October 12th, 2009
Deep Creek Canyon, White River National Forest, CO
Sitting at the end of Drew’s kitchen table in Steamboat Springs, CO for 7 days and learning how to create a blog while loosing another millimeter or two of my hairline. I decided it was time to separate from the project, head to the White River Plateau, and explore Deep Creek Canyon NW of Dotsero, CO.
View into the Flat Top Wilderness -- W Mountian
Glimpse into Deep Creek Canyon
It is an area I’ve been meaning to visit for 5 years. Deep Creek Canyon supposedly descends 4,5000 ft in 15 miles, about 1-mile wide near the overlook, and the cliffs consist of limestone, dolomite, and sandstone. There are ~40 caves within the canyon. My goal, descend 8 miles of inner canyon within two days.
- Looking at Deep Creek Canyon Overlook at dusk
That evening I camped at Deep Creek overlook and upon waking the next morning my gut told me not descend the inner canyon. So I did the next best thing, I hiked into the canyon for 3 hours, took a few pictures, watched the Colorado Army National Guard practice flying and landing a CH-47 Chinook helicopter and then hiked out.
T
he following morning I woke to high winds and snow blasting the van. So I went back to sleep for a few more hours and then decided to head back to Steamboat Springs.
Making my way down Coffee Pot Road, I had to squeeze past a down aspen tree that crossed three quarters of the road. I thought to myself, I hope there aren’t any fallen trees blocking the road. Well, further down the road I had to stop the van due to an 18” aspen tree lying across the entire road. I tried to move the tree, however, I was unable due to the tree being ≥ 25ft in length and over 150lbs. So I went into my van and retrieved my rock hammer that has a 1” adze and began whittling away at the tree. 2-hours and three blisters later, along with a few thoughts of what beavers must contend with while gnawing a tree trunk, I finally whittled the tree in half and moved it to the side of the road. A thought came to mind, I should bill the Forest Service for my service.
Two hours later I was in Steamboat sitting at the end of the kitchen table working on my blog, thankful for the break, and glad I listened to my instinct.
W Mtn & Sheep Mtn Flat Top Wilderness