By the time Lone Writer returned to the vehicles, the group had finished lunch and was anxious to move on in search of ruins with easier access. There is an abundance of roads in Beef Basin, and several days could be spent exploring them all.
The group made a few stops at small ruins before reaching Ruin Park. According to a historic marker, it was the site of a large farming community during the 1100s. Corn, squash, and possibly beans were planted in the center of the valley with homes lining both sides.
Ruin Park is the end of the road for most visitors. The road beyond can be serious rockcrawling depending on how the last heavy rain left it. Simply return to the registration box and follow the signs back to Dugout Ranch.
Those who continue on will soon arrive at Bobby's Hill. Signs warn travelers to turn back. The road down Bobby's Hill connects the higher plain to a lower one called Bobby's Hole. It is the most difficult section prior to reaching the Canyonlands Park boundary. Once in the park, the road takes on an attitude of its own. These roads should be left to those who enjoy serious rockcrawling. Silver Stairs and Elephant Hill are two obstacles that demand a permanent place in a traveler's memory. However, the entire route between those two landmarks requires some experience in picking a route if using a stock vehicle.
The group passed the Ranger Station shortly before dark. They stopped at the store long enough to "eat and get gas," then split up. Boss and Dragline had commitments in Moab, so they stayed on pavement. Lone Writer, Sundance, and Happy Jack picked a very pleasant campsite near Indian Creek and settled in to watch the sky fill with stars. "Just ain't right that any man should have it so good," Happy Jack said as he handed Lone Writer a cold Pepsi.
Begin this log in Springfield, Missouri, at Smith's Tavern. This log covers the Missouri route.