Well, we will see how this goes. I am ready to start observing on a more regular basis again. With my current job and responsibilities I figure I can go out about once every other month for a night out. It will mean planning, driving out to one of a couple of dark sites depending on my goals. There are two sites that I am going to share besides my most common ones out off FR006 near Vernon Utah.
One of my new favorite spots is out in the Cedar Mountain Wilderness. It is dark here, very dark and there are a couple of spots that I go to. Here are directions to the first two spots. They are located on the western side of the Cedar Mountains.
Here is what the western side looks like. Take your pick where you want to set up but try to remember this is designated wilderness so try to stay near the road.
Here are some photos from the western road. Again, you can basically pick the area you want to observe and realize you are hardly ever disturbed at night.
Go west from Salt Lake City on I-80 for about 70 miles to exit 56. This is 56 miles east of Wendover. Once off the highway, head south and reset your odometer.
2.0 miles - Turn left onto the dirt road. This is just before the gated facility. ( 12T 332388mE 4511721mN / N40° 44' 22" W112° 59' 06" )
3.4 miles - Turn right (south). There is a BLM info sign here. ( 12T 334389mE 4511091mN / N40° 44' 03" W112° 57' 41" )
16.1 miles - Old log cabin on the left. Continue straight. ( 12T 330619mE 4492735mN / N40° 34' 05" W113° 00' 03" )
16.8 miles - Water hole on the left, and dirt road. Keep following the Cedar Mountain Road south for about 3.5 miles. At one point look for the dirt road to the left and turn on it and follow it up. Here is a map as a guide. This goes from the water hold to where I like to observe here.
Here is a close up of my two observing areas:
My other areas that I observe I call Rydalch Canyon Observing areas. Here are the directions to get there. They are on the eastern side of the Cedar Mountains.
From Northern Utah County take Pioneer Crossing west from American Fork (becomes UT-73) about 42 miles to UT-36. Turn left and continue 3-3/4 miles to UT-199, then head west another 22 miles toward Dugway. At the church just outside the Dugway military entrance, take a hard right onto UT-196. Continue north about 7-1/4 miles, and turn west (left) onto this dirt road. The road proceeds on a straight course for about 5-1/2 miles, then veers northward (keep right at the fork). Continue north then west along this road 8 miles to the crossroad, then north another 2 miles to the mouth of Rydalch Pass. From this point, refer to information provided above for accessing the area from Skull Valley.
Here are those directions:
To reach the western viewing areas from Skull Valley, take I-80 west from Salt Lake City approximately 43 miles to Exit 77 (U-196, Iosepa/Dugway). Upon exiting, turn left at the stop sign and continue along UT-196 for approximately 17 miles. Along the way, you will pass Lone Rock (3 miles) and Horseshoe Spring (9.5 miles). As you approach the 20 mile marker, watch for the BLM sign at the southern end of the large cattle yard, indicating the road to Rydalch Pass and 8 Mile Spring. Follow this dirt road for approximately 3/4 mile, until you cross the cattle guard. Immediately beyond the cattle guard, veer southwest (left) onto South Valley Road (unmarked), and continue for another 12 miles to Rydalch Pass. About 11 miles in, as you approach Rydalch Pass, Rydalch Road will join on the right. Another road branches left toward Cochran Spring about 3/4 mile further on, but stay the course and follow around to the right, onto Cedar Mountain Road. The pass itself is about 5 miles from entrance to exit.
Map 1:
Map 2:
Here are some images from the Rydalch Canyon entrance and area:
This video from about 20 seconds to 40 seconds gives you a good idea of what viewing around Rydalch Canyon is like. It is rather easy to get up on a hill side and in the spring and fall this is good as it will get you up and away from the dew and frozen frost that can happen in the valley's below. It also shows the western side to a point.
This video give you a run down of the Wilderness and know if you do multiple nights, the hiking in this area is enjoyable. Just have plenty of water available.
There are also some great spots to observe on the northern end of the Cedar Mountains on the West Side.
There you have it. This is where I often go now to observe. I have yet to take anyone with me to this location but it is dark, very dark, a great Bortle 2 site.
My next dark sky observing spot is out by Erickson Pass, west of the SheepRock Mountains of Utah. Here is a view of the dirt road heading up to Erickson Pass.
This YouTube video shows you the drive out to this area, and you can get there from Vernon if you wish. It is also a good Bortle 2 site, and I have never ran into anyone out there. Just like Cedar Mountain you need to leave early enough in the day to get out there. I recommend a good spare tire to be safe, plenty of water and food. Remember to bring out whatever you take in regarding food etc.
Another observing area on the way to Erickson Pass or down from it is Black Springs. There is water here and a large area for ATVer's to gather. There have been remnants of someone camping here but I observed here twice with no one ever disturbing me.
Here are several maps that show this area. I often now will go to the Erickson Pass on Government Creek spot as it is easier to get to but I do love the other two Erickson Pass spots.
Here is Erickson Pass Rd and Government Creek Observing Spot:
A closer view
The other two Erickson Pass Observing Spots:
You can find these on my Jay's Astronomical Observing Locations located on this Google Map: LINK
So my next venture I believe will come on Friday, October 8th and Saturday, October 9th as I head out to one of these locations for a night or two of wonderful fall observing. I'll post more on that as those dates approach.
