Lockhart Basin
For us, Lockhart Basin is a weird trail. Even though we'd done it twice, we didn't have a GPS track of it due to technical issues the other two times. We were on a mission to map the trail and get more information about it. We wouldn't be disappointed.
It wasn't long before we weren't sure we were on the right trail or not. We stopped at the base of a hill that was a bit washed out and weird, but it looked right. After a break and consultation we headed up the hill and it ended up being a good guess. We were in the wash.
The wash was a blast! We didn't know it would be so challenging, so it was a nice surprise. There were at least three spots that required good tire placement, and it was a good time. We took some pictures of everyone flexing in one section, and then we had a good time climbing out of the wash. It actually ended up being the most challenging spot of the entire trip.
Once we were at the top we stopped at the overlook. The clouds were rolling in, bringing shade and cooling things off a bit. It was awesome to see the trail we'd come from and get our bearings. Les thought he heard something rattling on the front of his truck so he checked it out. He was standing up and connected his head with the corner of Matt's tailgate. Once we made sure he wasn't permanently damaged we headed on.
We saw Ugly Hill in the distance, and it sure was ugly. As we got closer we realized that looks were a bit deceiving. Yes, it was ugly but it was a good climb. Though it was covered in loose rocks, no one had an issue getting to the top.
There were a few good obstacles on the way to the saddle, and everyone had a great time with them. Nothing was as challenging as the initial wash, but it was all good. Each of us chose a different line up some of the obstacles, but we all made it to the saddle without any problems.
The portion of the trail before the descent into the basin is long and covered in little challenges. We had fun playing on rocks, going up ledges, and bumping down obstacles. We stopped every once in a while to stretch our legs and chat, but we still made good time.
We descended into the basin and realized we hadn't seen anyone since starting the trail. It was definitely remote and desolate. We wanted to take all of the spur roads, especially the one to Lockhart Canyon, but we would have to save them for another day. We talked about coming in from the other end at some point and not doing the rest of the trail. There is always another trail to do, it seems.
We were almost to the creek crossing when we met a passenger car with a couple of lost people in it. They were looking for a campground and we assumed they meant Hamburger Rock. We told them to turn around, impressed that they made it as far as they did. They followed us to the waterfall campsite and then they parked for a bit while we went to the campsite.
The creek was muddy and it made for a waterfall made of chocolate milk (or at least it looked that way). Still, it was a nice spot and it sounded nice. There was no one at the campsite, but we decided to press on. We watched the car cross the creek, get stuck on the way out, work its way out, and keep going. We hoped it was a rental car.
After hanging out for a bit we crossed the creek. It was wide but not deep. It was sandy on both sides, and that could make things challenging though we didn't have any issues.
We kept thinking we were closer to Hamburger Rock than we were, but we came to it eventually. Over the course of the day most of us decided that would be where we would spend the night if there were spots. We had hoped to spend the night in Horse Canyon, and we even had the Peekaboo Campground reserved. Our luck wasn't good, though, and the trail was closed due to quicksand.
We got lucky and there were spots at Hamburger Rock. It was still pretty busy, though. Everyone but Monica decided to camp, and Monica said goodbye and headed back to her hotel in Moab.
Lockhart Basin ended up being a blast, and the scenery was awe inspiring. And we finally had a GPS track of it! It was a great day.
Reports from Other Days: 3
Use the arrows or dots to flip through the previews of the other reports for Lockhart Basin. Click one of them to read more and see all of the photos from that day.
