We've headed north from Hanksville to Price. After a stop there for resupply, we turned NE on US 191 and climbed 3500+ feet over an unnamed summit and have started to drop toward Duchesne.
Dropping down a valley to the northeast.
This is the Vernal end of the Monument.
One of our first glimpses of Split Mountain
We were successful at getting a decent campsite in the Green River campground in the Monument. Late that day, despite early season, the campground was essentially filled.
The next morning, we have a good view of the campground (note the closed loop) and a view of the not-so-good weather.
Nice milkvetch on a stormy day
A closeup of part of Split Mtn and the Green River
All of a sudden, it's blue skies. Time for a hike. This is called the Sounds of Silence trail. Only a little over 3 miles, but interesting.
Susie taking a photo of a rock pinnacle
Nice rock textures
Paintbrush along one of the troughs in which the trail goes. The troughs were at least 10 - 15 feet deep. Susie said OSHA would not approve of this.
Milkvetch
Primrose.
Eventually, we climbed out of the troughs to a view of Split Mountain from a different angle.
The trail angles back toward the canyon we first got into (in the distance). But we are not done yet.
One reason why the Park Service rates this short trail moderate to difficult is this steep descent on slickrock in one spot. Not too bad, as long as you pay attention.
We arrived back at our vehicle for an early lunch and then went to look at some easily accessible petroglyphs.
It appears that some of the petroglyphs were originally painted as well.
Another small panel
Back in camp, we decided more exercise was in order, so we took a short walk along the river trail. Except that it does not stay along the river.
The skies seemed threatening much of the time.
An overlook of the Green River and Split Mountain. But the most interesting view was that of the huge varieties of lichen.
Art Wolfe would truly have a field day.
