There are numerous routes from several different directions that connect to the mountain entrance. The one Lone Writer prefers begins west of Blanding near Comb Ridge. It makes a gradual climb through beautiful forest that serves as home to an abundance of wildlife. Eagles, hawks, deer, elk, and many others can be spotted by those with a sharp eye and patience.
Other springtime surprises often involve physical labor. The most common is the removal of trees that have fallen across the road. Winter snows and high winds test the strength of everything in the mountains. That applies to the wildlife as well as the vegetation where they live. A towstrap tied to Sundance's Blazer was all it took to remove the tree blocking their path.
Campsites are plentiful in the forest. One of them even has a pit toilet, but most are primitive. It's not uncommon to have visitors during the night. Most of them have four legs such as elk and deer, but some have wings as in owls and bats. The group spent the first night camped near a creek. They enjoyed a star-filled night, but the wind was too strong for a campfire.
The 20-mile drive from Comb Ridge to the pass in the Manti-La Sal Mountains where Beef Basin Road connects is a continuous scenic view. Little Notch and Big Notch are points where two mountains are connected by narrow passages that drop off a thousand feet on both sides. The natural tendency is to snap lots of pictures, but it's one of those places that just can't be taken home. Snapshots just don't do it justice.
From the pass, only one narrow-ledge road provides access into Beef Basin. It makes a rapid descent from the pass to the basin below. The surface is rocky and rough with washouts and drop-offs on one side or the other. From high vantage points, the views across Beef Basin take in the Colorado River Canyons and unique formations on both sides of the river.