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In 2002 the BLM released four proposed travel plans for the San Rafael Swell. The majority of the proposals
horrified us with thoughts of closures. Being locked out of our dearly loved trails and recreation roads
was simply not fair. With the release of the final travel plan in early 2003 our fears were realized.
We had lost ground. Although it could have been much worse it was impossible not to mourn for the areas
soon to be closed. One such road on the chopping block was access to Junes Bottom, an old homestead
along the Green River. Since I had never visited Junes Bottom I contemplated whether it was better not
to go so I didn't know what I was missing. But I felt I needed to see it myself in order to make more
educated comments regarding its closure. We had planned to take our motorcycles the weekend before March
5 when the travel plan was scheduled to be implemented. Unfornuately a snowstorm across the state on
discouraged us from traveling. Deeply disapointed that we hadn't gone I managed to break free on Monday
and take my trusty Toyota to Junes Bottom for a first and final visit.
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After about 30 miles of graded county roads we turned left. I knew I must have been getting close when
I spotted several trucks. They obviously belonged to ATVers who also felt the need to visit this area
before it was closed. The group was close by and on their way out from Junes Bottom. They were kind
enough to point in the right direction and warned me it was a bit rough. As we traveled around a red
rock butte we were treated to great views of Labyrinth Canyon. In the distance I could see Tombstone
Rock, a landmark I am quite familiar with from my explorations near Moab.
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Rock cairns led us across a section of slick rock. Without them navigation would have been next to
impossible. The cairns directed us to where a road had been constructed. Although it was a bit narrow
in spots it was in great shape and easily driven in a modern four wheel drive. We followed the road
to Junes Bottom.
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At the bottom we found the remnants of rock buildings. After short hike we found the remains of a boiler
and a very old car. On a rock, visitors had placed several small items that must have been found throughout
the site. The views of the surrounding cliffs were spectacular as the sun began to sink. We reluctantly
left knowing that route finding would be extremely difficult after dark.
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Leaving via the constructed road
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Four wheel drive and low gears let us creep up the old road that was created many decades ago. My mind
raced as I tried to comprehend what life was like back then. This well preserved treasure was truly
inspiring. I tried to grasp the reality that this would soon be closed. What a genuine blow it was
to everyone who recreates with the benefit of a wheeled vehicle. Even those who use mountain bikes will
lose out on being able to follow this historical route comprised mostly of slick rock when it becomes
closed to all vehicles. As I drove home I felt more and more despair. What a shame it is to close
such a gem. I couldn't help but wonder why. Surely it had just been one of the busiest weekends Junes
Bottom had ever seen and vehicle impacts were minimum. The bottom has one vehicle route from the slick
rock road to the rock house and that was it! Thanks to all that visited this area recently and treaded
lightly. I sincerely hope the BLM will recognize the travesty of closing what I would consider a perfect
example of why I live in Utah. My thanks to Brian Hawthorne and USA-ALL for their continuing pursuit
to preserve access in the San Rafael Swell.
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Update: Thanks to Greg at singletracktreks.com for letting me know that this route is still open to
mountain bikes. It appears only motorized users are affected by the new travel plan. I'll be sure to
post any more updates as they become available regarding road/trail closures in the San Rafael Swell.
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