Mussentuchit Wash | Western Swell

Hiking Mussentuchit Wash - Western Swell Hiking Mussentuchit Wash

Western Swell

Overview

Wed Sunny. High near 65, with temperatures falling to around 61 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 14 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.
65° | 43°
Thu Sunny, with a high near 62. West northwest wind 9 to 15 mph.
62° | 33°
Fri Sunny, with a high near 66.
66° | 34°
Sat Partly sunny, with a high near 66.
66° | 39°
Sun A chance of rain showers before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 61.
61° | 40°
RATING: Easy Hike
SEASON: Fall, Winter, Spring (When roads are dry)
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: None
Wed Sunny. High near 65, with temperatures falling to around 61 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 14 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.
65° | 43°
Thu Sunny, with a high near 62. West northwest wind 9 to 15 mph.
62° | 33°
Fri Sunny, with a high near 66.
66° | 34°
Sat Partly sunny, with a high near 66.
66° | 39°
Sun A chance of rain showers before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 61.
61° | 40°
The Mussentuchit Wash Panel.
The Mussentuchit Wash Panel.

Mussentuchit Wash is often visited for the petroglyph panel on its rim. The panel is fairly large, with a mix of several distinctive styles of rock art over several different periods. The shapes and symbols are quite a mix, and fascinating to ponder.

We found the panel a treat to visit but found the gorge that the wash cuts through this part of the San Rafael Swell to be equally fascinating. The geology of this section of the wash is a mix of Curtis Formation sandstone on top of grey basalts with areas of Entrada sandstone. As the wash cuts a path through the layers, the colors and textures that are visible are quite striking. A loop hike visiting the panel, gorge, and looping back near Sand Cove Spring makes for an excellent 2 to 3 hour outing.

Note: The loop hike requires a little bit of navigation skill, but, more importantly, it requires minimal impact hiking skills. If doing the loop hike, be mindful of hiking on durable surfaces (rocks, wash, etc..) when possible, to avoid create social trails across the flats.
Mussentuchit Wash Gorge
Mussentuchit Wash Gorge

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