Riding in the heat of Southern Utah, is a definite test of the bodies ability. Water is in short supply (non-existent in summer) and extremely valuable. This loop has a delightful and prolonged climb with only one section of sand on a 20% slope. Travel on the top of the Mesa was relatively easy with very little wind. The short deviation into double track in the sagebrush was easier than the gravel on the road. Jeeps were overall very courteous. The highway into Canyonlands NP had a bit more traffic. Shaffer road, widened for hauling uranium ore in 1952, is not for those with a fear of heights. There is an incredible amount of exposure along the cliff. Sometimes you look back and realize that you were actually on an overhang. Tortured Pinyon Pine and Juniper are scattered over the sandstone. I would be willing to bet that some are over 1000 years old. They are incredibly gnarled. Given how little water is here, it probably takes centuries to get as thick as they are. During lunch, looking over the canyon, a hummingbird came and sat in the Pinyon pine near us for a few moments. An auspicious sign. Lizards scattered in front of us. Ravens would soar around us, especially along the canyon walls. The descent remains a long haul out in late afternoon heat. Although the two main elevation changes of the day were behind us (Long Canyon and Shaffer switchbacks), every little incline pegged our thirst.