| Description: | Second big loop from a campsite in Kane Springs Canyon. I figured that I should be able to ride up the jeep road in Kane Springs Canyon to Hwy 191, and from here through the network of jeep roads Behind the Rocks back.
Jeep road up Kane Springs Canyon was OK for the first several miles. Then came numerous crossings of the creek that was running ankle deep, sandwiched with sandy sections through tamarisks and babyhead dry creek beds. Some riding in the creek was there too. The canyon narrows at the end and is quite scenic, however, my bike did not like all the sand and mud. It took me almost 3 hours to get from my campsite to the Hwy 191. Here I spend half hour cleaning the bike and eating lunch, then a short ride on the very frequented highway, there must have been some roadie bike race since several groups passed me. They did not go too much faster, though. Then I hopped on the Behind the Rocks trail, which is quite devastated by both off road vehicle and bike traffic. I forgot the maps so I oriented by what I remembered from reading them before. I was passed by two pretty fast bikers, probably preparing for the 24 hour race and further devastation of the area. I followed them a bit thus a bit erratic pattern of my riding in the area. In any case, after somewhat lengthy riding on a mediocre dirt road I started descending to Hunters Canyon, which is quite good slickrock steps road. Then up to Pritchett Canyon on a sandy jeep road, the climb to White Knuckle Hill was not too bad. Down was, there was hordes of jeepers and I walked most of the harder parts since I was getting tired. Down Pritchett was OK, relatively scenic though I was more thinking of the beer in the cooler at that moment. Final push up Kane Springs Road was not too bad either, met only several dusters (i.e. cars, ATVs, motorcycles) in the process which was quite a success for Saturday afternoon. |
