San Rafael Swell, UT - May 2024: Part 1

In Search of the San Rafael Swell

Part 1 of 3

May 16 - 21, 2004

When I was restless in the midst of winter I began dreaming of a trip to the San Rafael Swell in Utah. I had been there briefly twice before, but knew there was a vast area I'd not explored. 

Wikipedia excerpt: The San Rafael Swell is a large geologic feature located in south-central Utah, about 16 miles west of Green River. The San Rafael Swell, measuring approximately 75 by 40 miles, consists of a giant dome-shaped anticline of sandstone, shale, and limestone that was pushed up 60–40 million years ago. Since that time, infrequent but powerful flash floods have eroded the sedimentary rocks into numerous valleys, canyons, gorges, mesas, buttes, and badlands. The swell is part of the Colorado Plateau physiographic region.

I was running behind on my spring schedule. I'd only finished my shakedown trip on May 10th and knew both that the temperatures would soon be shooting up in Utah and that I wanted to get there and back before the week of Memorial Day, with its crowds taking advantage of a holiday.

I talked to the local battery specialist about increasing capacity in my battery bank and we agreed adding a third battery in parallel was the most expeditious way to go. They had the same model as my other two in stock, so I arranged to pick it up on Tuesday. There was no room in the battery compartment, but as AGM batteries need no venting or special requirements I planned to place it in the space beneath my roll-over sofa next to the battery compartment. I'll spare you the details, but I got the battery installed, fastened down, wired that same day. "OK," sez I, "I'll take one day to pack-up and head out on Thursday." Being retired I have the luxury of avoiding weekends, but this time I'd forge ahead and hope for the best, after all the articles I'd read, and videos I'd watched, remarked how few folks visited the Swell. Spoilers: this is no longer the case, though nothing like the crowds at the national parks.

Click on any photo to view a larger version - highly recommended.

Thursday, May 16th

Heading Out

I didn't intend to drive all the way in one day, but would stop mid-journey to camp the first night. I debated a couple of alternatives, but only narrowed it down slightly before my late morning departure. I had intended to leave a bit earlier, but didn't make it. I took my usual route out US-550, then across Navajo lands. I had to stop for construction twice on US-64 west of Shiprock as they are finally going to upgrade that narrow, rough highway. Hooray! I also took my usual short-cut up from Red Mesa and then onto west UT-95 where they are replacing at least two of the bridges, but at least by this time of day the workers were gone, though the one-lane stretches were controlled by traffic lights.

On the satellite maps I had noticed a couple dirt roads I'd never driven. They are off the highway at the north end of Cedar Mesa. They might lead to possible dispersed campsites. One in particular looked interesting as it had a side road above a small canyon. But I thought I'd check one of my very favorite sites first in case it was available.

North Mule Canyon

I love the little site in North Mule Canyon and luck was in my favor. I'd stay there and check out the other sites for a possible future trip tomorrow. The creek was pretty low for so early in the season, so I guess the area had a dry winter. The banks were well trampled by cattle, too, which was disappointing. Still, a lovely site in a shallow sandstone canyon, ideal to get out of the worst of the wind. The cottonwoods were green and a few wildflowers were blooming. The birds and frogs were singing—especially the frogs!

My delightful campsite in the canyon

Perky Sue wildflowers just below the cliff

One of the penstemons growing right out of the cliff

This Rock Wren had been singing all afternoon

Friday, May 17th

North Mule Canyon (continued)

Before breaking camp I walked around above the canyon to photograph flowers and/or critters. Not nearly as many flowers as on previous stays and no good opportunities for wildlife, either. A beautiful morning even so.

Looking down on my campsite from the canyon rim

I loved how the long spines seemed to be almost glowing in the light

Not as many primroses as usual; maybe it was early in the season

The cacti were beginning to bloom

Dirt Road Exploration

I headed west on the highway and looked for the dirt road I'd spied on the satellite map. I found the turn-off and the road was in very good condition as it cut across Cedar Mesa. It went fairly straight through the piñon and juniper. I found the side road that I'd spied. It was narrow and uneven, but passible without major issues. 

I  came to the clearing I'd spotted on the satellite map. There were a couple of cars and several tents already there. I'm glad I hadn't driven here last evening. I didn't see anyone around. They were probably out exploring. There were interesting sandstone walls in the background, maybe they were climbing.

