Devils Canyon in San Rafael Swell

“Anybody been here before ? What is the topology like ? Canyon bottom dense or clear ? High benches or flat bottomed ? Vegetation out of canyon ? Any one w/ experience or knowledge, comments appreciated.”

“I've never been there, OKie, but I've got a book on the San Rafael Swell. According to 'Hiking and Exploring Utah's San Rafael Swell' by Mickael R. Kelsey, Devil's Canyon is "completely wild and untouched even though I-70 is less than a km away in some places. From where you park your car just walk down-canyon in the dry creek bed. In the upper and middle sections of the canyon, you will find some moderately good narrows and several potholes. In the lower end of the canyon sis a good spring which is piped to a stock trough. Cattle use it during the winter. Instead of returning the same way, strong hikers could walk cross-country south to Kimball Draw, then road walk back to the head of Devil's Canyon and your vehicle."

That's the basic info. I hope it helps. If you are interested, I could photocopy the page out of this book and send it to you. You'll want to get more info somewhere else, though. In the past couple of years, a couple boy scout troops got stuck in canyons and needed rescue by following this book.”

“I appreciate the info. I need to pick up Kelseys books, but I prefer first hand accounts that are more current than some of the descriptions that may be a decade old or more in his books. No need to photocopy but I appreciate the offer. This and Nipple Bench are on my "to do next in Utah" list.”

“I know a bunch of people who have spent time in that area. I'll ask around and see if anyone has any info on Devil's Canyon for you.”

“San Rafael Swell in Devils Canyon...sounds like a porno.”

“A little further south you'll find a landmark named Mollie's Nipple (because it looks like...well..an erect nipple). And that's not too far from the Cockscomb. Southern Utah is full of suggestive names. Who woulda thought?”

“Where's Nipple Bench?

Beware, there's more than one Mollie's Nipple in Utah! heheh... apparently Mollie got around!”

“Thanks once more mediaman. That would be great.

I have a theory on all those suggestive names - repressed sexuality. If they ever get set free... watch out ! your body may regret it eventually.”

“Okie,

I've asked around and none of my outdoorsy friends know anything about that area. In fact no one has heard of it. Although, now I'm intrigued so I may take a jaunt down there sometime and check it out. If I do, I'll let you know.”

“Thanks. So you are in UT ? I have made up my mind that I am moving there next year for sure, job or no job. Tulsa has no allure for my lifestyle. Salt Lake City here I come !”