Dry Mesa

Dry Mesa is tucked far back in the Arches National Park, next to a popular hiking trailhead. You literally drive over the sidewalk into the colorful Cache Valley Canyon and quickly enter BLM land. Once out of the park, you wind through a rocky wash as the canyon walls become taller. After a few mild rocky climbs, the imposing Limousine Hill looms ahead. It looks like it goes on forever. This hill is steep and very challenging. The dirt is loose, the rock ledges are many, and did I mention it was steep? The minimum needed is 33s, lockers front and rear, and nerves of steel.

Once you reach the summit, take a few breaths, and decide which way to run the loop around Dry Mesa. The trail loops around to several overlooks, each with its own unique view of the Colorado River far below. The challenges on top are mild compared to what you had to go through to get up there. There's camping at a few of the overlooks, but the winds can be quite strong and relentless.