The road got bad at that point though the map shows it continues to a spring, but I turned around. When I got back to the "main" road I turned back west as my satellite review indicated it would make a big curve and re-connect with the highway. I drove less than a hundred feet when the road dipped down to cross a small canyon feature. To my astonishment there were tall mature Ponderosa pines and other forest greenery. A small spur led upstream where I could see several vehicles, campers and tents under the canopy. What an amazing campsite! I would remember this spot and hope that sometime in the future I could find it available.

The road climbed up onto a ridge as it headed back to the highway. I passed several places that would make nice dispersed campsites, some with views. Another good area to keep in mind.

Highway to the Swell

Back on UT-95 I made good time west and north across the rest of the mesa, then up along White Canyon, and on to Glen Canyon. The highway to Hite is completely closed off now. Last year you could drive in to where the recreational facilities and ranger station are located. All the attractions have been closed for years, of course, as there is no lake within sight.

I stopped at Hanksville to fill up and turned north on UT-24 toward Goblin Valley State Park. As you drive up the highway you can see the San Rafael Reef off to the west parallel to the road. It's less than 20 miles to the junction where I drove west, still on pavement.

San Rafael Reef

I stopped at an overlook to get a photo of the break in the reef where the entrance to the Swell lies. My first new exploration would be to take the Behind the Reef Road that heads south from Temple Mountain Road, the main way in from the east. But first I stopped at one of the BLM campgrounds to air down my tires as I knew there would be plenty of rocky roads ahead. The Temple Mountain Townsite Campground had a nice parking area next to a vault toilet to accomplish this task.

In the center you can see the canyon where the road crosses into the Swell

Behind the Reef Road

The junction is very close to the campground. It is narrow and, sure enough, very rocky in places. There seemed to be a number of dispersed camping areas in the first mile or so. Nothing particularly special about them—homebase for farther explorations, I guess. It was hot and windy. Everyone's tents were flapping in the sun.

Looking toward the reef from Behind the Reef Road

It was a scenic road with the tall, white reef to the east as it curves up and down and around. The lands to the west are more open. I stopped many times for photos, but only a few looked interesting enough to post. Seems it's one of those places that's better seen in person.

Continuing south on Behind the Reef Road

When I was planing my trip I noted that there were two major canyon trailheads along the road before it turned into more of an ATV trail. I thought I'd camp at the second and explore the canyon on foot, but as the road bumped it's way south I was having second thoughts. It was so hot and windy and there was no cover. I came to Crack Canyon and there were two large van RVs parked. I don't know if they were camped or not, but the occupants were up in the canyon I assume. At this point I decided to abandon my plan and not continue on to Chute Canyon. I'm sure the canyons are amazing, but I suspect beyond this old man's abilities to hike, and didn't think the camping would be any more attractive there, than here. It was still very early in the afternoon, so I decided to turn around and proceed to my second planned destination, Hidden Splendor and Muddy Creek.

Entrance to Crack Canyon

Temple Mountain Road

I turned northwest once I got back to the main road heading into the interior. I was astonished at just how many camp trailers and RVs were at dispersed sites along the road. The hills were thick with campers and this continued for several miles. Some sites had nice views, but most were chosen for expedience, I'm guessing. I also surmise that folks were just setting up a home base to explore the Swell via ATV or Jeep. It slowly thinned out and I did see a couple nice sites near the road with great views of Temple Mountain.

Temple Mountain and road

As I continued into the Swell the terrain moderated into more of a rolling prairie. I hadn't really noted this so much before. My thought is that as the land was pushed up the most interesting geological activity was at the margins. I passed the cut-off that leads north to I-80.

Temple Mountain Road

I took the road heading southwest, McKay Flat Road, aka South Temple Junction. Crossing one of the large flats I came across a small herd of the renowned wild horses. I stopped well in advance as I didn't know how skittish they'd be and took a photo of three right beside the road with my long lens. Good thing as they ran off when the truck got close. There were six or eight grazing about 50 yards off the road to the left and they paid no attention to me as I drove by. I suspect they are used to traffic, but don't want anyone too close.

Wild horses next to the road

Hidden Splendor

Just before the road bends to the northwest is the turn-off to the Hidden Splendor Mine and Muddy Creek Wilderness. The road drops down below the mesa and is a good, sandy road for a number of miles. There are great views off to the east, though the clouds and haze were not ideal for photos. I spent a little extra time processing the photo below to compensate best I could.

