June has been an interesting month for Joan and me, if not as backcountry-focused.
We spent a weekend as part of our volunteer role participating in a weekend about the lesser-known Utah presence of the famous Buffalo Soldiers. Unknown to me, the Buffalo Soldiers even had a presence in the Elk Mountain Mission, perhaps a ten-minute walk from where I am typing.
We attended the presentation, visited some of the historical sites, and even gained more insight into the area we call home.
The following week, we met with our good friend Cam and his partner, Kate, after they completed a 900-mile walkabout across Utah. That’s their story to tell, but glad we could play a small part in it.
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We took them to the mountains, showed them some archaeological sites, walked among the dinosaur track sites, and I channeled my inner nonna to feed them after many miles across our adopted home state.
After a quick solo camping trip (where it was too windy, but not so windy that I couldn’t enjoy a beer while sheltered in the trees), while Joan saw her folks, we felt the need to go backpacking. To escape the heat, go high up, and enjoy the alpen glow while nursing a hot drink among the pines.
The La Sals are only an hour from our home from the time we leave our driveway until the time we park at he trailhead, but it feels a world away.
We can walk among the early summer wildflowers, enjoy the greenery, and escape the harsh sun of the Utah desert summer.
The La Sal Mountains are a small but striking range.
We find a suitable spot to call it a night with scenic views and near a favorite sunset spot.
We’ve used the Gossamer Gear “The Two” a fair number of nights at this point. First impressions coming soon..
The sun sets, and we settle in for the night, relishing the cool mountain air.
The following morning, we leisurely pack up, I enjoy some coffee, and we take it all in before heading out again by a different route.
The desert is why we live in Moab, but the nearby mountains are what make it a place we enjoy all year long.
What is the trailhead name? Great photos.
Thank you! I like to keep places on the more obscure side at this point. 🙂