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Post by jhaveman on Jan 28, 2016 5:20:17 GMT -8
I am looking at heading out West again this June for a couple weeks. My daughter has it set in her mind that she wants to do Utah. Looking at spending 2 weeks, so what are some good trails/areas to look at? If there aren't any good 2-night trips in Zion/Bryce area, is there somewhere else nearby? I would still like to do some day-hiking in Zion just to see some of the highlights. Along with that, what areas are good areas to stay at while in the area? I've never been out that way before?
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Jan 28, 2016 9:54:33 GMT -8
We have done overnights in Bryce (there are designated camp areas) and Cap. Reef, as well as the Escalante, Canyonlands, and some other more random areas. You are right that the iconic Zion stuff is mostly day-hiking, though you might look into an overnight above (east of) the Observation Deck. I met some backpackers when I hiked to the rim there, and it would be a cool way to be in position to, say, watch the sun rise from the Observation deck (you would have to hike a couple of miles, instead of the whole way, anyhow).
June is pretty warm in a lot of those areas. Early starts and evening hikes will be key. We did a July hike once in Cap Reef, started after dinner, ca. 6 p.m., with temps about 96 deg. Hiked until dark, slept until light, hiked to about 11 a.m., for a 17-mile loop. It can be done, but you need to know what you're getting into with those temps.
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Post by starwalker on Jan 28, 2016 10:56:20 GMT -8
My son and I hiked on the East Rim to Cable Mountain and Deertrap Mountain, spending the night up there. You could easily stretch it out to include Observation Point. The West Rim from Lava Point to the Zion Canyon is also a definite overnighter if you want. Where the East Rim doesn't have designated campsites, the West Rim does. You can also go down into Kolob Canyon and see Kolob Arch. That would be another overnighter. Some folks cross the Park on a combination of those hikes.
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snappypepper
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Post by snappypepper on Jan 28, 2016 18:17:45 GMT -8
Second the West Rim Trail from lava point to the canyon. My dad and I did it as a day hike (approx 16 miles), but it's easily long enough to be a great overnight as well. If you'd like to spend 2-3 nights camping, the Trans Zion Trek might fit the bit. You can exit either at the main canyon or continue along the East Rim trail (though that exit requires a shuttle or car spot). Another iconic Zion hike is the Narrows, which can be done top down as an overnight. I did it as a day hike ( info here) but most choose to camp for a night.
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Post by starwalker on Jan 29, 2016 10:53:48 GMT -8
I've day-hiked the West Rim and even night-hiked it at a full moon with a group from the Lodge. That was fun until about 2 AM when we were looking down at the Lodge and dorms where we lived and thought "What am I doing?!"
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Post by jhaveman on Feb 16, 2016 8:36:17 GMT -8
Great info here!! Thanks so much. I am also interested in Capital Reef. Good hiking there? Is June going to be too hot?
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Post by Chuck the Mauler on Feb 16, 2016 14:12:17 GMT -8
Having spent time in both Zion and Bryce, I'd opt out and head toward Buckskin Gulch. It's a perfect 3 day 2 night trip. It's just East of Zion and is the deepest slot canyon in North America. Awesome trip!! Do a quick google search. Bryce is good for dayhiking and that's about it. You COULD do a 3 day in Zion. But a better idea would be to day hike the Narrows or Angels Landing and head toward the Buckskin. On your way you could try to get a permit for "the maze in coyote buttes" which starts at the same TH as the Buckskin.
Or float down the Colorado river, take out at the Spanish Bottom and hike in the Maze of Canyonland NP.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2016 13:38:20 GMT -8
I'm going to be visiting Zion for a couple of days in April. I have a permit reserved to backpack on the West Rim trail and I have a couple of days reserved in the campground. Im planning on hiking to Angel's Landing one day and going at least partially up the Narrows, weather permitting. Any other suggestions as to what might be the best day hikes to do in Zion.
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Post by absarokanaut on Mar 16, 2016 15:08:25 GMT -8
Southern Utah in June? In a normal year that's WAY too hot for most of us. This year with WELL above temperatures forecast with all due respect your daughter is freakin' crazy. Show her this map and unless she really is crazy you'll be given the green light to look towards a far better choice. I've seen 90 degrees in the Needles District the FIRST WEEK OF APRIL. The only saving grace you might get are the thunderstorms that fill some of those slots and kill people. www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/long_range/seasonal.php?lead=3
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Mar 17, 2016 10:32:09 GMT -8
Great info here!! Thanks so much. I am also interested in Capital Reef. Good hiking there? Is June going to be too hot? That depends. In all seriousness, it could be very hot. But we have done hikes and even overnights in Cap Reef and Canyonlands in August. It involves a willingness to start late, sleep short, and finish early. Or, as we did one time in Canyonlands, we spent most of the day in a cave, only emerging to finish our hike as the temps started to drop. I'd missed that "June" part of the OP. That really does let out slot canyons, and makes it much more difficult, though not impossible to enjoy most of Utah. If she insists, you will be rising before sunrise to start hiking at first light, and plan to spend the middays in the AC. Frankly, at that time of year, I'd look for someplace cooler, though it's awkward--that's usually too early to get into the high mountains.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Mar 17, 2016 10:33:54 GMT -8
Any other suggestions as to what might be the best day hikes to do in Zion. I can recommend the Observation Deck, and Hidden Canyon is fun (same TH, shorter hike that branches off from the OD trail). I can also recommend hikes up off the Kolob road, except you're going in April which is probably too early for up there! First week of April we've seen both scorching heat and snow in Zion. You never know
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Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2016 8:43:45 GMT -8
Hey everyone!
My brother and I were looking to visit Zion later this winter. I know it might not be the ideal time to go, but it will be the only time he is home from college. Has anyone been out this way around December? We are not too worried about the weather (a little cold never hurt anyone right?) but i want to make sure that it is worth the trip out that time of year. Any advice or recommendations for cool things to check out are greatly appreciated!
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Sept 27, 2016 10:22:53 GMT -8
It'll be well worth the look. If you plan on camping, as in a tent, be prepared for snow and cold weather. Lots of good places to eat in Springdale, but my personal favorites are Zion Pizza and a Mexican place called Bit & Spur.
As for things to see, the park is full of wonderful sights. What is available that time of year depends on the snow levels. You'll have a great time,even if you can only see the park from the shuttle. Emerald Pools, Hidden Canyon, Observation Point, all worth seeing.
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Post by starwalker on Sept 27, 2016 11:15:31 GMT -8
I think Zeke meant Springdale, not Springfield. Oscar's is good too if it is still there. I've not been there in the winter, but I know it snows quite a bit in the high country. You might find the desert hikes in the southwest corner of the park to be good.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2016 11:19:13 GMT -8
Awesome! Thanks for the suggestions!
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