2008-10-25: Sandstone Canyon Run Report
Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2008 5:53 pm
Well, we all got on the road on schedule and headed out towards Ocotillo Wells. The turn off for the Slot is a couple miles before the Ocotillo Wells OHV area and since My GPS had "lost" it's maps and waypoints somehow, I missed the turn 
But luckily realized the error of my ways and took the next "trail". We had to backtrack 50 yards or so. While we were airing down, Ollie realized that he had left his camera behind on a picnic bench and headed back to save it. The rest of headed on down to check out the Slot Canyon, some for the first time.
The canyon is a nice way to take a small hike on hot day. It is almost completely shaded and only takes about ten minutes to get through. For as many people as I have seen hike through it, there are still portions of the sandstone walls that are so narrow that you have to walk through sideways. I would almost think that all of the traffic over the years would have widened the passages. I don't know if the remnants of the bird we saw were once the inhabitant of the nest but I think it is more likely that the nest belongs to a hawk that perhaps made a meal of a crow or raven he happened upon. Just as we had returned to our rigs, Ollie was back and resumed his place in the lineup.
Next we headed of into Fish Creek and towards Sandstone Canyon. Just as we neared the portion that becomes a little challenging I saw a few people sitting around their rigs. I stopped to ask if they knew how many rigs might be further in the canyon so I'd know what to expect as far as congestion. That was when then they informed me that this was the "end" of the trail. Before I could correct them, they told me about the blockade. I was in disbelief! I have actually had drivers of other rigs inform me that I was at the end of trail before only to later clarify that what they meant was that they couldn't or wouldn't go any further. I had to see for myself. Alas, it was true. The trail has been closed. I'm still not over it. It is one of the most scenic and exiting trails in AB and a travesty to see it closed. We had no choice but to turn around.
Since we now had a new sense of time for the run, I wanted to make sure that everyone that wanted to, got to see the Wind Caves. So that was our next stop. We all parked and I hitched up the hounds for a nice, balmy one mile hike. You're not going to believe what happened next. We get to the trailhead to be greeted by yet another newly installed sign: "No dogs on trail". WTF! I was just here a few months ago and the sign read "Dogs must be on leash", rediculous. Now I'm being descriminated against because I have a dog? What should I do? Leave them in the car? Do the pads of their feet somehow do more damage to the fragile trail than all of the hiking boots? So.........I guess I didn't see the sign after all and we check out the Windcaves which are a pretty incredible sight. We rested a bit at the top and then headed back to the rigs.
We ended the afternoon on the trail at just about the perfect time to head back, relax with a cold one and get started grilling. All in all, a pretty good run. I just wish that Sandstone hadn't been closed down.
But luckily realized the error of my ways and took the next "trail". We had to backtrack 50 yards or so. While we were airing down, Ollie realized that he had left his camera behind on a picnic bench and headed back to save it. The rest of headed on down to check out the Slot Canyon, some for the first time.The canyon is a nice way to take a small hike on hot day. It is almost completely shaded and only takes about ten minutes to get through. For as many people as I have seen hike through it, there are still portions of the sandstone walls that are so narrow that you have to walk through sideways. I would almost think that all of the traffic over the years would have widened the passages. I don't know if the remnants of the bird we saw were once the inhabitant of the nest but I think it is more likely that the nest belongs to a hawk that perhaps made a meal of a crow or raven he happened upon. Just as we had returned to our rigs, Ollie was back and resumed his place in the lineup.
Next we headed of into Fish Creek and towards Sandstone Canyon. Just as we neared the portion that becomes a little challenging I saw a few people sitting around their rigs. I stopped to ask if they knew how many rigs might be further in the canyon so I'd know what to expect as far as congestion. That was when then they informed me that this was the "end" of the trail. Before I could correct them, they told me about the blockade. I was in disbelief! I have actually had drivers of other rigs inform me that I was at the end of trail before only to later clarify that what they meant was that they couldn't or wouldn't go any further. I had to see for myself. Alas, it was true. The trail has been closed. I'm still not over it. It is one of the most scenic and exiting trails in AB and a travesty to see it closed. We had no choice but to turn around.
Since we now had a new sense of time for the run, I wanted to make sure that everyone that wanted to, got to see the Wind Caves. So that was our next stop. We all parked and I hitched up the hounds for a nice, balmy one mile hike. You're not going to believe what happened next. We get to the trailhead to be greeted by yet another newly installed sign: "No dogs on trail". WTF! I was just here a few months ago and the sign read "Dogs must be on leash", rediculous. Now I'm being descriminated against because I have a dog? What should I do? Leave them in the car? Do the pads of their feet somehow do more damage to the fragile trail than all of the hiking boots? So.........I guess I didn't see the sign after all and we check out the Windcaves which are a pretty incredible sight. We rested a bit at the top and then headed back to the rigs.
We ended the afternoon on the trail at just about the perfect time to head back, relax with a cold one and get started grilling. All in all, a pretty good run. I just wish that Sandstone hadn't been closed down.
