rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Dec 9, 2019 7:13:14 GMT -8
Hi, hailstreak! Late April or even early May is great in the canyon country (we backpacked there in the last week of May this year, and it was perfect, but the weather was unusually cool, including a major dump in the mountains that we had to drive through  ). You might consider making an overview: do a couple of days to get a look at Bryce and Zion (the latter may already be booked, for camping and even day trips? Did that go through, to limit day use?). Swing through Capital Reef (also hard to get a campsite, but there are dispersed-camping options not far from the park). And see if you can catch a permit for a night or two in Canyonlands, especially the Needles District. Arches is a must-see, but again you'll need to book a campsite as soon as they open up for bookings, or else plan to camp farther away and get up very early. When we visited in October, we drove right in at 7 a.m. or something, but when we drove out in the afternoon, there were about 200 cars waiting in line to get in. Yes, those are the "big name" places, and too popular. But there is undeniably a reason for that. |
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swiftdream
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Post by swiftdream on Dec 9, 2019 10:17:27 GMT -8
We found Zion and Bryce a bit busy but full of stunning beauty. Canyonlands is amazing. We did a lot of exploration near the Needles district and finally made it a point to get in there. There are some nice looking campgrounds but we like dispersed camping and long day hikes with light packs. You can backpack there but need a permit and must stay in a designated site. There were no water sources so you pack it all in.
We found an amazing place to car camp right outside the Park and even did some extremely picturesque day hike from there. One day we drove in and did a Chessler Park hike that was superb. So as you drive in on hwy 211 you can stop and explore along the cliffs and find many well done pictographs and right after you cross Indian Creek for the last time and start bearing west towards Canyonlands there is a dirt road right there that parallels he creek back south. We went down there and found a site to camp. It was not a great road but check out any dicey places on foot before proceeding and you many find something close. We took the stuff about 100 yards off the road to set up. Or you could try for those pretty campgrounds in the Park. You will have a lot of hiking options in the Needles district. There are more districts in the park like the more remote Maze. There are many places outside the Park. Once we went further north along Indian Creek, parked and backpacked along the creek for days.
The other side of the vast Park is amazing too. We also like exploring San Rafael Swell and the Reef area too west of Canyonlands. Focus on one area and do it. If you need more there are always many, many areas nearby to go for.
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Post by hikerjer on Dec 10, 2019 18:47:20 GMT -8
OK, if it's southern Utah, and you can hardly go wrong there, I would make the following suggestions. The Owl Creek-Fish Creek Canyon complex in Utah's Cedar Mesa is a wonderful and a pretty easy 3-4 day hike. Cedar Mesa is full of so many other fantastic hikes I can't begin to mention them all, save one. Natural Bridges National Monument is just down/up the road and the hike through the canyon under the three arches is one of the premier day hikes I've ever taken. Canyonlands, esp the Needles district, as well, is fantastic. Might be crowded but the permit system regulates backpackers pretty well. Zion and Bryce can be crowded as well but the scenery is fantastic. Capitol Reef is great and not so crowded. Arches Nat'l Park is ridiculous as far as crowds go.
One note: all these places require permits for overnight camping (they have to) so apply early or take your chances. One other thing. Unlike swiftdream's experience, we were always able to find water but that doesn't mean you shouldn't plan on carrying plenty. It depends largely on the time of year and the type of season they've had. We've always hiked in the fall when there. Check with the local rangers. They'll know the water situation and advise you.
PM me if you'd like more info.
Have a great time.
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walkswithblackflies
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Post by walkswithblackflies on Dec 11, 2019 6:09:46 GMT -8
Hit the popular places during a weekday. That's what I've done in the past with good success.
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Post by johntpenca on Dec 11, 2019 8:04:42 GMT -8
hailstreak : Given what you have written, I'd suggest a road trip. Fly into Salt Lake and rent a car. Camp at a few developed campgrounds and do day hikes. Make reservations at the campgrounds if possible so you aren't left hanging come the end of the day. Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, etc. Keep in mind these places are more than a few hours apart, so don't plan to see them all or it will turn into a series of long drives; not fun if you are solo and have to keep your eyes on the road all the time. You will need to make reservations for campsites ASAP! Pick where you want to go, make reservations NOW and then you have time to plan a detailed itinerary. I suggest this route as being unfamiliar with the BLM and national forests in the west, you could wind up without a place to stay at the end of the day. Most national forest campgrounds won't be open yet. State and national parks in the SW probably will. One can camp on BLM lands year round, but if you aren't familiar with them it could end up not fun. Again, the SW (Utah/CO/AZ) area is a bit out of my wheelhouse, this is just based on what little time I've spent there.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 11, 2019 8:09:02 GMT -8
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Post by hikerjer on Dec 11, 2019 8:27:19 GMT -8
Concerning camping in the area. Most of the land around these areas is BLM land which allows dispersed camping in most areas which is cheap, usually free, and fun. Few amenities though, so do come prepared - waste disposal and bring your own water. It’s great.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Dec 11, 2019 8:34:29 GMT -8
The Sangre de Cristos are sometimes accessible in mid to late June, but a lot depends on the snowpack.
It's way to early to forecast that yet.
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Post by johntpenca on Dec 11, 2019 9:06:24 GMT -8
Hey folks; he has narrowed his time frame to late April-late May.
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Post by johntpenca on Dec 11, 2019 9:13:45 GMT -8
Most of the land around these areas is BLM land which allows dispersed camping in most areas which is cheap, usually free, and fun. Few amenities though, so do come prepared - waste disposal and bring your own water. It’s great. Yeah jer, the BLM lands open it up with regard to camping areas and free-wheeling it. Just seems to me most Easterners are not familiar with the concept. For a first timer trying to get a taste of the SW it seems staying at established campgrounds would be a better option. I'm a big fan of BLM camping, but it just doesn't seem appropriate in this case. Just my thinking; depends on how adventurous the OP is. April-May in a freezing, wind swept BLM campsite with no amenities is not a lot of fun. On the other hand, it offers more solitude and being away from the crowds. But it means driving 1-2 hours outside of the scenic parks for a night of camping. |
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Post by hikerjer on Dec 11, 2019 9:31:51 GMT -8
As with everything, it depends on conditions and the personality of those involved. It may also depend availability of established campgrounds. At any rate, it's all good.
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swiftdream
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Post by swiftdream on Dec 11, 2019 9:41:34 GMT -8
BLM camping is absolutely appropriate and you can find tremendous adventures within them. Most of southern Utah is BLM but as Jer says you are on your own for all amenities you have to bring with you. Some BLM lands you do have to have permits to backpack or hike but they are mostly free and not all have quotas.
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Post by johntpenca on Dec 11, 2019 16:20:08 GMT -8
BLM camping is absolutely appropriate and you can find tremendous adventures within them. Like I said, just my thinking, specific to this case. For instance, if I were planning my first trip to Montana/Wyoming I'd want to see the Tetons, Yellowstone and Glacier rather than visit BLM lands. |
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Post by Chuck the Mauler on Dec 11, 2019 17:18:19 GMT -8
In Canyonlands NP the Maze > the Needles IMO. The needles is for day hikers and Island in the Sky for a drive tour. The Maze takes some work to get to, but worth the effort. Take a boat out of Potash (down the Colorado River) or better yet, spend 2 days floating down the Colorado River and start your Maze trip at the Spanish Bottom.
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