Climbing Combs Ridge / Tower Ruins-25 mi

   We were boon docking at Combs Wash off of Hwy 95, we went across the road to County road 205-Arch Canyon road.  (Arch Canyon is in 2 miles, but there is no sign to tell you to turn left to get there.)  We drove in about 3 miles from the highway , turning right on to BLM trail marker 1, (Canyon Riders Trail) which is county road 240. This is mountain pass is for experienced riders only. The trail climbs to the top of Combs ridge, where you have amazing sights along the way!

Once on top, if you continue north on county road 240 for 3 1/2 miles, you will see a small road to the right, continue to a parking spot, then you will find rock carrions to guide you down into the canyon  about 1/2 mile round trip. Here tucked into the end of a canyon is a superb cliff dwelling house called Tower Ruin.  It is in wonderful condition including the wooden poles. You are asked not to go inside to preserve the structure. There are also pictographs and petroglyphs.

This looked to be a wonderful location with a pool of water and spring out front. Notice the water that would come down from above and the beautiful colors on the roof.  You can turn around and drive south on the 240 road, there is a picnic spot where you can view Combs ridge and the wash down below.   You can ride to the end of this road or check out alternative roads.

4834ft elevation at camp, the top of Comb Ridge is 5981ft, a  rise of 1147ft
Ruins parking 37*34,876N 109*39,267W elevation 5853ft
Tower Ruins 37* 34,835N 109*39,144W  elevation 5666ft
Combs Wash Rd or 235 is at the bottom of the passage thru Combs Ridge on Hwy 95. When you turn down the sandy road go 3 miles, turn right at a major intersection, keep going back, thru a small stream to the end where there is a turn around.  Park there and look for the cliff dwelling to the east. It is a short hike to the dwelling, what a awesome place this is. Please respect all ancient ruins.

Combs Wash cliff dwellers 37*30.251N  109*39.987W
INFORMATION>
LOCATION>   NEAREST CITY=Blanding, Ut   DIRECTIONS= S on Hwy 191, turn W on 95, travel 10 miles to Combs Wash
AREA >   TYPE OF LAND=-desert, mountain  , OWNER=  BLM, Nat Forest
QUALITY >  Pro- many trail in this area, great views / Con-some trails are 4X4 roads /  Length of stay-1 day for this trail, but other trails in the area / Rating-stars-5
TERRAIN>  MILES OF TRAILS,  dust / water crossing /elevation     TRAIL MAINTENCE   / SQ. MILE AREA -yes /  NEAR BY TRAILS- numerous
REGULATIONS> Permit required-Utah OHV permit / Camping /whip / helmets req. / width req.
FEE> Camping-no fee / Entry-no fee
KEY SERVICES> Camping / Gasoline / Diesel / First Aid /  Water /  Dump / Food=Blanding, Ut
SIDE TRIPS> Natural Bridges National Park, Many Cliff Dwelling Houses and hiking in the area
CONTACTS> BLM Offices, Visitor Centers