Buckhorn Draw: The North Entrance to the San Rafael Swell
18,276
Published 2021-05-25
While I would still like to plan a big trip exploring the backroads of the San Rafael Swell from the North End to the south end, in the meantime it's really easy to just go sample the area on the very well maintained and easy to drive Buckhorn Draw Road. It's jam packed with scenery, wildlife, and rock art including my favorite Barrier Canyon Style art.
I was shocked at how much development is being done in the area. Historically the place has kind of been abused by a high number of rowdy tourists and no control to keep them from trampling and trashing the area. But since the new bill passing making it a National Recreation area they're getting things organized. Instead of the "setup camp wherever there is a flat spot regardless of the impact is causes" mentality; they're creating organized campsites with prefabbed firepits. I'm guessing a "camp only in designated spots" rule will be coming into effect as well. But now there are still plenty of sites but they're marked so you can see if they're occupied or not, or if there is room for 2-3 sites, or it's just one. The drawback is that it's going to be a pay to camp area beginning in the summer, but they're already putting money to good use taming the tourist impact a bit.
I think the days of it being a no mans land with OHVs parked on soft soils and plants; or camps blocking off entire canyons so they can have them to themselves is coming to an end.
KMZ GPS file of trip route: drive.google.com/file/d/17liqGYwIfy7K9EPXYDkbk423K…
All Comments (21)
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I went through that country just last Thursday the 20th of May, and I agree, San Rafael is Utah's forgotten national park. Thanks for featuring this wonder place.
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Thank you for posting another beautiful video of my favorite state.
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I have to thank you for my last trip. Drove Buckhorn and Burr trial and others you made videos of. Had the time of my life and will return asap. Thank you for sharing!
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The sensitivity and respect for native rock art is appreciated. Thanks for the inspiring trip video. San Rafael Swell is a fave!
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I did the drive in a Volkswagen Golf last August, so can attest that it is possible. One of the best experiences of my life!
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I really appreciate your videos. So enjoyable and restful after a long day.
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Thanks for having us along.
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Love your videos! The informative intros help us understand a lot more and get to learn so much more!
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Nice video work and story telling.
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Gorgeous and informative video to this east-coaster. Thanks for sharing!
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Great episode! Time to go back for a more extensive visit.
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Thanks for your videos. I am enamored with this part of Utah as well.
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Well done!
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Great vid and info thx!
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Another thumbs up video 👍
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I did this drive once. It’s awesome!
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Fun Fact: Butch Cassidy and Elzy Lay used Buckhorn Draw in their escape from the Castle Gate mine payroll robbery .
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It is absolutely incomprehensible to me that people would desecrate ancient art like that. It's the same as going into the Louvre and taking a sharpie to the Mona Lisa. Hell, I bet some of those idiots would do that too. People like that need a good old fashioned ass whipping. Shit like that just pisses me off to no end. Okay, sorry for the rant. Another great video. The Swell is definitely on my to do list. Maybe this Fall but probably next Spring.
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Spent a couple weeks they are recently. It's a pretty amazing place. That stuff they put down on the roads to mitigate dust is awesome.
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You got to go drive Skyline Drive and check out Electric Lake and Indian Creek... You'll love it.....
