Roadtrip through the San Rafael Swell | The Wedge (Little Grand Canyon) & Buckhorn Wash Pictographs

[@bmiller9456]

That "old" bridge - back in the 1980s my dad and I took his crew-cab Ford with a service body and a horse trailer across. On the way back, we did the same thing with the trailer full of horses. Both times we were well over the listed maximum weight for the bridge. Needless to say... it's well made!

[@joywyse6996]

Thank you for all these beautiful videos. They are an awesome gift.

[@adventureawaits5003]

That wash and pictographs area was cool nice upload

[@CactusAtlas]

There's a surprising amount of things tucked away on that road and we didn't even stop at all of them.

[@Steve-uy8kx]

I'm a fan of the area. Great video.

[@CactusAtlas]

Us too! Thank you! 😄

[@lzwnn]

Oh, wow, there were so many hidden gems along the way on this trip, and like you said, what a great finale in that canyon. Really enjoyable trip, thank you!

[@CactusAtlas]

Hoping to do a summer 2023 version of this now that I have the truck, and camp out on the rim of the Wedge. This was one of my all time favorite places.

[@lzwnn]

@@CactusAtlas I look forward to that!

[@adventureoverland1960]

Great video, thanks for sharing. Heading out there next week.

[@CactusAtlas]

Thank you! Hope you enjoy your time there! 😄

[@jamesmickryan982]

Thanks for the video… Heading here in a few weeks.

[@CactusAtlas]

Fantastic! Have a tremendous time! 😊

[@shaynejenkins446]

One of the coolest things I've ever seen was at the wedge overlook. We were at the petroglyphs when it started to rain very hard. So we got up out of the canyon to the wedge overlook in a hurry. Was a little worried of a flash flood. Once we got there lightning was crashing down all around the mesas and giant waterfalls were coming off the mesas. The hair on my girlfriends head was standing straight up from the static in the air. It was scary , amazing and beautiful at the same time. we watched it until the rain stopped being so heavy. I took pictures and showed them to relatives that have lived in Emery county their whole lives and have never seen anything like that.

[@CactusAtlas]

Oh WOW. That sounds like an amazing (albeit slightly terrifying) experience! I imagine those photos were some great captures in a rare occurrence.

[@tommysimmons5266]

Cattle guards are a mile apart, that smooth section of road is a grease way( nickname) because of the rain turning it into a mud field. We have a place called crybaby hill outside Zion. People in rental cars unfortunately get stuck on roads like that. Next trip take a jeep or truck and go camping along the way. Check out overland videos of the area. I’m taking Full Moon Bicycle camping this summer. Have fun! Check out Matt’s off road recovery, believe it or not. Places people try getting to with a car. Beautiful sites

[@CactusAtlas]

We've since been back since we bought an off road truck so Glenn didn't have to take my car that time. 😂

[@minikin5569]

Great Video!..

[@CactusAtlas]

Thank you so much! 😄

[@minikin5569]

@@CactusAtlas I was laughing so hard at the 👽 had to pee petroglyph;

[@lloydshell3104]

Love that area, been there A bunch of times, it was fun to see it through somebody else's eyes! Thanks for sharing!

[@CactusAtlas]

Our pleasure! Very glad you enjoyed it. We love that area as well. It's such a playground and we'd love to be able to get back and explore more of it.

[@lloydshell3104]

@@CactusAtlas you need to hike in the Needles District of Canyonlands, the Dry Forks of the Coyote Gulch, and about a zillion other places.

