UT: Bartlett Wash Slickrock

 A buddy of mine had organized a supported ride along the White Rim and had some extra space. I jumped at the opportunity and began making plans for a few extra rides while in the mountain bike Mecca of Moab. I wanted to try and squeeze in a ride before the White Rim and Scott was in town, so I didn't want to spend all of Thursday driving there. I reached out to Dylan, in Flagstaff, and he was gracious enough to let me crash at his place on Wednesday night. That shaved a few hours off the drive, giving me a lunchtime Moab arrival.

94° when I left Phoenix, 64° upon arrival in Flagstaff.

Obligatory Monument Valley photo, I didn't want to stop, so it's through the windshield!!

Mexican Hat rock near....Mexican Hat, UT.

I met up with Scott at his spectacular camp location with unobstructed views of the snow capped La Sal Mtns. He asked if I had even ridden the Bartlett Wash singletrack. I had not. Ride route confirmed. Scott has been riding this area since his early teens, practically a local tour guide. Off we go.

The man. I think he was secretly wondering how I would do on the singlespeed out here.

A few miles generally downhill along a very moon dusty road. I was thinking: 'I sure hope we don't come back this way'. Photo by Scott

We reached the bottom, some water was flowing near our turnoff to a trail of sorts. Cue the slickrock.

Unlike many of the more popular Moab trails, no dots to follow here. Choose your own adventure!!

It's such a remarkable landscape, so cool to experience. Photo by Scott

Scott pointed out the extra smooth Entrada Sandstone.

The landscape captures your imagination. You can almost feel the rocks flowing, in fluid motion as they settled into their present form.

We kept climbing, exposing expansive valley views.

It was fun picking a route and finding side challenges along the way.

Massive.

The striations are unreal.

I was choosing my climbing grades wisely and did quite well. Photo by Scott.

The beginnings of a slot canyon.

Swiss Cheese ridge.

Scott was on the prowl to show me a feature he has been riding for decades. One, when new to riding, felt like a huge accomplishment. Easy for him these days, but makes for some cool photos.

Mind the gap.

Roll the drop.

Step it back up.

Ride into a postcard.

It looked fun enough to try myself. Photo by Scott.

Scott still has impressive climbing skill.

I did what I do best. Photo by Scott.

Mashed Potato Rd. 

Again, choose your own adventure!!

Watering holes, aka Gravy Boats. Photo by Scott.

Snack break by this odd collection of tiny arches, foreground left.

La Sal Mtns. made a nice backdrop.

It was getting late in the afternoon, pushing past 6p. I tentatively had plans to meet the rest of the White Rim group for dinner, but that was looking less and less likely.

You are here. :) the base of 'Mean Hill'.

Yep, that's a mean one. Even Scott was forced to push.

It wasn't that mean, still smiling. Photo by Scott.

We finally topped out and linked into some fast dirt road riding back to the car.

I was so glad we didn't have to climb back up that sandy descent we started with. This was such a fun area to explore and really glad I had Scott there to show me around. It was funny as every now and then, you'd actually see a few feet of singletrack trail and tire tracks. The area does get ridden, but you definitely work for it.

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