OT-Cedar Mesa (UT) News

There's a good feature story in today's Durango Herald titled 'Man & The Moon' about Moon House ruin.
The author notes that day use permits to visit a two mile stretch of McLoyd Canyon (which includes the Moon House) will be required starting in January 2010.

I reckon it was just a matter of time 'til that happened, and quite possibly foretells the future of other popular sites in the Cedar Mesa area.

This kind of bums me out. I tried to go there once but incessant rain made the road impassable and we turned around. Maybe I'll make it in 2010 with permit in hand.

as sad as it is, we all know it's for the better. now many times have you been to a ruin, only to discover walls knocked down and vandalized. moonhouse is one of the most unique ruins i have visited, and it needs to be protected. i will gladly pay a few dollars to continue the preservation of a place that i love.

I hear you Josh; in my experiences revisiting ruins over the years, I have noticed vandalism that makes you wonder who would do something like that. Echoing your thoughts, while it is a minor inconvenience to obtain permits, it will hopefully filter out those who intend to damage these relics. Thanks for sharing this story, John

Do you really think requiring permits will stop a$$holes from vandalizing these places? That's like saying requiring gun permits will prevent criminals from getting guns. Some jerk w/o a permit will still go in there and cause mischief if he's already inclined to do so.

I'm afraid you're right Todd. There was a beautiful white sandstone arch along the Missouri River in the Missouri River Breaks National Monument here in Montana that was destroyed by vandals a few years back. It's no longer an arch. Although much more popular than the area you mention above it does require a permit to float this section of the river. I wished I had a pic of it. The white sandstone arch looked just like Delicate Arch in Utah. Makes me sick.

Sure, with anything, abuse will occur, but the possibility of a hefty fine may sway some from entering a permitted area without one. And whose to say that a permitholder wouldn't vandalise? As sad as it is, everyone wants the experience, so my recommendation is go enjoy it now before its gone.

I visited Moon House ruin last spring. I stopped by the Grand Gulch (Kane?) ranger station to ask about permits and even last year was advised that a day use permit was necessary. The thing about Moon House ruin has been that it has been slightly a secret. Even the rangers were reluctant to talk about directions. The mere fact that the permits are getting publicity is probably going to increase traffic to the area. If that is the case, it is indeed unfortunate. I'd almost rather never have the opportunity to visit it than have a tourism hord trammle down the area. It is a special place.

I stopped by the Grand Gulch ranger station to ask about permits and even last year was advised that a day use permit was necessary,

Yeah, those are the typical $5 permits you need for day use access all over Cedar Mesa.
The permits in the article that will be needed starting next month are 'special use' just for that particular area and are limited to 36 a day.

I had no idea that many people (or more!) a day were even visiting that place!

The day I was there I was only myself and two other folks in the canyon. 36 would sure ruin the experience!

Todd has the picture. The addition of red tape will merely consume part of the supply of red tape.

Amen Rev. Caudle

I've been in there a couple of times the last couple of years, the most recent this March. I've never seen very many people in there but I guess the word is out. It's one of my favorite ruins and deserves the protection. I just hope it works. I agree, this is probably the trend for the whole area.