Sea of Slickrock
Western Henry Mountains
Overview
|
Sun 89 | 67 |
Mon 84 | 68 |
Tue 85 | 64 |
Wed 86 | 64 |
Thu 87 | 65 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
|
Sun 89 | 67 |
Mon 84 | 68 |
Tue 85 | 64 |
Wed 86 | 64 |
Thu 87 | 65 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
The view from the trailhead.
The Henry Mountains are geologically unique for their laccolithic origins. This means they were created by a mass of igneous rock that intruded between layers of sedimentary rocks. This is why you can see sandstone layers surrounding much of the bases of the range. The geology makes the mountain range a fascinating place for geology students but also a spectacular place for hikers and sightseers.
On the west side of the range is what I call the Sea of Slickrock, where a large expanse of white and red sandstone has uplifted. It looks very out of place with the rest of the surrounding environment. Time and water has worn runnels down the uplift, in places creating small pools that grasses have been able to survive and create ecosystems in. I found it a colorful and photogenic place to wander. It can be viewed from the road, but a short hike to visit the slickrock slope up close is worth the time, in my opinion.
Vibrant colors!
Getting There
Travel east out of Capitol Reef National Park on highway 24. Just past the park, 0.25 miles, is the well signed Notom road. Turn right onto the Notom Road and follow it for 13.6 miles to the Sandy Ranch Junction on the left (east) side of the road.
- Reset your odometer as you turn left (east) off the Notom Road and start heading toward the Henry Mountains. The road crosses the open desert, before descending to and crossing Sandy Creek. Continue on the main road after the crossing as it continues across the badlands toward the Henry Mountains. There are a few minor side roads to ignore and a number of good primitive campsites along the way. ( 12S 493905E 4217280N / 38°06'12"N 111°04'10"W )
- 9.5 miles - Just after crossing South Creek, the road splits. Go right here. ( 12S 502752E 4215518N / 38°05'15"N 110°58'07"W )
- 10.5 miles - Junction, stay right. ( 12S 503607E 4214410N / 38°04'39"N 110°57'32"W )
- 13.2 miles - Junction. Stay straight, heading south. ( 12S 504942E 4211288N / 38°02'58"N 110°56'37"W )
- 16.6 miles - Road crosses a wash. This is the trailhead for Sea of Slickrock. Park wherever you can find a spot off the road near the wash. ( 12S 508606E 4208694N / 38°01'33"N 110°54'07"W )
An expanse of slickrock.
Route
From the trailhead, it is an easy stroll up the wash to the base of the slickrock. Wandering as your motivation dictates. On the west side (nearest the road) is a collapsed area with an alcove or two in it. This area is quite brushy; not recommended!
Return the same way.
Photos
Videos
Maps
| Trailhead |
12S 508604E 4208696N 38°01'33"N 110°54'07"W |