View easterly from the road to Hidden Splendor

Soon the road became rocky and rough. Nothing technical, but just slow going over the sheets of rock, twists & turns, ups & downs. I would recommend high clearance, though I saw that a number of passenger vehicle were able to make it through.

First glimpse of my destination; Muddy Creek is at the foot of those red bluffs.

I had come here in 2016 for a SUWA meet-up and remembered spectacular cliff views and that I'd camped beside an old airstrip. I remembered that some of the folks who had arrived at the location before I had, set up in a much better campsite along the edge of the bench. From there the road dropped down to Muddy Creek. When I walked down, and subsequently up, the road it seemed it would be very difficult for a vehicle. The group took a glorious hike down the Muddy Creek bed, but as it had been September the water was very low or below the surface for much of its length.

When I got there this time and crossed the airstrip, the bench-side site was available. It was also just a big flat area, more parking lot than the campsite I'd remembered. I drove to both ends of the airstrip to look for more congenial sites. There was a prettier one at the east end of the airstrip, but there was no way down to the river from there, so I went back to the first spot to set up as it had creek access and I'd planned to take a walk down there in the morning.

Camped on the bench above Muddy Creek

Muddy Creek; looking downstream

I looked down at the dugway (road dug out of the side of the bench.) It leads to the flood plain and after driving all day it looked too roug. I didn't want to tackle it. I could see one white pickup truck parked below, I didn't see a tent or any other signs of a camp. 

I set up in the gusty winds, but at least they kept the heat from being oppressive. I put my camp chair in the shade of my camper and enjoyed gazing at the towering sandstone cliffs. Through the afternoon and into the evening other cars and trucks would drive up near me to check things out. They then turned around to find other campsites. One big black truck with Utah plates set up at the west end of the airstrip and a bit later I heard them firing off pistols (even as late as 9pm, the jerks) I was glad they weren't any closer. One couple looked down at the creek, then drove down to set up their tent below. They didn't seem to have any trouble in their small SUV.

This colony of prickly pear was just beginning to bloom

Another view of camp featuring the tall sandstone bluffs

The winds let up as the sun went down. The sunset wasn't traditionally colorful, but the light though the clouds was beautiful.

Sunset from my campsite

Saturday, May 18th

Hidden Splendor (continued)

My campsite on the edge of the bench

Muddy Creek

It was a pretty morning and after breakfast I walked around the bench. The dugway down to the creek didn't look nearly as intimidating in the morning after I was rested and I almost wished I'd tackled it the afternoon before. I even considered moving camp down below. I sent up the drone to get a panorama of the area, which turned out to be spectacular—be sure you check that out in full-screen mode. Direct Link

It started to warm quickly and I just wasn't feeling it here. I made the sudden decision to bail rather than stay the day. I broke camp and headed back up the road, toward my next planned destination, and hoped for a better campsite. On the way out I stopped for a photo or two. I also saw a big pickup truck parked on the road headed south. I thought it was a strange place to stop as there was no trail or campsite around. As I got closer I noticed its left front wheel was pointed down the road, but the right front was pointed off to the right. Ouch.

Looking back toward Hidden Splendor

A view from the road heading out

Reds Canyon Loop Road

Back at the junction and I turned left toward Reds Canyon (no apostrophe.) At that point the road was still up on the flats, but as I drove along I began to see sandstone cliffs in the distance. As I got closer I tried to identify my destination, Tomsich Butte, but was not familiar enough with the territory to figure it out. Now, I can easily see it in the photo below.

Heading toward Reds Canyon and Tomsich Butte

Getting closer: see the low red butte in the middle? You'll see it again

The road dramatically dropped down into the canyon. I took lots of photos, but again, they are not representative of what you see when you are there. The overhanging rocks, etc., just blend into the background. At the bottom, the road forks—the loop continues to the right. A sign points to the left for The Hondu (arch).

Hard to see in this flat photo, but the road is that shelf to the middle-upper left

Continue on to Part 2 for The Hondu and Tomsich Butte

Hidden Splendor and Cathedral Valley - September 2016: Part 2

Southern Utah - September 2016
Spectacular Switchbacks, a Secret (Camp) Site, and Hidden Splendor

Part 2 of 4:
Hidden Splendor, San Rafael Swell, and Cathedral Valley

Friday, September 16 (continued from Part 1)

Click on any photo to see larger versions - highly recommended!

