LJ Dawson

Day 1: After pulling into the Middle Fork parking lot, there will be two trailheads. Sign in at either one, but I started at TH 28 to head directly to Johnson Lake. A gradual climb passes beautiful waterfalls and recovering burn scars dotted with flowers. To Johnson Lake is 5.2 miles with an elevation gain of a little under 1500 feet.There are established campgrounds around the lake that the f...

The total distance of the loop is a little under 25 miles and you will climb a total of 7202 feet. It can be done as a 3 day backpacking trip as shown below.The LoopDay 1: After Parking in the trail head's parking lot, which fills up quickly on weekends, start down the trail after signing your permit.You will cross the creek and reach the Hankins Pass and Goose Creek trail split. I did the loop...

After parking at the trailhead, follow the well defined trail on the left side of Weir Creek for about half a mile. The trail passes multiple campsites that see heavy use. The trail ends after this short climb at the hot springs. Enjoy the hot water! Tips: After passing Jerry Johnson Hot Springs look for a parking lot around mile marker 141 on Highway 121This hot spring is heavily used so try...

Joyful Journey hot springs offers the full hotel and spa treatment, but in a valley where most people live off the grid, we chose the more rugged experience.The yurts gather together like penguins huddling not far from the springs. The wooden slates offer welcome relief from the frigid valley weather. The dogs snuggled into the yurt, and we bundled off to the hot springs.The three pools range f...

The trail weaves away from the highway following cairns. I did the loop counter-clockwise to hit all the viewpoints first. The first part of the trail offers stellar views of the Needles behind you.All the viewpoints are well marked by trail signs. The first viewpoint veers off to the right and takes you to a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and mesas.After returning to the trail, th...

After reaching the Gold Camp parking lot, strap on your snow shoes and head west past the gated road continuing on Gold Camp. The road will continue west for half a mile before passing the Seven Falls trailhead and turning east for another half a mile.At the collapsed tunnel, Gold Camp Road ends. The trail will get get steep and veer to the left of the tunnel. After a short climb above the road...

After leaving Moab, turn off Highway 191 on to 211. The drive will wind over the mesa tops and down into red rock canyon country. Enjoy the changing seasons whether the red cliffs are covered in snow or spring desert flowers are blooming.Watch for cattle as this is open range country. Also watch for rain and snow because this road can turn gnarly fast in bad weather. It continues to Canyonlands...