On our trip to Southern Utah we went to three National Parks. In Canyonlands National Park we went a few places including Pothole Point.
According to AllTrails:
Pothole Point Trail is a 0.6 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Monticello, Utah that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips and is accessible year-round. 1
When we went I thought it was just a place to get out and wander around and look at great views.
There is actually a hiking loop with at 39 feet elevation gain, so very flat. We didn't follow a trail we just wandered around on the rocks.
There were cairns to mark the path on the rock.
While this might just look like I took a picture of the ground, this ground is super fascinating. There is a layer of crust over the soil protecting the desert. It is super important to not break this crust and walk only on the marked trails.
There is so much to learn about cryptobiotic soil I could do a whole post about it. For now I will link a few posts
A Desert Hiker’s Guide to Cryptobiotic Soil: Don’t Bust the Crust!
Biological Soil Crust of Southeast Utah
Canyonlands is split up into different districts and this is a view of the Needles district.
Of course I took pictures of plants!
Here is a group shot of the great people I was with!
Overall, I would say this is a nice stop to see some really great geology and the cool cryptobiotic soil.
Sources:
Pothole Point Trail
A Desert Hiker’s Guide to Cryptobiotic Soil: Don’t Bust the Crust!
Biological Soil Crust of Southeast Utah
Share Our World Series
2021
Share Our World: Capitol Reef National Park Overview
Share Our World: Fluted Wall, Capitol Reef NP
Share Our World: Fruita School Capital Reef NP
Share Our World: Grand Wash Hike-- with rating
Share Our World: Sunset drive in Capitol Reef
Share Our World: Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
Share Our World: Wild Horse Slot Canyon Hike
Share Our World: Goblin Valley, Utah
Share Our World: Looking Glass Rock
Share Our World: Wilson Arch hike
Share Our World: Sabino Canyon
Share Our World: Agave Garden
Share Our World: Saguaro National Park
Share Our World: Arizona- Sonora Desert Museum
Share Our World: Cactus Garden
Share Our World: The White Dove of the Desert
Share Our World: Mayo Clinic Nature Trail
Share Our World: Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona
Share Our World: Desert Botanical Garden in 1.4
All the 2020 posts are here 3 year anniversary on HIVE
All the 2019 posts are here My 2019 Steem Journey
All the 2018 posts are here My Year Journey on Steem