I was looking forward to the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance "Roundup" at an evocatively named area called Hidden Splendor, the location of an old uranium mine. SUWA is made up of people from Utah and around the nation who share the common goal of preserving Utah’s remaining desert wild lands, the redrock wilderness. This non-profit works to defend the wilderness from rampant oil & gas development, unnecessary road construction and destructive off-road vehicle use, and other influences that are threatening the fragile ecosystem and prehistoric native artifacts. The roundup would include guided day hikes. A chance for me to see a wild part of Utah that would be new to me.

I was informed there are two ways to enter the San Rafael Swell to the Hidden Splendor mine area where the SUWA roundup was to be held: from the north off I-70, which was a bit longer, but smoother; from the east off UT-24, cutting through the reef. I decided I'd go in from the north and leave to the east, thus see both.

San Rafael Swell and Hidden Splendor

I took exit 131 from the freeway and drove south. The road across the prairie was in good condition and I was able to cruise atop the washboard quite comfortably. The last section leading off the swell down into the canyons was a little rough, but many folks did it in their passenger cars. Fortunately, SUWA placed small directional signs at the many crossroads to keep us on track.

"Main Street" for the SUWA roundup was an airstrip with the main tent erected beside the airstrip and the entrance road. We could camp along, but not on the airstrip, or along the road that crosses it. We were provided a map showing suggested camping areas with a request not to camp in any previously undisturbed areas. There were already lots of folks set up. I found a spot to the side of the strip near the east end not far from a few other attendees.

Camping area for the SUWA roundup. You can just make out the tent ramada of headquarters.

I set up camp including my new solar panel and tarp-based awning, said hello to my neighbors, and walked down to the SUWA tent for an informal social hour. The wind had come up in the interval and although the awning was still up, it was flapping and making noise by the time I returned to camp. I took it down rather than listen to the flapping. (That night while waiting for sleep I came up with an idea to try in the morning to address the flapping.)

My neighbors, Tracy from Park City, UT and Barry from all over, and I sat out talking and watched the moon rise.

Saturday

I had signed up for a hike down Muddy Creek this morning, but as it didn't start until 10am I had time to erect my awning using my new plan. The edge of the tarp along the roofline had been lifting and catching the wind the evening before. I already had one tensioning line running forward. My idea was to attach a second tensioning line and run it aft - this would keep the edge along the roof taut and prevent it, theoretically, from catching the wind. (A more complete description of my awning can be found on the Wander The West forums.)

Muddy Creek

We gathered at the main tent, then walked down the road to the dugway down to the creek. This was my first look into the canyon and it was much deeper than I'd realized. Half the group was going to hike up the creek. I was with the group going downstream.

Walking down to Muddy Creek

Muddy Creek - looking upstream.

The creek was very wide in this section, but not deep.

As we started out the canyon walls were far apart and didn't appear that high. We walked across the stream a couple of times. It was shallow enough it didn't top my boots as long as I found the right section or well placed rocks. We found a deserted mining camp and a couple blocked mine entrances.

Old mining buildings on the terrace above Muddy Creek.

Old mine entrance.

The canyon walls moved closer together to the serpentine path of the creek. Usually there was a terrace on one side or the other. We frequently crossed one of these from one side of a loop to another. Often following the creek was the only way.

Beautiful reflection in a still portion of the creek.

Fellow hikers pause to examine animal tracks in the mud.

About three miles in we stopped to eat our lunches. Some folks turned around there to head back to camp. I continued about another mile, even though I knew my feet would regret it. The temptation to see what's around the next bend in the canyon is strong. One the way back I had to doctor a blister on my foot despite having used moleskin before starting out.

Red and white cliffs delight!

A couple of us walked up to another of our party who was sketching something. He pointed out a pictograph high on the canyon wall oposite. I didn't have my telephoto lens, so didn't try to photograph it. We could only see it by using the artist's monocular. It was a humanoid figure in red ocher of the typical "broad shoulders with a body tapering down to a point" style.

I made it back to camp in the mid-afternoon. I had time to sit in the shade of my camper, admire the rugged scenery, and rehydrate before the scheduled gathering for the potluck supper.

