Utah Trip Plan Suggestions

[big44g]

This years trip needs some suggestions to fill in some trip time. We plan on going in mid Aug. I know it's hot but at least you don't have the humidity like south Louisiana. Each year (5 years running) we try to get into “The Wave” but of course (again) we did not get the permits and it’s a very sore subject with me. I have a few holes because I was hoping maybe this year we would get the permit.

Day 1 - Trip starts out in south Louisiana, while I head to Dallas to pickup up a lifelong friend. Our first night will be at Palo Dura Canyon, TX.

Day 2 - Our next day we will/may visit Roswell, Valley of Fires, Very Large Array (VLA for 4runner photos), and on up to El Morro National Monument for a nights stay.

Day 3 - Head out of El Morro for the Cottonwood Canyon Trail on to Kodachrome State Park.

Days 4-6 ANY SUGGESTIONS.

I was thinking maybe visit Brice then on over to Cathedral Valley Loop with a night on the trail. Then maybe on over to Goblin Valley State Park with some trails before the White Rim trail.

Days 7-8 - White Rim Trail with a permitted night at White Crack.

Days 9-11 ANY SUGGESTIONS

Day 12 - I was thinking staying at Goosenecks State Park for the night before we head home.

I am so ready for this trip.

 

[taco7]

If you haven't already experienced it, consider the lower parts of Canyonlands NP (Maze area). I believe there are a few ways into it.

Another alternative is the San Rafael Swell, which is basically along I70, just north of Goblin Valley State Park.

 

[big44g]

The maze area is a great idea. I will research that tonight. I have been in the San Rafael Swell. What a cool place. We camped at the Hidden Splendor backcountry airstrip and hiked to the Little Susan Mine. Before we got to the airstrip, A bush plane was at the end of the airstrip with a damaged wing tip. We talked to the pilot and owner. They said On landing they hit a porta potty that was placed to close to the strip (another story also) The porta potty was brown like the surroundings and the pilot didn't see it. The pilot reviewed his go pro vid and he still could not see it until it was to late. We like Goblin valley state park because it's nice, clean and has showers.


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[RonJR]

The Maze is a wonderful place, but is quite remote and the roads are difficult. It will be very hot in August and there is no water available along the roads anywhere, so if you go please take that into account. A vehicle breakdown could turn into a serious emergency fairly quickly. I would want to carry an absolute minimum of 2 gallons of water per person per day.

You need a reservation to camp, but at this time all of the sites are open for mid-August (which should give you an indication of how many folks don't go there in the summer). There are no tables or outhouses, and little shade. You need to bring your own portable toilet system and plan to pack out all solid waste.

Here are a couple of Park Service URL's worth looking at.

For information:
https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/mazeroads.htm

For reservations:
https://canypermits.nps.gov/

 

[taco7]

Another suggestion would be to hit the Skyline Drive area, just north of I-70. You can access it from just east of Salina off of I-70. It would get you into the high country to avoid the heat. Very beautiful. There are many routes out of it as well.

Another option is the area south of I-70, in the Fishlake area. Also high and close to I-70.

Hit me up via PM if you need any other suggestions. Also take a peek at Expedition Utah website. Tons of very knowledgable folks there who will offer advice.

 

[big44g]

Thanks for the info. I have lots of research to do. This year will be the first time to sleep off the ground. Both myself and a friend built custom off road teardrop campers and will be taking them this year along with a few more friends. In past years most of the time we got tired of setting up and taking down camp that we just put our sleeping bags on the ground. So far we have always had great weather for our trips.


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