[@thepavementendsnow1901]

It IS all about the journey, isn’t it! 👍

[@CactusAtlas]

Absolutely! 👍

[@Wesley-uo3rn]

Thx for the video

[@CactusAtlas]

Any time! 😄

[@KayentaRojo]

I am from Utah and I am absolutely IN LOVE with the swell! I try to go there at least 5 times a year, and I’m so proud to live in such an incredible place!! Thank you for making such a great video man, your channel really is something special. You truly capture the essence of the Southwest! The somberness, the beauty, the mystery, and the eerie-ness at times. I love this place, and I can tell you love it too! You have a life long subscriber, and I can’t wait to see the journeys you go on in the future! Cheers 🤙🏽

[@CactusAtlas]

Thank you so so much! We really appreciate hearing that. 😄 The Southwest is definitely our favorite area. Really a lot of variety even within in. Would love to get back to the Swell and explore more though. That place really made an impact.

[@Shaman196]

Hello 👋 From Castle Dale Utah 🇺🇸

[@KodyKline]

Thanks for showing the north side---just spent 3 days camping on the south side and found some awesome Bytroidal Jasper/Grape Agate Geodes---huge ones...Not have time to explore the northside on this trip, but we round Moab area every year--well be back. Nice video.

[@CactusAtlas]

Oh wow! Congrats on the geodes! Would love to have time to explore and find things like that. Also LOVE the Moab area. Thanks for stopping by the comment. We appreciate it. 😊

[@BrokenDreamsReborn]

Hello, we are Shion and Matthew and just came across your channel! The San Rafael Swell looks like an amazing place to just explore and hike, etc. The views are amazing! Thanks for sharing!

[@CactusAtlas]

The Swell is definitely just that! An amazing place! Thanks for watching!

[@kreggossmer2029]

😎👍

[@SomeplaceOrAnother]

The views on today exploration were pretty cool 😎👍

[@CactusAtlas]

It really was a new cool thing around every corner!

[@DovieRuthAuthor]

Absolutely gorgeous! Thank you!

[@CactusAtlas]

😄 Thank you as well!

[@SwiftyTravels]

Wow!! Incredibly beautiful! I love the excitement portrayed it is so genuine. What a beautiful place to have all to yourself! And those Native American drawings were amazing.. some quite creepy!!! What s beautiful place to camp! Me and my husband used to explore places like this ( before kids) this makes me want to explore again!!!

[@CactusAtlas]

Thank you so much! Yeah... some of the pictograph figures are a bit eerie. Seen a few sites refer to a few of them as angels because it looks like they have wings. Combined with the hearts pecked out on some one can't help but wonder what they originally represented when created.

[@donnaw9040]

I am especially fond of Utah and the Canyon Lands. Great video!🏜

[@CactusAtlas]

It's a favorite area of ours. We just miiiiight be heading back to that area in a short amount of time actually. 😉

[@annasnyder968]

Never fails to amaze the beautiful sights you bring us to. The Little Grand Canyon truly spectacular. Added to my someday list.

[@CactusAtlas]

Thanks! It's a place that certainly deserves more recognition. 😄

[@LivingtheSilverLife]

WOW! Lots of great view at the canyon, sinkhole, and wedge area. The pirogyphics were cool too. Great adventure.

[@CactusAtlas]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it! 😄

[@gstiles7]

very cool place and gotta love Radiator Springs :)

[@CactusAtlas]

You got that right! Any chance to pretend we're back in DCA...! 😂

[@bpete9776]

It's a little embarrassing, but I have lived in Utah my entire life and I have never been to this area. That is about to change we are going camping there over Easter weekend with out Side by side and some great friends. Really looking forward to it.

[@CactusAtlas]

Oh it's an amazing place! You're sure to have a great time! Thanks for watching!

[@davidlambert3892]

That road was really good when I went on it about 8 - 9 years ago. Didn't need a high-clearance vehicle; I drove it with my Buick LeSabre.

[@markgorton5865]

Great video. That place looked amazing. I love your enthusiasm and appreciation for the places that you visit.

[@CactusAtlas]

Thanks so much! That means a lot! 😄

[@ManzanoManATVAdventures]

I found your channel based off my Instagram recommendation to follow. I greatly enjoyed this video. I live in New Mexico and need to branch out and explore Utah. The San Rafael Swell is really cool as well as all the other geological features found. I truly believe the 4 corner states have some of the best adventuring in the country. I look forward to following you. Have a great weekend.

