"We are keeping our eyes open for Castle Rock Road as we retrace Goodale's Cutoff. The emigrants would have tended to follow draws while we, at times, are a good distance away from the original trail following the paved highway. Once we turn off on Castle Rock Road, the barbed wire fence with burned wooden fence posts catches my eye. There appear to be bluebird boxes attached to some of the fence posts. Once we arrive at the site, the spring and the granite outcroppings are quite impressive. Ground squirrels, insects, birds, and a coyote that is heard but not seen make us feel welcome. The domestic animals are most well represented by cows (or the evidence of cows!). Skull Rock is indeed a very identifiable landmark. There is marshy vegetation along the spring. Aspen and pine trees as well as granite surround a low spot where the water pools; I can understand why the emigrants chose this spot to stop. Adding to the color of the location, lichens of gray, orange, black, lime green, and white all work on the granite, breaking it down."