A closer look at my new awning and solar panel. My chair and a cool drink was on the other side in the shade. The ground was both hard and crumbled around the tarp stakes - I had to use big rocks to help hold the guy lines.

SUWA Dinner and Meeting

I had asked one of the organizers, prior to the trip, if there was something I could bring to the potluck that didn't involve cooking, as that isn't my strong suit. He said cookies were always very popular. So I stopped at the bakery before leaving Albuquerque and bought two big boxes of cookies - they were indeed popular.

SUWA Executive Director, Scott Groene, speaks about the organizations challenges and progress.

We had a delicious dinner thanks to all the other participants. Several officiers of SUWA spoke afterwards on their mission to protect these wild lands in the face of increased pressure of oil & gas development, and the difficulty in dealing with the Utah legislature that seemed to only support development and motorized recreation rather than preservation of this fragile and unique resource.

Sunday

I had taken down the tarp awning and stowed the solar panel the evening before, so had only the usual steps to break camp. I wanted to be all buttoned up ready to travel before driving to the event tent for the furnished continental breakfast, that way I could take off from there. They provided lots of good, hot coffee; fresh fruit; yoghurt; various muffins; juices; etc. They also had a grill fired up and you could have them grill one of the varieties of fresh bagel in butter - that was a treat.

Folks stood around talking about the event, Utah, hiking, camping, etc. while enjoying the food. I initially thought I'd grab a bite and get on the road, but stuck around for a while enjoying the conversation with my new friends and associates.

Looking back toward Hidden Spelendor on the way out.

Temple Mountain

As I left the area I stopped a couple of times to take photos back toward where the roundup had been held. At breakfast one of the organizers told us of a nice pictograph panel to view on the way out. He said it had, unfortunately, been shot up in the past, but was still worth seeing. It was in the area where the road cut through the reef, just past a small campground. I almost missed it as there was road construction equipment parked at the spot where they were replacing a small bridge.

Temple Mountain Petroglyph panel

A closer look at the wonderful figures in the right side of the panel. Most of the damage appears to be due to the facade of the rock panel flaking away over time, but then a few moron humans had to make their marks.

One of the figures had indeed suffered gunshots, but the bigger loss to the panel seems to be due to the facade of the cliff simply flaking away over time. Still it is an amazing scene despite the vandalism.

East entrance through San Rafael Reef. Goblin Valley is to the left. The main highway is behind the photographer.

Once out of the reef, the road is paved. One way leads to Goblin Valley State Park, the other east to UT-24, where I turned south.

Hanksville

I turned right at the junction, still following 24, and gassed up in Hanksville. I stopped for lunch at the same place as my first trip through in 2013, Duke's Slickrock Grill. I asked if they still had wifi, and the receptionist provided their login info. Lunch was good, not great, but I could tell they are making an effort. The wifi was slow, but I was able to check my email.

Cathedral Valley

I was going to enter the Cathedral Valley Loop Drive via the north, Caineville, entrance just west of "town." Town in this case consists of one motel, a Rodeway Inn. I drove right past the turnoff as I was expecting some sort of sign from the BLM or park service, but there was only a county road sign that didn't even say Cathedral Valley Road or Caineville Wash Road. Once I turned around and entered the dirt road there was an brief informational sign to indicate I was on the right path.

There was a fork in the road fairly soon with the better, more heavily traveled side to the left - keep right here. Fortunately, my Garmin navigation app when in general map mode will display the name of the road or highway on which its traveling and as I proceded up the right fork, it displayed "N. Hartnett Rd. Cathedral Valley Rd." (looking at Google maps later, the other fork appears to lead to an airstrip!?) Lots of washboard on this section, or corrugations as our Aussie friends say. Stay left at the next fork lest you end up at Factory Butte.

The rugged landscape along Cathedral Valley Road

Interesting Bentonite hill. Click to enlarge and note the small rock sitting at the apex.

More dips and twists along the road.

The road twists and turns through some wild and interesting lands - sandstone, horizontally stripped Bentonite hills, and lots of rocks, sand, and washes.

Entering Cathedral Valley.

When I got into Cathedral Valley proper, and formally Capitol Reef National Park, I was somewhat surprised to see the cathedral monoliths are a unique light brown sandstone. They were formed by erosion. I stopped to view and photograph the Temples of the Moon and Sun.

