Moab, Utah 2017, Part 3 - Castleton Tower, Parriott's Mesa, Hell's Revenge

Ok the final blog post on Moab, Utah. This one finishes out the 2nd day coming back off of the Onion Creek Road. We had actually ventured to try to make it to Rose Garden Hill and it seemed doable at first but then became tight and narrow with lots of loose rock and high ledges. We quickly realized we needed to turn around and head back down Onion Creek Road. That afternoon we found ourselves around UT-128 and came upon a clearing with fantastic views of the mesa leading up to Castleton Tower on the left and Parriott's Mesa on the right.

Views of Castleton Tower in the distance on the left and Parriott's Mesa on the right. Fuji XT-2, 14mm f/2.8 Lens

Trail leading up the valley between the Mesas and Castleton Tower in the distance. Fuji XT-2, 14mm f/2.8 Lens

After hiking up the trail here is a closer view of Parriott's Mesa and Castleton Tower.  Fuji X100F

On the final day I wanted to do a little more serious off-roading so before we headed back to Grand Junction, we headed to the Sand Flats Recreation Area to tackle Hell's Revenge. It's a steep slick rock trail with lots of steep inclines and descents.  Most are usually blind as you go up to the top (meaning you can't see the trail in front of you. All you can see is the hood of your truck).  Here's a few images from the trail and then at the top of Hell's Revenge you can hike to an overlook and see the Colorado River Valley below and UT-128.

Tom and Debbie walking along the Hell's Revenge Trail. The black line on the rock from the tire tread is what you follow on the Hell's Revenge Trail.  Iphone 8 Plus

Along the slick rock on Hell's Revenge - Iphone 8 Plus

The Black Hole obstacle.  I decided to go around this obstacle. - Iphone 8 Plus

Mickey's Hot Tub is another famous obstacle. I decide to go around this obstacle as well.  iPhone 8 Plus

Mickey's Hot Tub - Iphone 8 Plus

View from above Mickey's Hot Tub - Fuji X-T2, 14mm f/2.8 Lens

Steep descent on Hell's Revenge Trail - Fuji X-T2, 23mm f/2 Lens

Here's a short video with highlights of driving the Hell's Revenge Trail.

Tom and Debbie at the Overlook.  Fuji X-T2, 56mm f/1.2 Lens

Shrubbery growing out of the slick rock with the La Sal Mountains in the background.  Fuji X-T2, 23mm f/2 Lens

Juniper Tree amongst the slick rock - Fuji X-T2, 23mm f/2 Lens

View from the overlook. Fuji X-T2, 56mm f/1.2 Lens

View of the Colorado River and UT-128 on the left from the overlook.  Fuji X-Pro2, 23mm f/2 Lens

I hope the images and video gave you a sense of my Moab Adventure. There is so much more to explore in the area that I have not seen so it's definitely on my list to return and most likely this coming winter.  It is one of my favorite places to explore. Thanks for joining me on this adventure!

Check out the full gallery of images from this adventure.