The two explorers broke camp after breakfast and continued along the Lockhart Basin trail. It was challenging for stock vehicles, but they enjoyed such challenges, so that simply added to the adventure. It was nearly nightfall again when they finally reached Moab. Neither of them had seen Birthing Rock. Actually at that time, neither of them had even heard of it.
Lone Writer finished his story about the 1986 trip and tossed his chair into the back of his 4x4. "I've been through Lockhart Basin several times since that first trip, but I've never found Birthing Rock. Maybe we'll do that today."
From Canyonlands National Park, most people begin their trip by filling their gas tanks at the Outpost near the park boundary. The turnoff from the pavement for Indian Creek is the first left turn east of the park boundary not counting the turn for the Outpost.
The first part of the trail going across Indian Creek is relatively smooth and very wide. It is occasionally used to get to the Colorado River. There are numerous cliff dwellings around Indian Creek and many dozens of campsites. The area is used heavily by ATV riders, so it is common to find many dozens of motorhomes, tents, and trailers camped for miles on either side of the creek.
About 17 miles from the pavement, the only major intersection on the route can be confusing. The main road goes left and ends at the river. To continue into Lockhart Basin, take the right fork. It crosses a very rocky area and eventually reaches a steep climb onto a rocky bench. From that point on, the pace slows down to a bumpy stop-and-go trot. Washouts and rocky ledges that drop hundreds of feet demand caution and patience. The views are indescribable looking off to the west across the canyons formed by the Colorado River.
At about 39 miles since leaving pavement, the fun really begins. The route drops off the upper bench onto a lower one where the intersection for Chicken Corners is reached. The last mile or two before that intersection is steep and very difficult for a stock vehicle. Anyone coming from the other direction and trying to climb onto the upper bench will have an even greater challenge and may not be able to do it without lockers.
Going down does not require lockers but is best done with spotters. Huge boulders must be climbed and descended. In some places, the rocker panels will be passing inches away from rocks that could cave them in. Cracks in the rocky surface that are big enough to swallow a small 4x4 must be straddled. In other places, one or more wheels will be off the ground, causing the vehicle to rock from side to side. When that happens, a precise path must be followed to prevent rollovers.
At the next intersection, they turned left and drove out to Chicken Corners. The landmark is named because the road between a cliff dropping hundreds of feet to the Colorado River and a rock wall is barely wide enough for a fullsize vehicle.
Lone Writer drove to the south side of Chicken Corners and pulled into a huge campsite protected on two sides by rocky walls. Nightfall was closing in. The tents went up, and cooking equipment was unloaded. The three travelers were soon enjoying a campfire and sharing memories.
The next day, the travelers continued 7 miles along the easy road over Hurrah Pass. Birthing Rock was found 1.8 miles past the Hunter Canyon creek crossing and campsite. It stands alone on the left side of the road. The road is wide enough for parking, and a footpath leads to the rock. It is best described as a huge boulder the size of a one-car garage.
Fremont Indians are credited with the art on Birthing Rock. We suppose that could be a woman giving birth. Who are we to argue with the experts? Besides, all the fun is in getting there. The last time Lone Writer saw Farmer Bob, he said the state police still had not found him.
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