Cottonwood Canyon

We backpacked along Hackberry Creek in Grand Staircase Escalante. The creek was lined with hundreds of cottonwood trees. Since Escalante is one of our newest national monuments, it is still very primitive. It doesn't have paved roads, restrooms, phones, or even trailheads on some of the trails - yet. This makes it unpopular with most tourists who seek such luxuries. However, that makes this place even more special. You can go into the backcountry and have it all to yourself. I'm sure this will change within the next decade, but for now, we can enjoy the solitude.

We set up camp in a small side canyon. That was our coldest night. Neither of us really got any sleep until the sun came up in the morning. Then, we accidentally slept until after noon.