Slots... Not The Vegas Kind

Little Wild Horse Canyon is a slot canyon near Goblin Valley State Park. After getting our motorhome set up at the dispersed camping site on West Temple Junction Road, Tom suggested I go check out the trail through the canyon. This canyon can be hiked in combination with the nearby Bell Canyon, but several people along the trail noted that Little Wild Horse Canyon was more dramatic and beautiful. After hearing this, and at their suggestion, I opted to save the extra miles of hiking both canyons and only do this one.

It was hot in the sun hiking up the wider canyon to the beginning of the slot section. I was thankful for the large cottonwood trees that flanked the both sides of the wash that led from the trailhead that offered me some occasional shade, and that I wore my wide-brimmed hat. The canyon quickly narrowed and invited me into the narrows with an inverted “V” opening in the rocks. The walls grew taller and closer together the further I went. I was mesmerized at how they undulated in and out, eventually coming to a point on the canyon floor that was just wide enough for my foot to step. In spots, it was just wide enough to get my shoulders through without brushing. It was quite close quarters, especially where I had to pass someone going the other direction. Then unexplainably, the walls suddenly widened out and I would find myself in a room that made me think of a great hall in a medieval castle, and the doorway at the other end was another slot canyon.

I was intrigued seeing how the water has scoured holes in spots, and how it left a tightly curved path in others. The layers of sandstone, alternating between red and yellow tones, were beautiful. There are a few spots that I had to scramble over boulders to proceed, and in one place there was a rock suspended about four feet in the air, wedged between the narrow walls. A child could have crawled under it, but us adult-sized people have to find a way to climb over it. I finally came to a place in the slot canyon where there was a ledge at least five feet high that would have to be climbed, and the ledge was all undercut. I took this as a sign that I should turn around and head back, so I did. I have to say the canyon is just as wonderful in the reverse direction. I passed by Wild Horse Butte on my way there. It is a magnificently tall mass of layered red rock rising above the surrounding landscape, making it a landmark for those traveling through this area. I know Tom didn’t want to be out in the hot sun and that his foot was aching more than normal, but I am glad to have had the opportunity to take this hike. It would have been nice to have done it with him, although the sandy areas might have worsened his pain. He was grateful that I shared pictures and gave him my virtual experience. I am grateful he watched the pups, I don't think Suki or Cassie would have enjoyed the tight quarters or rock scrambling.

Boy, was it windy today. Not a blow me over wind, but I did have to chase the outside rugs a few times, and later we closed the door to keep some of the blowing dust out. We haven’t heard from the dealer or insurance agent, so we will likely call both tomorrow, maybe after we get back from a possible morning escape. Since it’s Prime Day, we spent a bit of time looking things up that have been on our shopping list. We finished up by having breakfast for supper: Over-easy eggs on toast and fried potatoes. It was delicious and satisfying. I could have been better and got more done today, but thankful for what we accomplished.

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