We ventured deep within the Waterpocket Fold of Capitol Reef National Park to hike Cottonwood Wash. The hike alternates between tight narrows and more open areas with a number of chockstones (large boulders wedged in narrow slots) to negotiate.
Waterpocket Fold
Capitol Reef’s Waterpocket Fold is the defining geologic feature of the park. This wrinkle in the earth’s surface extends for nearly 100 miles, creating a dramatic landscape of rugged cliffs and canyons, striking natural bridges and arches, and countless distinct formations. The Waterpocket Fold was formed 50 to 70 million years ago. More recent uplift (about 15 million years ago) along the Colorado Plateau resulted in further erosion and exposure, creating “waterpockets”—hence the name—that formed as tilted sandstone layers were eroded by water to develop the cliffs, domes, canyons, arches and monoliths.
We hiked close to 5 miles up the wash into an EXTREMELY tight slot canyon. So tight, you have to shimmy sideways in places…not for the claustrophobic. The trail starts right off the highway with a sandy walk up the wide wash. After about a mile it turns rocky and narrows. There aren’t any official trail signs or markers, though there are some cairns to help guide the way. The trail becomes increasingly difficult with bouldering and rock scrambling that is very challenging. This is definitely a difficult hike for the technical factor.
I’m still taking it fairly easy to try to let my back recover. It bums me out that it got re-aggravated in the first place because since I hurt it badly back in 2013, I’ve been so careful. Part of my morning routine includes at least 45 minutes of stretches and strengthening to try to keep it healthy. Oh well, I guess there are worse problems in the world. We actually get tv channels at our boondocking spot and were able to watch the Chauvin verdict. There isn’t much to be said that hasn’t already be said, but I’m thankful every day to be able to get out and do what we’re doing.
Leave a Reply