In Search of the Spirit of the Wild West

Beef Basin

August 8

After spending two nights at the Mesa Verde campground in Colorado, we hit the road heading to Utah. Exactly at noon, at the route UT 211 turnoff, Eva saw two women running nervously around their car. We pulled over. As it turned out, a mother and daughter locked their car keys inside their Saturn. They tried to break in for a long time. The sun was almost in zenith, the temperature was close to 100°F/ 40°C. We could not leave them alone. After nearly an hour, using a car antenna with a piece of wire and a hook from bungee cord, Matt finally unlocked the door. What a joy, we all were jumping like crazy. Both women, because their car was unlocked, we in turn, happy that finally we could hide from the scorching sun in a cozy interior of our JK.

We broke into Saturn::After nearly an hour, using car antenna with a piece of wire and a hook from bungee cord, Matt finally unlocked the door::
We broke into Saturn
Lunch in the shade of trees::Beef Basin, Utah, USA::
Lunch in the shade of trees
Beef Basin Road #1::Beef Basin, Utah, USA::
Beef Basin Road #1
Beef Basin Road #2::Beef Basin, Utah, USA::
Beef Basin Road #2

After half an hour drive on route UT 211, we turned off towards Beef Basin. The terrain was mostly flat. Several hours of driving along a dirt road became a little monotonous. However, we managed not to miss the old Indian ruins. According to our schedule, we wanted to get to the Needles district in Canyonlands National Park before sunset.

Beef Basin Road #3::Beef Basin, Utah, USA::
Beef Basin Road #3
Cattle Bones in Beef Basin::Beef Basin, Utah, USA::
Cattle Bones in Beef Basin
Indian ruins #1::Beef Basin, Utah, USA::
Indian ruins #1
Indian ruins #2::Beef Basin, Utah, USA::
Indian ruins #2

In close vicinity of the Needles, we met three park rangers in a white Jeep Wrangler. They were driving in the opposite direction. The rangers were surprised by our presence and immediately asked about our destination. When we mentioned that we wanted to enter the national park and spend a night in the nearest campsite, they strongly opposed. They argued that by the time we got there, there would not be any space left for us. In addition, the closest obstacle called Bobby’s Hole is not for us to drive through. The road over there is in such a bad condition that we will damage our vehicle. Later, they mentioned that for at least two weeks no one drove the trail we are planning to go on. Conversations with park rangers were at least strange. Personally, I would expect some advice and support, rather than discourage. They even talked about our Jeep’s tires. "You will not make it on these tires," said one of them. "What's wrong with my tires?" I asked in reply, but did not get any answer. After all, these were brand new pieces of off-road rubber. As you can see, the ranger invented anything to discourage us from traveling around the national park.

Beef Basin Road #4::Beef Basin, Utah, USA::
Beef Basin Road #4
Road to Canyonlands #1::Beef Basin, Utah, USA::
Road to Canyonlands #1
Road to Canyonlands #2::Beef Basin, Utah, USA::
Road to Canyonlands #2
Route Analysis::Beef Basin, Utah, USA::
Route Analysis

When the rangers left, we drove a few miles to the beginning of a section of the road known as Bobby’s Hole. It was a technically difficult descent through deep ruts of loose rock debris and boulders. To avoid hitting rocks on the chassis, in many places we moved boulders and created a path for ourselves. We analyzed the route very carefully. Matt acted as guide, Matthew was behind the wheel, and Eva was taking pictures. It took us exactly two hours to drive down this small section of road, no longer than 150 - 200 yards.

Climbing Down the Bobby’s Hole #1::Beef Basin, Utah, USA::
Climbing Down the Bobby’s Hole #1
Climbing Down the Bobby’s Hole #2::Beef Basin, Utah, USA::
Climbing Down the Bobby’s Hole #2
The Bobby’s Hole #1::Beef Basin, Utah, USA::
The Bobby’s Hole #1
Removing tumbleweeds from the road::Beef Basin, Utah, USA::
Removing tumbleweeds from the road

It was almost dark when we arrived at the designated primitive campsite. There was not a single soul there, not even a trace of human presence in recent weeks. We were completely alone, but the rangers predicted that there would not be a spot for us. The location was fantastic. Almost vertical rock walls surrounded us; there was no wind, we had beautiful starry sky above our heads. There was absolute silence, no sounds of animals, not even insects. It was an ideal place where you can forget about the whole world.


© 2012 Maciej Swulinski