Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 10, 2015 19:20:19 GMT -8
I took my girlfriend on her first 4 day leisurely backpacking trip last month in the eastern sierras and she can’t wait to go again. So on our drive from Southern California through Utah to Vail, Colorado at the end of October I am hoping to squeeze in a 2 to 3, possibly 4 day backpacking trip along the way. I know the weather can become an issue this time of year so I am looking for a couple options; perhaps one of the national parks along the way, the deserts of southern Utah and/or mountains of western Colorado (if the weather provides a good window). Our ideal trip would include: 1) Some incredible natural views and features. Whether it be interesting rock formations, beautiful mountain-top views, isolated lakes/springs, waterfalls, canyons, caves, etc. 2) I’m not completely new to backpacking and I’m certainly not an experts, but it will be my girlfriends second backcountry experience and I don’t want her getting burnt out just yet after buying her all the gear . So nothing too technical. 3) A couple good fishing holes and consistent water sources would be a plus, but not mandatory. Although I’m not keen on carrying tons of water. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Oct 10, 2015 19:39:12 GMT -8
Utah should be nice. I would not recommend a multi-day trip in Colorado at that time of year.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Oct 11, 2015 6:26:29 GMT -8
End of Oct will be cool to cold in most of Utah. I personally enjoy Arches, but that is a base camp and day hike spot. You both might like that diversion. Or, you could turn it into a sampler and do a day or 2 in several parks, just looking and getting a feel for each of the different parks. Zion, Bryce, Arches, Capital Reef. Each of them are worth spending a week, but not backpacking in late Oct for a relative noob.
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Post by hikerjer on Oct 11, 2015 8:37:34 GMT -8
The Needles area of Canyonlands Nat'l Park has some fantastic 3-4 fourday hikes. It's peak season in October so snagging campsites might be problematic, but if you're flexible, you'll get something. The whole area is just great for hiking
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Post by hikerjer on Oct 11, 2015 8:38:43 GMT -8
The Needles area of Canyonlands Nat'l Park has some fantastic 3-4 fourday hikes. It's peak season in October so snagging campsites might be problematic, but if you're flexible, you'll get something. The whole area is just great for hiking. Water won't be a major problem but carry a filter. No fishing, though. It is the desert.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2015 13:37:13 GMT -8
Thanks for the quick feedback guys. We definitely plan on doing one or two day trips on the way depending on where we end up. We have done Arches, Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods, mountain biking around Moab, Gooseberry Masa, Dead Horse and the Grand Canyon; on the list still are Zion, Bryce, Capital Reef, Antelope Canyon, Vermillion Cliffs, etc.
Canyon Lands seems appealing and maybe if we pick a few dates mid-week we can avoid a crowd. Only thing is, from what I have read there is not much for reliable water sources (still researching). So far I have found Coyote Gulch: Red Well TH to Escalante River or Havasu Creek to be suitable, although Havasu Creek looks like it can get pretty crowded.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Oct 11, 2015 16:26:13 GMT -8
I did 3 days in Coyote Gulch, the same May I did the Narrows in Zion. Different types of canyon, but walking in the creek for the most part in both places. Not sure how they might be in late Oct. You might also look at Buckskin Gulch, but that might be a little out of your way. BG would be 1-3 nights, if you went in at Wire Pass and returned out that same way. Variable would be how far past the confluence you chose to go, or how long you stayed near the confluence. A simple in and out would be 1 night.
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