Over the past 8-9 weeks I have been sharing the many adventures along Utah Hwy 95 between Hanksville and Blanding. There are many more places I didn’t share, like Hog Canyon, White River Canyon, Poison Springs, Lake Powell Recreation Area and other areas of interest. There is so much to see and do along this stretch of highway you could easily spend a two week vacation RVing the approximately 125 miles of asphalt.
However heavenly this ribbon of roadway may be, it is not Disneyland and your safety is not assured.
Let’s look as some of the potential hazards you my encounter.
– Flash Floods are always a possibility when you are in Utah sandstone country. Heavy rainfall has nowhere to go but rushing down gullies, river beds and slot canyons. Try to camp on high ground and be aware of impending weather when hiking. Dirt roads that are easily passable when dry become slick, gooey slides when wet.
– Cliffs abound in the area. Few if any are marked or fenced with railings. Keep pets on a leash and hold the hands of younger children when approaching any questionable change in terrain.
– Navigation: Roads and trails in the area are largely unsigned and hard to follow as many cross slick rock leaving little evidence of those that have traveled the route before you. Carry a good map, GPS and a compass and know how to use them. There is little cell phone coverage in the area, so do not rely on mapping software via your smartphone to get you out of trouble.
– Carry the “Ten Essentials”
– Communication or lack thereof: Unless you know how to send smoke signals or travel with carrier pigeons you will need a way to call for help as cell phone coverage is non-existent along much of the route. One of the most inexpensive ways to let loved ones know where you are at and call for help when needed is a Spot Messenger.
– Finally, carry extra food and water, plus let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
Follow the motto of the Boy Scouts “Be Prepared” and let your RV journey along Utah Hwy 95 be an enjoyable adventure in RVing, rather than a search and rescue statistic!
Linda Wascher says
Always great information. Love the pictures!