As winter started to set in, my pal Kurt and I started to talk about a winter trip out to the Desert. Something that seems to regularly happen every few years, with our first winter trip starting back in 2012. The San Rafael Swell, a fantastic piece of desert West of Green River, Utah has been a go to for us for over 20 years. I first learned about it from my officially unofficial mentor from the Pass Patrol club.

So, after chatting for a bit, my pal Kurt and I hatched a loose plan to head out into the San Rafael Swell for a long weekend in February. As time got close, more and more friends kept chiming in. I was excited. AS we headed out for camp, I’d soon find that everyone that wanted to go was there. Something that doesn’t happen all that often. Heck, even my long, long time pal Robbie showed up, something of a bit of a surprise to me!

At camp, friends started trickling in. Well into the wee hours. Then The snow. Then Tim brought out wood blocks- Fire Jenga. Then we woke up to some fresh snow. As I went to walk around and photograph, I spotted my long, long time friend Robbie walking about. I was happy. The weekend was filled with great friends, awesome country and just an overall wonderful time. Everybody just being there. Once back home, parked the 4runner in the garage and sat at my window on the 32nd floor with a beer. Happy.

And so begins another trip into Utah and the Desert. Whom I to complain:).

Finally making a stop at Rays Tavern in Green River. We’ve started and ended trips here many a times.

One of our first winter outings to the Swell, way back in the day we stayed here. Fun to be back. The next morning would look quite different.

My beloved Henrys.

Campfire Jenga as the snow started flying.

First morning at camp. Up early only to find a fresh layer of snow. Also a long, long time friend from the club made a special appearance. It was really fun being back on the trail with Robbie, knowing all the past adventures we’ve done together.

Of all the years exploring the desert, this was a first for me to see so much fresh snow and it still falling hard. So couldn’t pass up the opportunity to walk around camp and get some pics.

The clouds started to lift as we were getting ready for the day.

Tim leading the pack through the narrows. The fresh snow, out in the desert with your friends and a blue bird sky made for a perfect day. Minus the mud.

Exploring around Temple Mountain, of course a snowball fight ensued.

Temple Mountain.

Making the climb above Temple Mountain.

Beloved Henry’s always in the distance.

Tim making fresh tracks to the Hidden Splendor Mine.

Down at Muddy Creek.

Making the hike down to the Hidden Splendor Mine.

Checking out some of the old mines.

Muddy Creek.

Evening sets in on the Henry Mountains.

A fine crew and another late and awesome night around the fire.

La Sal Mountains to the East.

Henry’s to the south.

Started up the hike for Little Wild Horse Canyon.

I didn’t get much further then this. Things got narrow, lots of scrambling. Uncomfortable for me.

Fine views of the Henry’s as we make our way to the Muddy River.

Crossing the Muddy River. Corbet stood watch just in case.

Travis got the message.

Same with Corbet.

Exploring some new parts of the Swell. This section was a bit muddy with the snow melting.

Faught this stretch of road for a bit.

At another fine camp. Food that night was amazing.

Jackson brought 5lbs of brisket. We ate like kings. Think I had a food coma. Lol

So much goodness.

Doesn’t get much better then this.

Morning stroll above camp.

Passing through Capital Reef National Park, we stopped at Temple of the Sun for a bit.

Dan Linn.

Jackson.

Corbet and Shawn.

A trusty stead.

Kurt.

Vistas.

An old friend.

Henry’s.

Evening sets in at a camp close to the start of Black Dragon Canyon.

Home and tucked back into the parking garage downtown. Awaiting the next adventure.

My long time pal Robbie climbing down Fixit Pass. Outlaws Run 2005.