Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2015 20:05:23 GMT -8
Hi there. New to this forum. I get out pretty regularly on hiking, biking and canoe trips around Iowa, and once or twice a year on extended backpacking trips elsewhere in the country. I love geeking out researching new gear, and also writing about and photographing the outdoors. I teach some outdoor classes for the local University and write a column for the local newspaper called Iowa Explorer. Check it out: twitter.com/hashtag/iowaexplorerI posted this elsewhere too, but I'm also here looking for suggestions for a multiday backpacking trip at Zion NP in March. I'm organizing a group trip for 8-11 mostly beginning level backpackers. Ideally we'd find a 20-30 mile loop over 3 or 4 days (8-10 miles per day), including a rest day where we could do a scenic day hike. Seeking suggestions/advice about trails and loops to check out, camping options, water supply in spring, and terrain. I'd also welcome other suggestions in the area. I was rejected for a permit request at Grand Canyon and went to Canyonlands a few years ago, so wanted to try something different.
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Post by hikerjer on Dec 1, 2015 20:27:45 GMT -8
I get out pretty regularly on hiking, biking and canoe trips Welcome from the Big Sky country. Sounds like you've got a lot in common with many of us. Hang around and you'll learn a lot from some of the nicest and knowledgeable folks in the realm.
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BlueBear
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@GoBlueHiker
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Post by BlueBear on Dec 1, 2015 20:50:55 GMT -8
Hello there Brian, and welcome! I can't offer any specific advice about Zion in particular, but just wanted to stop in and say hi, and thanks for coming in. Fresh meat New faces are always welcome here. If you ask your question over in the Mountain Region forum you'll likely get a few more in depth answers from locals. In the meantime howdy ho, and welcome aboard the crazy train. - Mike ETA (Edited to add): I see you're a step ahead and are already getting s few answers over in the Mountain States forum. Never mind, and welcome aboard again!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2015 21:00:19 GMT -8
Welcome Brian.
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Post by tallgrass on Dec 1, 2015 21:14:24 GMT -8
Good to have another Hawkeye on board. 12-0 baby!
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Post by Lamebeaver on Dec 2, 2015 8:00:57 GMT -8
Howdy, welcome to the forums!
If you contact Zion NP directly, I'm sure they would be more than happy to make suggestions.
I'd say March would be an excellent time for your trip.
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Post by trinity on Dec 2, 2015 9:35:41 GMT -8
Sounds like you bring a lot to these forums. Welcome, glad to have you on board.
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Westy
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Post by Westy on Dec 2, 2015 10:18:41 GMT -8
Hello Iowa!
March maybe a bit early for Zion's as the three guide books I just reviewed all suggest late spring through fall.
I'd do the one of the following: East Rim, West Rim or Kolob Arch-Hop Valley. They are all out and back hikes and overnighters. No real loop hikes in Zion's.
There are some Southwest Desert routes in the park that can be done 4-seasons, but are day hikes. Huber Wash and Petrified Log Jam, Coalpits Wash and Scoggins Wash.
Your group size is probably a bit too large, recommend trimming it down for more fun. LB's recommendation to contact the park is solid advice.
Wild Card Suggestion: Try for a Grand Canyon Permit again, you are late as November 1st was the acceptance date for permits beginning in March.....but The Grapevine Route and corridor trails: South Kaibab and Bright Angel could still work. Be creative with your Grand Canyon dates and try again. Last year I was unsuccessful with my first permit request for a March start date. Re-submitted (4) different itineraries utilizing Bright Angel Campground and Indian Gardens Campground in the mix and coming out at Hermit TH. Got lucky.
Something in Arizona may be your best bet for March. Maybe DD has some suggestions. There are some cool routes in the Arizona Strip south of St. George, going to Lake Mead but might not be suitable to your groups experience level.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Dec 2, 2015 10:40:15 GMT -8
Welcome!
I agree that March in Zion can be iffy. We got snowed on there one year at spring break (probably last of March/first of April). But that time in that area is unpredictable--we've gone from snow/temps in teens to sun and temps in 80s during a single week-long spring break trip there.
Can't really help about the pack trip. Get the maps, study the trails, and then contact the rangers and get a reality check.
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Post by hikingtiger on Dec 3, 2015 10:15:05 GMT -8
Welcome.
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Post by Hikin Mike on Dec 3, 2015 12:15:28 GMT -8
Welcome Brian!
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johnnyray
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Post by johnnyray on Dec 3, 2015 14:20:56 GMT -8
Hi Brian and welcome.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2015 17:40:25 GMT -8
Thanks for the welcome and suggestions! Great activity on this forum.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Dec 4, 2015 8:17:14 GMT -8
Thanks for the welcome and suggestions! Great activity on this forum. We're trying. It's a new revival of a long-standing forum, and we need all the input we can get--hope you'll stick around and keep talking. BTW--it's not a backpack trip (though you could spend a night halfway just for the beauty of it), but last spring I hiked from the Weeping Wall TH up to the East Rim, with a detour to the Observation Deck. Gorgeous hike; there are some photos here: www.ninjalibrarian.com/2015/07/photo-friday-on-to-zion.html
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