Created 2-Dec-10
Modified 26-Mar-24
Chute Canyon. (San Rafael Swell)
Day begins with a short drive along the I 70 (stopping at one of the overlooks (I think was called Ivie Creek) and then down Hwy 24 to Goblin State Park. The gate was unattended so I drove in to check out the campsite. Full and a tenant told me it books up months in advance. Just as well, it was made in a circular formation with low cliffs behind. Every noise amplified and not much privacy. Back at the entrance station for some advice I was told to avoid the slot canyons today due to the chance of rain further west that could result in flash floods. So much for my plan to hike up Little Wildhorse & Bell canyons. Ranger wouldn’t commit to any options but did show me where I could camp for free on BLM land. It was the last day of some kind of extended school break so there were lots of people around.
Back with the guidebook I settled on Chute canyon. A little more open than others with several places I could climb out if it did in fact rain and flooding was an issue. The road in was a rough gravel/dirt/bedrock affair but I only drug the hitch on the van once going thru a wash. Not much of an off road vehicle.
Chute canyon was a good introduction to the area, got my camera back in my hands and I pretty much had the place to myself. Only saw two other parties.
© Clayton Ditzler