[@CactusAtlas]

We couldn't agree more! This area offers so much! 😄

[@kathyhenehan1093]

I’m surprised you didn’t stop at the dinosaur footprint along the way.

[@CactusAtlas]

Glenn didn't know about it at the time. HOWEVER, we've since corrected that and will be showing it in the upcoming weeks. 😉🤫

[@jeremyfrisbie239]

You should check out 9 mile canyon and go on a Range Creek tour. It is just north of the swell, east of the town of Wellington. There are more amazing Native American artifacts that will blow your mind!

[@CactusAtlas]

Will keep it in mind if we find ourselves in that area again. Thanks for the tip! 👍

[@jeremyfrisbie239]

@@CactusAtlas www.blm.gov/visit/nine-mile-canyon

[@fatmanhikes]

Ok, ill get right to the point, THIS is your best video yet!! Thanks for the views!

[@CactusAtlas]

😲 Thank you so much!! Thanks for watching! 😊

[@tinabeane]

WOW now that is an adventure!!!!!!! Awesome video, thanks saving to add these places to my list. I'll share the video in the ladies SUV FB group I'm in. Thanks for such helpful information.

[@CactusAtlas]

Anytime! And thank you for watching and sharing! It's definitely a drive in the middle of nowhere but SO worth it!

[@akcfire5452]

Great journey!!! We will be heading down next month, staying at Gobblin valley and will now be taking this same adventure thanks to you. Thanks for this great video!!! Cheers to you and your adventures Nothing left to do but... SMILE SMILE SMILE ;)

[@CactusAtlas]

Thank you! That's so awesome to hear! Hope your trip is amazing! 😄

[@lorilabrum]

I live in this beautiful area and I agree it is awesome. I do need to correct one thing. You said it was a long drive to get there and that is true when you come from Goblin Valley across the desert. If you took Highway 10 from Price it is much easier and faster. From the Wedge to Highway 10 it is only about 15 minutes on that good dirt road, then normal roads back to Castle Dale, Price, Green River, and On to Goblin Valley. You missed one of the fun spots we always show people, the dinosaur footprint right by the road, right in the rock. We love our area and the quiet here. I read in a comment that they were coming for Easter…..it is very crowded on that holiday! Locals and visitors are everywhere. So if you come, please take care of our land. I suggest a visit to Castle Dale and the Museum of the San Rafael (San-Rah-fell).

[@CactusAtlas]

Oh for sure! There are other ways to take the drive. We did indeed come from Goblin Valley which is where we started. This video was a spur of the moment thing during our video series from that area/road trip. Hind site and all that. 😅 Super crushed about the dinosaur track! Found out about that one afterwards as cell signal wasn't the greatest throughout that trip. I've looked it up in photos and would be awesome to check out. You're quite lucky to live in that area. It's really something special indeed.

[@nickksyoung2112]

Hey Lori I had a few questions I am planning to come down this weekend from salt lake what is the best route to the wedge you mentioned highway 10 from price also is it busy during labor weekend? and can you ride dirt bikes around the dirt roads?

[@lorilabrum]

@@nickksyoung2112 from Price, Head to Huntington and Castle Dale. Go through Huntington and as you near Castle Dale you will find the sign to take a left and head out to the desert. From there the road and turns are easily messed out to the Wedge. For a side trip, head to the Museum of the San Rafael in Castle Dale and pick up some good maps and information there. Yes, you can ride dirk bikes around on the existing trails. There is a great mountain bike trail along the rim of the Wedge. I’m not a bike rider, or anything more than my car, but everything is great for the adventurer. Hope you have a great time. Our desert is a great place.

[@lorilabrum]

Sorry, didn’t proofread. The signs are very good to get you to the Wedge. You might think you are heading to the edge of the world, but it just about is!

