingly long arms to make it onto the arch and back again safely. Great hike!

  2. We did the Golden Throne and saw the pioneers’ names on the wall but we didn’t make the climb to the tanks and explore further. We’ll add this to our list of revisit in the spring:)

    So glad Mark didn’t walk on the arch…way too scary!! But I need to see this arch!!! I am an arch fanatic.

  3. love seeing this with the other bloggers … what fun! and so glad the women won .. there’s a meme somewhere about two guys dropping a sofa down to two others guys … BIG sofa… and the caption read .. This is why women live longer than men… lol

  4. Hey Suzanne… the gang misses you, and you are missing glorious red rocks and hiking amongst the largest collection of (ahem) “Didos” you’ll ever find. 🙂
    Kodachrome is cool…but we came to civilization (Tropic) to check in with the world, and you!!!!
    Box Canyon Mark and the Jim/Galyle/Debbie/ and misc. cats, dogs etc…

  5. Karen — I thought it said “these are the arms of the man who tried to make out onto the arch, sticking out of his coffin.” LOL! So glad he changed his mind!

    Donald — Yes, there have been a few “pocket knife” jokes on the trail already…

    Pam — I am in Arch Headquarters now. Going to read back on your blog and see what were your favorites…

    Carolyn — Funny! I think we “won” only because he was outnumbered. No other testosterone on the trail. 😉

    Allen — Thanks….I am having the greatest “vacation” ever! 😉

    BC Mark — K.I.L.L.I.N.G. M.E.!!!! Miss you guys something awful! See you soon!

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