null
Trail Wise!
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Post by null on Oct 25, 2016 8:55:45 GMT -8
I am going to be spending some time in Great Basin NP next year, probably frontcountry base camping at Lehman Creek Campground.
I'd like to take day trips to Lexington Arch and/or Castle Butte (from either Lexington Creek or Big Wash). As far as I can tell, the approach roads require 4WD at a minimum and maybe high clearance. Can anyone confirm this? Just how rough are these roads and how long could I reasonably expect it to take to get there? Would a non-four wheel drive vehicle be able to make it?
Thanks,
Steve
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whistlepunk
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I was an award winning honor student once. I have no idea what happened...
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Post by whistlepunk on Oct 25, 2016 17:30:23 GMT -8
We hiked to Lexington Arch a few years ago and the access road was pretty bad then. I was in 4wd low in a few places crawling through big ruts and holes. I do not recall bottoming out, so maybe a high clearance 2wd could make it(?). Since then, a fire closed the road for a few years until the soil stabilized. I had not heard if the road has reopened. Do not know if the road has been improved or repaired. As I recall, the turnoff from the highway was not well signed and close attention to a map was required. At the end of the road was a large turnaround parking area. The trail was a steady climb with about a zillion switchbacks, to an overlook and a bench. Then the grade eased, descending into the canyon then a short final climb to the Arch. Saw lots of Sage Grouse from the trail.
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null
Trail Wise!
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Post by null on Nov 6, 2016 13:03:40 GMT -8
Thanks for the info, I will skip it. I've been to Arches NP a few times so going through heroics to see Lexington ... while possibly fun ... does not seem practical.
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Westy
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Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
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Post by Westy on Nov 6, 2016 22:26:07 GMT -8
Actually two very different types of natural arches. Arches NP is a sandstone layer, once lying horizontal, pushed up and now vertical. Over time the sandstone slab was been eroded by wind. Eventually, wind blown sand carved the arch. Lexington is the exposed underground river.
Was at GBNP three weekends ago to hike Wheeler Peak, fierce winds, low visibility and a touch of rain turned it from a hike to a 400 mile Sunday drive in the West Desert. Many of the roads in GBNP are undergoing improvements. Wouldn't count anything out.
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