​​In The Shadow of Longs Peak

​San Rafael River

11 May 2004

This hike is a true delight.  It is especially suitable for those who would like a long hike but would prefer not to encounter any rock climbing difficulties.

The trail starts at the information sign which shows the trail going pretty much the length of the San Rafael River but does not go thru completely.  We are thinking this might be a nice backpack trip but that needs more research. 

The trail for the most part stays close to the river winding along as the river itself bends and then stretches itself back out.  Vista of rock are many as are pinnacles, slabs of Wingate and caps of Navajo sandstone. 

There are walls of rock on both sides of the river.  After a mile or so, the trail climbs up and away from the bank.  Continue on and spread out before you is a peninsula of cottonwood. 

It appears that an old road runs thru this peninsula but on closer inspection the road is a wash coming from a side-canyon which begs for a closer look.  The trail has climbed back down to the floor of the valley and continues closer to the river.  It looks like the Wingate layer is lower and lower.

After awhile we cross another wash and decide that this is our turn-around point.  The river makes a sharp bend here, coming in from the north.  The trail continues along the river.  Exploration of it and the side canyons will need to wait for another day.

We retrace our steps back to the car noticing the desert flora with many Barrel Cactus in bloom, globe flowers and even some prickly-pear.