For our first full day in Canyonlands, we set out for the Joint Trail. First climbing over S.O.B Hill. Matt suggested backing over the obstacle, which seemed to make things a bit easier. After S.O.B Hill, we headed to the trailhead for the Joint Trail. Knowing that it’s been a few years since my last visit to Canyonlands (2014), I was excited to be back in the depths of it. We started out for the Joint Trail, leaving the trucks at the parking area. After hiking through the slot canyon section of the Joint Trail, we climbed back out into the openness of Canyonlands, finding ourselves surrounded towering fins and vistas of the desert country we’ve come to love. Even spotted my first glimpse of my beloved Henry Mountains. After a few miles of hiking we broke up into two groups. Matt and I headed back to the trucks via the slot canyon while the rest of the group took the long way around and hiked back to camp.

While driving back to camp after the hike, Matt ended up getting a flat tire in Bruce’s 80 series Land Cruiser. With short work, we quickly had the spare changed out and were back at camp. That evening, Shawn cooked up another fine meal. We soaked in a fine sunset before settling in around the propane firepit (no campfires in national parks). Later in the night, we’d take a walk to enjoy the star filled sky.

Backing over S.O.B Hill. Seems backing over makes quick work of the obstacle.

Bruce backing over.

Bruce.

Marko checking out Matt’s new zoom lens.

Starting the hike for the Joint Trail.

The fun part of the hike begins.

Hiking through the Slot Canyon.

Gotta love Canyonlands:).

First views of my beloved Henry Mountains:).

While the rest of the gang hiked back to camp, Matt and myself hiked back through the slot canyon to get back to the rigs.

Matt soaking in the sun in the Slot Canyon.

Paintbrushes in bloom.

While driving back to camp, Matt ended up getting a flat tire in Bruce’s 80 Series. We made quick time changing out the spare.

Evening light sets in on camp.

Another fine meal from our friend Shawn.

Great company to end a great day.

Soaking in the last of the evening light.

My pal Matt.

Devils Kitchen. Always a fine camp.

A fine sunset.

Another fine night with good company around the propane fire pit (no campfires in national parks).