In the last entry we looked at Jacob’s Chair, one of the many places to visit along Utah’s scenic Hwy 95. There is so much to enjoy at this stop, I thought it deserved a follow up entry.
Camping: First of all is the boondock campsite. You will find the turn onto Jacob’s Chair Road at: N37 42.325 W110 14.402 (milepost 65 for those of you that are old school) About 500 feet after making the turn you will find a circular loop drive with multiple places to camp including a view of Jacob’s Chair. (Those with long or low clearance RVs may wish to walk the road first to make sure they are comfortable bringing their unit to this point) Don’t be surprised if you find vehicles parked here, minus their owners, as this is a popular place for backpackers to depart for the multiday Gravel Canyon/Long Canyon Loop hike. I am sure they will appreciate you watching over their vehicles during their absence.
Gravel Canyon: You don’t need to be a backpacker to enjoy some of the scenic portions of Gravel Canyon. From your campsite, hike or drive approximately a quarter mile to the bottom of the White River Canyon. From there hike up canyon (southeast) about 4/10ths of a mile to the first canyon to your left which is the entrance of Gravel Canyon. Hike up (east) Gravel Canyon enjoying the beauty of the narrow sandstone canyon and interestingly eroded rock formations as time and or your skill level allows, returning the way you entered. If you need some encouragement, click on this link to view what beauty awaits those that venture into Gravel and Long Canyons.
Uranium Frenzy: The early 1950’s brought many to Southeast Utah in search of valuable uranium ore needed by the United States government to fuel the budding Atomic Age. The pale green colored layer in the strata along Utah’s mesa tops was a strong indicator of the potential deposit of uranium ore. When you see these layers you are likely to find roads constructed to these layers by uranium prospectors and ruins of their mining operations. Such is the case in Jacob’s Chair Road and other roads in the vicinity. As mentioned in the last entry there is an old mining camp along Jacob’s Chair Road and where the road meets the green layer you will find evidence of mining and related relics. From the vistas during our visit I could see other roads and potential ruin sites on other mesas. These will have to wait for a return trip.
Enjoying boondocking, canyoneering and exploring old mining ruins all from one location, just another adventure in RVing!
Dave Helgeson’s many roles in the RV industry started before he even had a driver’s license. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealership before the term “RV” had been coined, and Dave played a pivotal role in nearly every position of an RV dealership. He and his wife Cheri launched their own RV dealership in the Pacific Northwest. The duo also spent 29 years overseeing regional RV shows. Dave has also served as President of a local chapter of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), worked on the board of advisors for the RV Technician Program of a local technical college, and served as a board member of the Manufactured Home and RV Association. Dave’s reputation earned him the title of “The foremost expert on boondocking,” bestowed by RV industry icon, the late Gary Bunzer (The RV Doctor). When he’s not out boondocking, you’ll find Dave in the spotlight at RV shows across the country, giving seminars about all things RVing. He and Cheri currently roam in their fifth travel trailer, with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications to his own unit.
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