Temple of the Moon in the foreground; Temple of the Sun behind to the left.

I stopped to view the Gypsum Sinkhole, which is difficult to photograph. It's kind of interesting, but if you're running low on time for some reason, you could skip it. Though I did photograph some cool volcanic dikes on my way back to the main road.

Volcanic dikes.

At the end of the valley the road climbs steeply and is extremely bumpy and rocky. There are views of the valley along there. Shortly after achieving the top, there is the turn off to the campground.

View of Cathedral Valley from along side the road.

Cathedral Valley Campground

I pulled into the official, first-come, no-fee campground. One is only allowed to camp in official campgrounds in the national park. It has six sites and five of them were occupied. I left my orange "occupied" bucket at the site as I wanted to check out the Upper Cathedral Valley Lookout before settling. My friend, Achim, said it was too rough to drive, but I had no problem. It was a nice view north over the valley.

[If you want view Cathedral Valley by a shorter route, I'm told you can enter from UT-72, north of Loa. I cannot vouch for the road, as I didn't go that way, but I can tell you it took me about 5 hours to drive in from Caineville, and 4 hours to drive out via the river ford.]

My campsite with solar panel deployed.

I returned to the campground and began sitting up. I heard a greeting from behind me and turned around to find one of my new friends from the SUWA roundup remarking about it being a small world. I'd met Kathy on the Muddy Creek hike and later ran into her at the rest stop on the way out of San Rafael Swell earlier in the day. She'd driven in from Hartnett Road across the ford, while I was winding my way in from the Caineville entrance.

Unfortunately, even though there is a view of Cathedral Valley from the campground, I was so wrapped up in setting up camp or having dinner or something that I lost track of time. By the time I realized I should have been taking photos of the monoliths in the valley, the sun had sunk too far down. If I had a photographers guild card, I'd have to give it up after this fiasco.

View toward Moab and the La Sal Mountains.

Later in the evening Kathy rescued me from the blunder of not having a corkscrew and was rewarded by sharing my wine as we told stories of journeys past and recounted favorite books & authors.

Sunset over Thousand Lakes Mountain. You should be able to just make out the groves of golden aspen on the mountain's flanks.

Monday

Cathedral Valley (continued)

After leaving the campground I turned right, then at the junction, left on Hartnett Road. I stopped at each and every overlook to take photos and admire the view. The road wound though some amazing and strange formations and geology.

Cathedral Valley from the upper valley overlook.

Turning around I was greeted with this sight of the moon setting over Thousand Lakes Mountain.

Just off Hartnett Road, not far from the campground, is the Upper South Desert Overlook

Much farther down the road, and after a short walk, you are treated to this view of the Lower South Desert

Yes, I was fascinated by the colorful Bentonite Hills.

Hartnett Road continues down from the hills and across a basin.

A reminder of the rough life in the desert.

I crossed the river ford (if that's the word for driving up river for about 100' before attaining the bank on the other side.) to once again acquire UT-24 and headed west toward the park entrance.

Capitol Reef National Park

Having never driven the official scenic drive though the park, I thought that would be in order. Of course it seemed like every tourist in the world was out on the road, too. I saw folks trying to capture the reef using action cams. One fellow had his attached to the driver's side window - imagine the video from that twisty road; another was actually holding his out the driver's window using a short stick - I defy him to watch more than one minute of the result.

Along the Scenic Drive.

The main scenic drive was scenic enough, though not much more than you'd see along many highways in redrock/canyon country. The dirt Capitol Gorge road at the end of the pavement was pretty amazing and was worth putting up with the tourists on the main drive. Not that there were any less on the dirt road, but everyone was staring up at the canyon walls in amazement, so it was less obtrusive. The canyon walls were so close together and so large, there was no way to achieve any sort of meaningful photo even with my widest lens.

I drove back to the main park entrance and headed toward Torrey, the closest town to the park and the only place to gas up before I headed back into the wilds. At the junction between UT-24 and UT-12 is a tourist information bureau in a converted gas station. I stopped in and gathered a bunch of maps, pamphlets, and brochures - that would pay off later.

After getting gas I drove back east on UT-24 past the park entrance.

Continued in Part 3: Waterpocket Fold, Halls Creek Overlook, and Burr Trail