The Thursday segment of Kurt's rafting trip in Dinosaur National Park took him to the Yampa's confluence with the Green and thence downriver to Jones Hole on the Utah side of the park. Kurt's SPOT gizmo reported his overnight location, a gorgeous place on lower Jones Hole Creek. Check it out at
this site.

Be sure to look at the terrain map and the photos of the general area. It's easy to see why this place is a favorite with photographers and other nature lovers. The geology is dramatic, there's charismatic wildlife to enjoy (bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, bald eagles), and there's even some outstanding rock art (doesn't everyone love pictographs?).

Trout fishermen love Jones Hole Creek, a cold and crystal clear stream that has been called 'God's gift to trout fishing."

There is a national fish hatchery at Jones Hole, but it wasn't put there to stock the creek. These trout -- mostly rainbows, some browns -- are for Ute tribal lands and for nearby Flaming Gorge Reservoir and other Colorado River Storage Project waters.

The Jones Hole Trail, which stretches along the creek between the Green River and the fish hatchery (eight-mile round trip), is a favorite hike -- especially on hot summer days when wading in the spring-fed creek offers a special treat. The road that ends at the fish hatchery provides a connection to the outside world.

Jones Hole is surely one of prettiest sites in this scenic national park. Kurt will provide more details after he gets back.

Later today. Kurt will be taking out at the Split Mountain boat ramp to begin the long drive home.