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Ut12 summit(u): Henrieville
- Escalante
This unsigned,
gradual, yet for the cyclist definitely noticeable
summit stands in the shadow of a single land
feature, Table Cliff Plateau with its named
overlook Powell Point. The route crosses dessert
cliffs between the Kaiparowits Plateau, extending
southeastwards to the Colorado River and the
Escalante Mountains, which is another name for
Table Cliff Plateau.
From West. As Ut12 turns north out of
Henrieville, it begins to climb and seems to head
straight for an escarpment, which the U-12 cyclist
has already had many miles to contemplate, the
roof like structure of Table Cliff Plateau. But
the vista is quickly hidden by lower badland
cliffs, which are now part of the Grand Escalante
Staircase area. When Table Cliff Plateau emerges
into view again, it appears poised on dessert
hills, which themselves are stacked like stories
of a house. This also appears to be the summit.
But it is not to be. More climbing is to be done
after a short descent. Now the road enters a low
dessert gap with switchbacks visible above, the
road appearing as truncated zig zags by a U
shaped window that gradually opens up. At
the top waits another view of Table Cliff Plateau,
this time the last. And this time it is the summit
too. From East. The approach is described in a
downward direction. A long shallow downhill waits
- no need for brakes here. Instead it is tempting
to peddle as hard as possible for a fast descent.
Upper Valley Creek and Ut12 soon enter a canyon,
which blocks views onto the Escalante Mountains.
The town of Escalante has a single moderately
well stocked grocery store, unless you happen to
be looking for such improbable luxuries as
actually baked bread, or real brewed beer.
Escalante has an incredible wealth of natural
beauty in every direction. A Dayride with this point as intermediate
summit is on page:
 
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Approaches
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