Afton Canyon

         Afton Canton, our most recent trip, was absolutely beautiful. We couldn't believe how much fun we had! There are all kinds of activities to keep you busy, horseback riding, off road trails, wildlife, and yes rock hounding. It is kind of out of the way and a car with some clearance is recommended as the road to get in the campsite is very rocky.
        Now all of the information i could find on the Internet regarding Afton Canyon is either very vague or out dated. So here is some updated info. As of 3/14/2011 the campsite is still accessible. It is a dry camp the water pumps have been shut down for some time. Also the campsite is slightly small and it is first come first serve, so get there early. Another thing about the campsite is that it is literally right next to a train track that comes by quite frequently even at night, so if you don't like noises while you sleep bring earplugs. There are toilets (the pit kind) but it was very clean. All sites have fire pits as well as a standing grill, and a covered table.
         The views were spectacular. We were only there for three days and we didn't come even close to seeing everything.

this is just one of the many spectacular views


This is the campsite with wonderful canyon views. They say Big-horned sheep live here but sadly we didn't catch a glimpse of them.



And we start! There is a road just beside the tracks that goes into the canyons a long ways. In fact we didn't even go all the way down it to see where we would end up!

You do, however, need to have a vehicle that can get through this! Or an ORV to get through the sand to the side of this puddle.

Multicolored mountains.

Our dog Gaia having a grand old time!

There are lots of side canyons to explore but be careful the ground is very crumbly and so are the walls of the canyons.

Our very own Viking Explorer!

Well.......I'll let you make your own opinion of this picture.

One of the gang hiking up a side canyon.

So much to see!

This monolith is sitting just on the other side of the tracks.

Ahh.. the end of another day.

Ooh... look at what comes out at nightThis one is actually no bigger that the end of your thumb! It was slow going trying not to step on one they were everywhere.

Then we have the medium size toad. They were croaking all over the place! It was suprising to hear such a loud noise come out of something so small.

Then we have the big one!

The gang catching a break in the shade.

Up on top of the canyons is where we found most of the good rocks and pieces. But be careful of the edges dont get too close it could crumble away. Watch your step!

Views across one of the canyons.

Everyone loves a campfire!

Last day up on the top of the canyons.

Across the way.

Beautiful carved canyons.

Always love the different colored cliffs.

The gang  heading back to camp to pack up and go home.

One of the views from camp.

The end of a wonderful trip.

I hope to have more pictures coming of the rocks we found soon. Before i could get home and clean all the rocks up my camera sadly passed away. When I replace it I will be posting pictures of the rocks.
I will post the award for the best piece found on this trip as soon as i get the pictures up.