March, 6th 2016: Vermilion Cliffs - Southeast Overlooks Trip Report

[ChrisD 24]

Mike (mbuckner), Jim (Gold Digger) and Mal and Jean, friends of us from callfornia, joined us for a trip to the southeastern overlooks of the Vermilion Cliffs NM.

Mike and Jim are returners and knew already this area, but had some reasons to visit it again (Mike hat a blurry photoshop, which he wanted to get updated and Jim had been there, when it was very stormy and wet).

Mal and Jean also wanted to see the overlooks again, because they only catched them so far, when the weather was bad.

Mike, Jim, Astrid and me stayed in the Cliff Dwellers Lodge, while Mal and Jean camped at the Lee´s Ferry campground.

 

We left around 8:30am and drove US89A until we reached House Rock Valley Road. We stopped on HRVR and aired down.

 

 

Mal discussed with Jim about his new fully installed 2wayair system.

 

 

We followed House Rock Valley Road until we reached the corral, where the trail to the right goes up to the plateau.

 

 

The road is called Pine Tree Road and we followed it to a small ranch. We went left here and followed the road up to Big Sink Valley.

 

 

The road was partly sandy, but no problem for everybody.

 

 

We arrived in Big Sink Valley and had are short break. Mike is coming from the top of the ridge in the background.

 

 

The parked jeeps (with a sandwiched Toyota):

 

 

There are some nice rock formations directly nearby. It can also be seen, how 'Moqui Marbles' are 'born'.

 

 

Mal taking shots of the formations and the scenery.

 

 

Jim, Mal and me, discussing about the geology.

 

 

This is the road, we are following out of Big Sink Valley. It is called the upper route.

 

 

The jeep is waiting until a gate is open.

 

 

We went up and over a ridge to drive into Shed Valley.

 

 

The sand in Shed Valley usually has less traction, but this time, it was easy to go.

 

 

We arrived at a fenceline and followed it for some time to reach the rim area.

 

 

 

After this 90 degree turn the first overlook is waiting.

 

 

This is called 'The Crack':

 

 

 

We continued and soon arrived at Powells Monument and Paria Needle.

 

 

Paria Needle:

 

 

Powells Monument:

 

 

There is an ongoing trail from here, which is usually blocked. But this time the trail was open, so we did not have to go back to Shed Valley to go to the overlooks.

 

The first overlook is not far away from Powells Monument and the scenery is outstanding.

 

 

Powells Monument and Paria Needle in the background.

 

 

Nice view:

 

 

Then we moved forward to the next overlook. The trail was quite faint but still existing.

 

 

 

 

Mike and Mal at the overlook:

 

 

 

 

 

 

From there we proceeded to the next overlook. The trail was in good condition.

 

 

There is a short side track shortly before the parking area of the overlook. We parked and checked the short trail, because there should be a responder station there. And we saw it:

 

 

Power source are solar panels:

 

 

Mike, taking a picture from the responder:

 

 

Mal and Jim checking the panels:

 

 

Then we went back to the parked jeeps and drove down to the turn around spot at the overlook.

 

 

There was a water storage system there:

 

 

And it was a short hike to the overlook.

 

 

Page; AZ in the background:

 

 

Paria Canyon:

 

 

 

As it already was late, we decided to skip the other two overlooks and headed back to House Rock Valley Road.

 

 

Almost out...

 

 

Thanks to all, who joined us for this trip.

[Lichen 110]

Beautiful. I have to get up there.

[ChrisD 24]

Beautiful. I have to get up there.

 

You are always welcome to join us. We are going there every march.