After switching, this fall,  from a small private school to a larger public school for 9th grade my daughter stated that she needed some time in Utah to commune with nature. To fill this need we planned a short trip over Thanksgiving break to the San Rafael Swell. The plan was to drive to the Swell and and spend 3 days wheeling camping and hiking.

We started the drip with a mid day run from Colorado Springs to where I70 and the Reef intersect. We left I70 and drove south on Utah 24 till we found a cut off and drove towards the base to the reef. It was dark so we did not know what to expect in the morning but I know the view should be spectacular.

We rose with the sun which revealed the reef in all its glory. We found our selves camped about 1/2 mile east of the reef. I was able to get a short morning hike in with the dogs into a cool little canyon.

After breakfast it was time to start our trek through the reef via Black Dragon Canyon. We crossed I70 via gates in the fence and a highway turnaround. No interchange here.

The drive up Black Dragon is by no means extreme but it does take a little care and a 4×4. We stopped at the rock art panel for a few pictures, then it was off to the top of the swell.  From the top of Black Dragon we headed west and under the I70. Once on the south side we took a side road that took us back under the interstate so we could explore the area around Dutchman Arch. The underpass is a concrete culvert that we just fit through.