Northern Utah is still socked in with late winter snow so I took another trip down to the San Rafael Swell to take advantage of the high desert weather and lack of snow. Temperatures were in the 20s overnight and up around 40 by day, so I chose to tackle a big hike in the Sid’s Mountain Wilderness.
The access to Sid’s is from the northwestern Swell, starting at Ferron Utah, and through some high-clearance doubletrack road. The trailhead is up on the overlook above North Salt Wash, which is the first destination as you head toward Sid’s Mountain. Down into the wash, east a bit, and then up an old horseman trail to reach the plateau.
Once on the plateau I headed southeast up the slope towards the Kofford Cabin, built in 1936. The cabin is raised a few feet on stilts, and is very well preserved, near a storage cellar and paddock. From the cabin it is another mile to the base of Sid’s Mountain which was my furthest destination. The peak has two survey markers and an incredible view of northern Swell including Windowblind Peak in the distance.
I chose to make it a loop, hiking down the wash rather than the plateau, in part because I was on the hunt for petroglyphs which are plentiful. The wash ends in a huge pour-off so I cut back up west towards my inbound trail, finding a neat cave, perhaps 60′ x 80′, overlooking the Salt Wash. Once I regained my route, I retraced my path down into and out of the wash.
This was a long day at 17 miles and taking me just under 7 hours. But there is a lot of variety and unusual terrain in this area, and I thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Resources:
- The drive in to the trailhead (39.06639, -110.85509) is going to take a high-clearance 4WD and also not something you want to try after recent rains. Don’t try driving in from the north, as there is no longer a bridge over the San Rafael River at Fuller Bottom.
- There is primitive camping area on the way in, and near the trailhead, but there is no shade available anywhere in the area.
- Hiking track
Lessons Learned
- I carried my Core Hiking Gear and no additional items
- It was rather windy on the plateau and I wish I’d brought a better wind layer!
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