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Tag: Kaibab National Forest

20 May 2013

Snake Gulch rock art

I went to Snake Gulch to see Native American rock art, not snakes.  I’d heard this is where to find some of the best preserved prehistoric rock art along the Kaibab Plateau.  And although I only hiked in about 2 1/2 miles out of the 22 mile possibility I saw some very impressive pictographs and petroglyphs.

FR 642 Kaibab NF AZ

Always a beautiful drive through the Kaibab National Forest and FR642 ended on the edge of Kanab Creek Wilderness.  At one time prior to the canyons wilderness designation in 1984 there was a road that accessed Snake Gulch, but now only hikers and equestrians frequent this spiritual experience.  Hiking was very easy with the lack of any significant elevation gain or loss.

Old ranch ruin Snake Gulch Kaibab NF AZ

Just before entering the wilderness area I saw this ruin that surely wasn’t native made but instead was evidence of ranchers once using the gulch to run cattle.

Snake Gulch trail Kanab Creek Wilderness Kaibab NF AZ

I walked the narrow trail keeping my eyes peeled for snakes, scanning back and forth, ears attentive for a insistent rattle.  At first the regularity of grasshoppers jumping from just ahead gave me a start.  Not a lot of other sounds, an occasional bird, but mostly just the whispery wind.  And good thing for a breeze as the sun beat down with no shade in sight.

Snake Gulch trail Kanab Creek Wilderness Kaibab NF AZ

I would stop to scan the irregular canyon walls with their horizontal layers deposited 270 million years ago by an ancient sea.  The power of water carved this canyon later on and left rich soil where the native people planted crops.

Rock shelter along Snake Gulch trail Kanab Creek Wilderness Kaibab NF AZ

They found shelter in shallow caves, a place to call home and raise a family.

Rock art panel Snake Gulch trail Kanab Creek Wilderness Kaibab NF AZ

Several of the Snake Gulch rock art panels are listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of the artistic and distinctive painted and pecked designs that date back as far as 500 BC.  Paint was made from plants or minerals ground into powder and mixed with animal fat or plant oil.

Rock art panel Snake Gulch trail Kanab Creek Wilderness Kaibab NF AZ

They have survived in this timeless environment.  Some are fading from weathering while others have broken off the rock face.  Unfortunately some vandalism has also occurred and could be unintentional by touching and leaving oils behind which causes the paint to deteriorate.  Respect must be observed in this ancient place.  Whether we understand the meanings behind the art doesn’t really matter because the images reflect changes over time for people of the past.

View from rock shelter Snake Gulch Kanab Creek Wilderness Kaibab NF AZ

I continued beyond the shelter a short distance, but it called me back.  I wanted to sit on the well polished rocks that had fallen long before the native people used this place.  Black smoke stains from their fires long ago still clung to the rock.  I felt at peace.

Lizard Snake Gulch Kanab Creek Wilderness Kaibab NF AZ

And other than the spirits, only a lizard joined me for company.

Snake Gulch Kanab Creek Wilderness Kaibab NF AZ

How to get there

From Jacobs Lake Hwy 67, drive west on FR461 for 5 miles then continue west on FR462 for 3 miles to FH22.  Turn left and go 1.5 miles to FR423.  Turn right and go 1.25 miles to FR642.  Follow FR642 for 2 miles to the end at the trailhead.  The gravel road is passable in a sedan, but the last 3 miles could be a bit difficult when wet.

Snake Gulch trail #59 is 44 miles round trip.  Camp nearby and get an early start.  Best to hike in spring or fall as there is absolutely no shade and will get quite hot during summer.

Please visit with respect.

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Arizona, Kaibab National Forest Arizona, hike, Kaibab National Forest, Kanab Creek Wilderness, rock art, Snake Gulch trail 33 Comments
22 September 2012

Fall on the North Kaibab National Forest

Fall Kaibab NF AZ

I went seeking fall on the North Kaibab National Forest.  And Forest Road 610 east led me into a colorful wonderland.

Fall aspen along Kaibab National Forest Arizona

Welcome to the official September equinox when the sun will rise due east and set due west all over the world.

Fall aspen leaves Kaibab National Forest Arizona

As the nights get longer in the Northern Hemisphere the autumn pallet appears.

Fall aspen Kaibab National Forest Arizona

The aspen glow like neon signs along the Las Vegas strip all vying for my attention.

Fall colors reflect in road puddle Kaibab National Forest Arizona

Monsoon rains leave puddles that reflect the changing season.

Fall aspen Kaibab National Forest Arizona

Rounding a corner into brilliant light makes me sing with joy.  Be thankful you can’t hear me singing.

Fall aspen leaves Kaibab National Forest Arizona

I stop to lie down on the leaf littered forest floor.

Looking up thru fall aspen Kaibab National Forest Arizona

And look up through the magnificent aspen into a brilliant blue sky.

Fall aspen Kaibab National Forest Arizona

Shadowy light beacons me into the glowing forest to dance with the aspen.

Fall aspen Kaibab National Forest Arizona

Yet the shadows draw long.

Fall aspen Kaibab National Forest Arizona

As the waning day calls me home filled with aspen energy.

What colors your world this day?

I brought this post out again to prepare for fall of 2013.  Plus linking to Patti’s One Road at a Time Falling into September blog carnival.  Check out how other bloggers interpret ‘Fall’ and join in with your own story.

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Arizona, Kaibab National Forest Arizona, aspen, fall, Kaibab National Forest 51 Comments
03 October 2011

Days of Summer

I’ve been so busy this summer and have so much to post about that I can’t seem to catch up.  So here’s a few images from the days of summer, with more to follow.
01 Colorado River trip (768x1024)
Colorado River Grand Canyon National Park
02 Zion NP (1024x809)
Zion National Park
03 View of GRCA from Nankoweap trailhead GRCA (1024x767)
Grand Canyon view from Nankoweap trailhead
04 Painted Desert (1024x973)
Many drives through the Painted desert
05 Lightning over canyon
Massive storms over the canyon
06 Kaibab NF (768x1024)
Drives through Kaibab National Forest
07 Lake Powell (1024x768)
Lake Powell
07a Rainbow Bridge (1024x768)
Rainbow Bridge
08 Navajo Bridge over Marble Canyon (1024x743)
Navajo Bridge over Marble Canyon
09 Fall aspen (1024x768)
Fall aspen
Only two weeks left to my season at Grand Canyon. Then off on a road trip.
 

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Arizona, National Parks and Monuments, Utah Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park, Kaibab National Forest, Lake Powell, Rainbow Bridge, Zion National Park 17 Comments
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Hi, I’m Gaelyn, the Geogypsy

I retired after 29 summer seasons as a Park Ranger, traveling solo for 40+ years. My passions include travel, connecting to nature, photography, and sharing stories.

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