Traveling on the Utah Backcountry Discovery Route from Moab, we first circled east and north around Castle Valley and made a stop at the historic Taylor Ranch, where Bill had stopped for water during his trip on Kokopelli’s Trail a few years ago. (See his story, Beemers and Black Diamonds, from the Winter 2014 issue of Overland Journal here OJ WTR14 Beemers Black Diamonds)
We were blessed to get to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, fifth generation ranchers whose ancestors walked over with Brigham Young.
Soon we were back on the trail, driving west along Onion Creek. A few weeks later, this road would be washed out by heavy rains but it was still intact when we drove through.
Traveling west we soon came upon a sign for “La Boca Arch” and we took a side trip to find it. It was fun seeing a spectacular formation like this without fighting the crowds at Arches National Park.
This was mining country and there are many remnants of that industry. A couple of shacks made of railroad ties indicated the area’s history of human occupation.
We found a nice camping spot on Yellowcat Mine Road — not particularly lovely to look at in the day time but providing plenty of spectacular views at sunset and sunrise.
The next morning we headed off into the Book Cliffs and toward Green River. More of Utah awaits!
susan dragoo 
Beautiful shots! I had ancestors that made the same trek west with Brigham Young.
Thanks! And how interesting about your ancestors!