[@H.pylori]

Strange...I recently viewed a video of this trail by by a two-Jeep convoy that went from Moab to the San Rafael. Then today your video popped up. Theirs was good but hard to follow. I knew that you were taking a portion of their route when you showed the bridge and the Sids Mountain sign. What makes your video great is that you actually stopped and showed us the bridge, the campground, and the pictorglyphs along the way. Also you showed that you do not need a Jeep to make it to the Wedge. Thanks for sharing!

[@CactusAtlas]

Thanks so much! Stopping and looking at all the things along the way was what made it most memorable. I'm sure the road might get a little rough if there were recent heavy rains but if a VW Golf can make it I imagine most will. 😄

[@billvarga8336]

Great vid buddy! My wife and I will be going here at the end of april for a 10 day vacation with our side by side. This place looks so amazing. It's been on our list of sites to MUST see.

[@CactusAtlas]

It's definitely a must see! We're glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidlambert3892]

Utah is kinda funny. What we call a creek in Iowa is called a river in Utah.

[@CactusAtlas]

I am not originally from the west and always found that funny too.

[@shaynejenkins446]

desert rivers don't get too wide but they run long. I think the San Rafael river is 100 miles long. The green river is 750 miles long and runs through 3 states.

[@jeremyfrisbie239]

lol. And in Iowa they call a rise in the earth surface a mountain and in Utah we would call the same rise a hill.

[@TheLaughingLion]

Wow i never heard of this San rafael swell. Ooo a sinkhole attraction! I wouldn't mind camping out there, looks very peaceful. Warm greetings from Las Vegas! New supporter #1.59K with🔔👍🌟 Let's stay connected, thanks so much.

[@CactusAtlas]

We hadn't heard of it before this trip either! So many things to do there!

[@shaman9628]

@@CactusAtlas I live in Castle Dale Utah...... It's my backyard.

[@DaPaC1978]

Awesome video! I’ve been planning a trip there for over 2 yrs now, hopefully soon I can make it. You can disperse camp on the rim of the Wedge Overlook!

[@CactusAtlas]

Yeah... saw some of the sites while driving by. Would be a heck of a haul for supplies if anything was forgotten! 😂

[@ryans5280]

The main roads out there are dirt freeways. Of course, weather can always change things.

[@shaynejenkins446]

and oil roads

[@garybraden7865]

One can also turn east on I70 and turn north on 191 and it's a bit quicker. about 56 miles vs 112 miles. Just fyi

[@dianenaylor]

FWIW, we Utahns call it San Ruff-ELL. No idea why. But calling it it San Ra-fay-el is a dead give away that you ain’t from these parts! 😂

[@CactusAtlas]

Well, were not. 🤣 Thanks for the tip though. Always good to know how locals say stuff. 😄👍

[@dianenaylor]

Good job on the video, loved your genuine delight! It really is amazing territory, isn’t it?

[@CactusAtlas]

It's worthy of another trip and further exploration for sure.

[@karenc8028]

I've lived in Utah for 30 years and I've always heard it pronounced San Ra-fay-el. Perhaps it depends on what part of Utah you live in. I have always heard Hurricane, Utah pronounced Hurr-i-cun, though. Utah is a funny place.

[@Shaman196]

I've lived in Utah for 26 years, we moved to Castle Dale 4 years ago and I have never heard anyone call it San Ruff-ELL....... It's The Wedge and The Swell or Just out to the Desert. 😂

[@Raptorman0909]

The correct pronunciation of San Rafael is "San Ra-fell" -- just saying!

[@shaynejenkins446]

The first road after the black dragon overlook would be the south end of buckhorn draw road. That would have been a quicker way but more gravel road.

[@CactusAtlas]

We definitely intend to head back and explore that area more. Now that we finally have an off-road vehicle we have more options than Glenn dragging my car through dirt/gravel roads. 😅