(October, 2020) Moving on from Durango, Colorado, we made our way to one of our perennial favorite places to spend autumn in – Bluff, Utah. We planned to spend the month of October relaxing in this southern Utah desert community – enjoying autumn in the high desert and socially distancing with friends. We were also looking forward to sight-seeing and photographing in this land of natural wonders and cultural treasures.

Durango to Bluff

Travel from Durango to Bluff went well – great weather, interesting scenery, and more fall colors along the way.

Some of the highways along our route, however, were in poor repair – with areas of road damage, frost-heaves, and slumps. Our fifth-wheel really took a pounding from the roads – especially around Aneth and Montezuma Creek!

Arriving in Bluff, we settled in for a month-long stay at the Cottonwood RV Park – a campground we’ve stayed at many times now.

Bluff-area COVID-19 Concerns

We were somewhat concerned with visiting Bluff due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Bluff, surrounding communities, and Reservations in the area had all been hit very hard during the first wave of the pandemic. The Ute and Navajo Reservations were still under lock-down and nightly curfew. Infection rates throughout the area were still very high.

We felt though that we would have little contact with other people, except for infrequent grocery runs to Blanding or Cortez. Any interactions with our friends in Bluff would be socially-distanced and out-of-doors.

The campground owner and manager, Nancy, was really great with her precautions related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Campground office and bathhouse facilities were closed – self-contained rigs only; check-in was contact-less; all interactions with guests were masked and socially distanced (12 feet or more). Nicely done, Nancy!

Visiting with Friends from Bluff

The main highlight of our visit to Bluff was visiting with our good friends, Joyce and Paul M. We had several social-distanced get-togethers for take-out meals or barbecue in the backyard at Joyce and Paul’s home. We all went on a nice day-trip (in separate vehicles) through scenic Montezuma Canyon – visiting Three Kiva Pueblo, rock art sites, and an old homestead along the way.

Paul and I took photo-outings in the area – driving separate vehicles and paying attention to social distancing in the field. Kim and Joyce enjoyed a few social-distanced visits, too.

Another Friend’s Visit

Another good friend from Salt Lake City, Ron S., joined us one weekend – staying at a local lodge. Again, masking-up, social distancing, taking separate vehicles on outings, dining outside, etc. We had a really nice time visiting the Valley of the Gods, Goosenecks State Park, Hovenweep, Comb Ridge Wash, several hikes, and just catching up on life in general. Ron, it was great to see you again!

Fall Colors and Photography

The fall colors were peaking in the Bluff area during our stay – mostly cottonwood trees sporting vibrant yellows, gold, green/gold, or russet colors. The most vivid colors we found were along the San Juan River near Bluff, along dry washes in the Valley of the Gods, and along the Comb Ridge Wash road. Spectacular!

I took frequent solo trips to photograph area fall colors, rock formations, and other subjects – including the horse rock art distinctive to Bluff.

Other Sight-seeing

Since Paul and Joyce were often busy with other things and were even away on a week-long camping trip of their own, Kim and I took frequent solo outings. Highlights include visits to the Valley of the Gods, Goosenecks State Park, McElmo Creek Canyon, and the Bluff river walk trail.

We also took a day-trip through the Comb Ridge Wash primitive road; drove up to the saddle between the Bears Ears peaks; visited Natural Bridges National Monument; and returned via Cedar Mesa and the historic cliff-hugging Moki Dugway uranium mining road.

Snapshots from Around Bluff

Here are snapshots from our visit in Bluff. I will have a separate blog post with more serious photography.

Wrap Up

Overall we had a wonderful time during our stay in Bluff. We really enjoyed getting to visit with our great friends, Joyce, Paul, and Ron. We got to see more spectacular fall color; revisit favorite natural wonders and cultural sites; and even discover and explore new locations. Paul and I enjoyed photo outings and walked away with, I think, some really intriguing and creative photos. We eagerly anticipate many future visits to the Bluff area.

That’s all for now – stay safe – stay healthy – stay positive.

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