Trip report Canyonlands NP 4-1-18 to 4-8-18
Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2018 8:29 am
A group of six guys met to do a backpack in Canyonlands (Utah) NP for a week. We came from Colorado (3), New Mexico (2), and California (1--me) and converged on Squaw Creek campground. I drove about 16 hours to get their stopping in Nevada midway (route 50--the loneliest highway in America). Got 1 speeding ticket in Utah (sigh). The focus of the trip was a 4 day trip and a 3 day trip ( separated for water reasons) in the Needles area.
We started up the trail to Lost Canyon. Very easy to start. The trail was either thick sand ( very slow) or over rolling hard rock. When on hard rock the trail was well marked with ducks. Sometimes the trail went UNDER ledges ( had to lean over with pack to get by) and some times the trail sloped down to a drop off. Nothing dangerous but
not for everyone. We saw a couple of deer. No other mammals except bats. Lots of bats nests... At one point the trail went THRU a crack. We had to take off our packs and pass them to squeeze through. Also there were several ladders strategically placed. They were no problem without a pack and poles but presented just a little bit of spice to do with pack and poles. Another interesting view/feature.
There are a couple of really nice arches in Canyonlands. You dont have to go to Arches NP to see them.
Here is Druid Arch. This was reached via a 4 mile round trip side trail. Most of the people we saw here were day hikers. The next feature we saw was on the "joint trail". I have seen several similar narrow canyons elsewhere, but this one was quite good. Near the joint trail is Chesler Park. This is just a wonderful area. No water. Plus you have to pack out your own ****.
But a really beautiful feel to it. No fires are allowed here. But I did bring a new device for backpacking. It is a Luci solar light. It is about 2 ounces and provided really good light. It has a couple of settings including an SOS setting. It was very bright and was a hit with the group, including people sitting around it, just like a campfire. Part 2 to follow.
We started up the trail to Lost Canyon. Very easy to start. The trail was either thick sand ( very slow) or over rolling hard rock. When on hard rock the trail was well marked with ducks. Sometimes the trail went UNDER ledges ( had to lean over with pack to get by) and some times the trail sloped down to a drop off. Nothing dangerous but
not for everyone. We saw a couple of deer. No other mammals except bats. Lots of bats nests... At one point the trail went THRU a crack. We had to take off our packs and pass them to squeeze through. Also there were several ladders strategically placed. They were no problem without a pack and poles but presented just a little bit of spice to do with pack and poles. Another interesting view/feature.
There are a couple of really nice arches in Canyonlands. You dont have to go to Arches NP to see them.
Here is Druid Arch. This was reached via a 4 mile round trip side trail. Most of the people we saw here were day hikers. The next feature we saw was on the "joint trail". I have seen several similar narrow canyons elsewhere, but this one was quite good. Near the joint trail is Chesler Park. This is just a wonderful area. No water. Plus you have to pack out your own ****.
But a really beautiful feel to it. No fires are allowed here. But I did bring a new device for backpacking. It is a Luci solar light. It is about 2 ounces and provided really good light. It has a couple of settings including an SOS setting. It was very bright and was a hit with the group, including people sitting around it, just like a campfire. Part 2 to follow.