Canyonlands West - March 18th -27th

I had a detailed discussion with the ranger at the Hans Flats Ranger Station located in the westside of Canyonlands National Park.

I verified the following;

1. No wood fires or any kind are allowing inside the National park.
2. Overnight camping is only allowed at the designated campsites. ( of which there are very few for a park this size and each campsite only allows 3 vehicles)
3. Overnight campsite need to be reserved ahead of time via their website.
4. Chances of securing a site via the ranger station the day we arrive are little and none.
5. 4 wheel chains are not required but recommended this time of the year especially on the Flint trail (which we plan on taking) as parts of it are shaded and slow lingers there. The daytime temps allow for some melting of the snow but it turns into icemaking climbing this shelf road difficult.


Based on the above, I plan on doing the following:

1. Each day we plan on exploring the west side of the park (West of the Green River) we will camp outside the park boundaries so we can camp where we choose and enjoy a campfire.

2. Each of the (currently planned 3) days we are going to be exploring the west side, we will be rising early (in the dark) and heading into the park so pretty much all roads will be explored to their maximum. This will include Millard Camp, The Doll House, Maze Overlook, Panorama Point and Cleopatra's Chair.

3. We will start early and there is potential that we will arrive back at our campsite in the dark. Now may be the time to install those off road lights you've been looking at.

4. Depending on how we're doing with the above exploring we may also check out the Horseshoe Canyon which is outside the park so we can camp close to it.

5. We fill up our vehicles at either Green River or Hanksville. The park boundary is about 50 miles to the nearest paved road and then 10-20 mile to the nearest gas station. All I have are estimated mileage from the Parks maps. My best conservative estimate at this point is about 196 miles of travel inside the park. I recommend each vehicle carry 20 extra gallon of fuel.

Because of the above schedule we may complete our exploring of the park early. If so, I will then be driving into the San Rafael Swell area to explore. The "Swell" lies on the north and south side of Interstate 70.

I'm allowing two days to get to our campsite outside the Park. This will allow a more relaxed schedule.

Plan trail meals from Saturday night to Saturday night. Most likely we won't need the second Saturday lunch and dinner, but best to have them be reserve meals in the event we don't come out into civilization by then.

It would appear that there is no reliable source of fresh water inside the park, so where we buy gas we will also fill up our water containers.

It is still winter in these parts of Utah and it is possible to get snow. The snow here is usually light and dry. Figure cold night around the campfire and pleasant daytime temps. We'll know more what to expect as we get closer.

Any questions,

Fred
Explorer 1

These trips where I am going to places I've never been before are always "Fluid", meaning I adjust where we go and where we camp on how our "progress is doing".

I use a google maps program to trace out most possible routes and then download them into my Lowrence. This helps save time as I travel so when I come to any trail intersection I know which way to turn.

For whatever reason, (and I do mean that because experience has taught me that I can never foresee all the possible delays in a trip lime this) we end up behind schedule or stopped at some location, I will adjust where we stay and where we go the next day.

I ask all who attend to come with that attitude that we'll have an adventure one way or another. It may not look like what we originally planned but none the less, it will be an adventure.

About the best I might be able to do is have you look at my SPOT website to see the coordinates where we are camped and then do you best to get there. This would most likely mean you would need to capacity to access the internet while traveling.

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

All,

Are we going to have common items assigned to bring? ie,

propane stove
fire grill
shovel(s)
table
axe
saw

Murrie

Ok, here is the "group" stuff I'm bringing, so you don't need to duplicate it.

1. Cook kit: Dutch Oven, 1 qt pot with lid, Griddle, Coffee pot, Complete utensils kit, Measuring cups, popcorn popper.
2. Lantern and 1 cylinder of fuel
3. Fire kit including saw and small hatchet and fire starter
4. Misc fluids and repair kit. Not including motor oil, ATF or coolant
5. Misc unusual tools , multi meter, saws, nuts, bolts, clamps and hoses.
5. Fire grill large enough for the group.
6. 20 ton bottle jack
7. First aid kit

I have a 2'x 4' plastic folding table I'd like someone to bring for the group, unless you have your own you're going to bring.

If you have a need for a stove you should bring one.

Regular tools should also be brought along with a couple gallons of ATF and motor oil.

Fire wood at least two boxes each, or more. If you need wood I have some you can pack and take.

Anything I'm missing?

Thanks,
Fred

I'll bring
1. traction boards
2. Mac's Utility Mat (off-road creeper)
3. a pared-down toolset (since I'm traveling separately)
4. recovery kit
5. fluids (including at least some ATF, Oil, and Coolant)
6. Two boxes of wood, maybe three. Without the roof rack my space is filling fast

I'll update if this changes

Guys,

Sorry for getting back late. I will bring my 8 ton bottle jack. I will bring the 24 x 48 plastic folding table.

I will be brining my impact tools and sockets, my 300 piece Harbor Freight tool set, and 2 boxes of wood. I Will bring my two small shovels, one pointed and the other square.

My fluids box has 5 qts of oil, 4 qts of coolant, 4 qts of trans fluid, 1 qt of break fluid. I will also carry 20-25 gallons of extra gas pending what fits on my roof rack.

See you in a couple of days.

What time is departure from Whittier?

Murrie

You should bring your own straps and "D" rings so if you get in a simple stuck situation, some one can pull you without pulling their stuff out.

Did you get the text regarding a plastic table?

Thanks,
Fred