Rattle Snake Creek - Ashdown Gorge

I did this trip last month with my demented friend Hubba. This is the 2nd or 3rd time he has joined me and I think I got him hooked. We were looking for something in the mountains to try and get the hell out of the heat for a couple day's. I had read about Rattle Snake Creek before but have never talked to anybody that has been and had not seen any pictures. It starts at the North Entrance of Cedar Breaks two miles from Brian Head and comes out in the bottom of Cedar Canyon three miles from town. About 11 miles. Seemed like a plan to us so we headed out early on a Saturday morning and found the trail head. I had a half assed topo of the area with me but rather than that didn't know much about what lay ahead. It turned out we weren't the first explorers to the area, their was a well beaten path but despite that we did not pass another person until the last mile of the hike.A very big bonus because nothing ruins a cool place like contact with strangers. The cool weather to start the hike was perfect sitting at about 45 degrees. The first few miles we spent hiking through green meadows packed with wild flowers and views of the red rock of Cedar Breaks. Very pretty walk. After that the trail drops you into Rattlesnake Creek. A beautiful little stream with lots of waterfalls surrounded by a thick pine forest. We hiked along this stream for about three miles before turning south where we climbed a ridge that drops into Ashdown Gorge. This is where I was pleasantly surprised. I was not expecting to drop into a kickass mountain slot canyon. Technically not a slot but surprisingly narrow in places. Incredible place made even more beautiful and interesting just by the simple fact that I had no idea it was coming. We explored a couple side canyons with very pretty waterfalls and camped at Flanagain Arch. The next morning we hiked out to the highway where you are suppost to have a car waiting. Just for some extra adventure though I voted for taking just my truck. So we started hiking up the narrow Cedar Canyon road trying to thumb a ride. Not much room to walk with out getting ran over. Getting a ride turned out to be more difficult than I expected. Freaking untrusting people these day's have seen to many movies. We hiked another 5 miles up canyon before a cool kid from back east who was working for the forest service and coincidentally had just completed the same hike the day before picked us up and drove us all the way back to my truck even though he was heading the other way. Some strangers are alright after all. Our total hiking miles ended at 16.5. Nice little walk and a hell of a good time.

Good times....no time for anything less

Deep Creek 09

I made my first trip of the year into the sacred land yesterday after work. As usual I had a bunch of dirty hillbillies staring me down on the way in but had the last mile of dirt road to myself and was happy to find nobody around while I parked my truck and jumped the no trespassing sign in to the old man's property. Always a little nerve racking at the beginning trying to slip unnoticed down below the cow pond but once I hit the bottom of the first drop I relaxed and had a pleasant hike down singing along the way (Signs signs every where signs fuggin up the scenery breaking my mind do this don't do that cant you read the signs, sign says anybody caught trespassing will be shot on sight so I jumped the fence and yelled to the house hey what gives you the right!). I'm guessing I arrived at the edge of Deep Creek around 5 o'clock and as is my custom I took a knee at the waters edge and gave thanks to what ever gods were listening for the opportunity to see this place once again. After my short prayer I crossed Deep Creek and started up O'Neil and found my hidden camp site above the river. I dropped my pack, strung my pole and started fishin. My first cast I caught a fish. My second cast I completely redeemed myself and snapped my fly off in a tree. The next couple of hours was spent in pretty much the same fashion. As usual the fishing was insane and if you threw out a half way decent line you had a fish. I caught around 15 only because I fish poorly and waste a lot of time. Most of you would have snagged 40. I finally tired out and headed back to set up camp and cook the 3 fish I kept for diner. The dog and I spent the night around the fire staring at the shadows of the towering cliffs and watching the stars come in and out of view as the clouds rolled overhead. In the morning I fished just for a bit before throwing my pack on and heading out. The hike out was quick with complete cloud cover and a cool breeze. I was happy to find my truck as I had left it and with nobody around I jumped in and started home. I passed a lot of land owners on the way out and I thought of a fool proof plan for not being bothered on my next trip . It will take a filthy black felt cowboy hat a 20 year old rusty horse trailer with cow shit dripping steadily out the back and I will blend in just fine.

Pinto, gunlock & other fun

Johnny Bo is 5

Boden had his 5th bday last month. I could not ask for a better kid. Sloan and I think we are going to like this age already. He is still cute and fun like his toddler year's but also helpful and independent.

Josie Maiz