Suggestions for a cool "overnighter"?

[TreeHugger]

My plans unexpectantly had to change for the weekend and now, instead of 3 days out, we can only, if we're going to do anything, go for an overnighter. We reallyreally need a getaway, even if it's short. So the question is: Where can we go that is really nice (pretty, peaceful), within 2-3 hours drive? We'd like to go in the morning, hike, have a campfire, chow some beans and rice, drink a bottle of wine, hike again the next day then drive home.

I have no idea where to go.... help!!

And, thanks in advance!! :hippy:

[DiscGo]

TreeHugger- I should probably already know this, but in what area do you live?

[stefan]

We'd like to go in the morning, hike, have a campfire, chow some beans and rice, drink a bottle of wine, hike again the next day then drive home.


though it's a little further, the swell is near your driving time frame.

you looking mountains or desert at this point?

[rockgremlin]

I'd hit the Swell. Possibly The Wedge overlook (aka "Little Grand Canyon").

[Wasatch]

Would also have to say the Northern Swell area.

[TreeHugger]

TreeHugger- I should probably already know this, but in what area do you live?


Salt Lake City.

I'm not at all familiar with the Swell. Havent explored it at all since living here. Can you give me more details?? Thanks! Little Grand Canyon sounds perfect. :-)

[TreeHugger]

Ooooo, I just did a search - it looks awesome!!

[stefan]

the wedge overlook has some wandering but not a lot of hiking. camping is limited, watch the signs. it can get windy there at times, but has a magnificent view.

buckhorn wash is definitely worth driving. there are numerous places to hike all over. lots of ancient art. bla bla bla ...

another option would be to drive and explore nine-mile canyon. it's mostly driving and checking out endless petroglyphs along the road side, though there is stuff off the road side. it's a strikingly beautiful canyon, especially in the right lighting.

[diabolic]

Nine Mile Canyon :ne_nau:

[goofball]

we did a hike up the northern reef a few years back that was super fun. started somewhere near here -

http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=39.0325&lon=-110.41503&s=100&size=l&symshow=n&u=4&datum=nad27&layer=DRG25

can't remember which little "pullout" we parked at along that tidwell draw road. there was a large cowboy camp there though. hiked up the reef one day. next day wandered the rim. gorgeous views. easy to get turned around though. not particularly hard hiking, but lots and lots of domes and drainages to pick your way through. we found some good arrowheads up near the rim. we navigated w/ map n compass, but a gps would work MUCH better.

[Udink]

I'd also recommend the northern Swell, but just be warned that Buckhorn Wash, Wedge Overlook, and all the other places that are easy to get to will be crowded. I'll even be out in that area on Saturday. :D

Goofball's suggestion is great, and you likely won't run into all the camp trailers and ATVs that will be in the areas I mentioned above. There's lots of Reef hiking in that area, and a lot of fins and cracks and other fun places to explore. If you've got a GPS, there's a natural bridge (Heaven Arch (http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?wp=GCTDT3)) in that area that might be worth hiking to. Park at N 39

[Mtnman1830]

If you decide to go to the Swell, you must hit Goblin Valley, camping in the area with showers (the women would like this)
Little Wildhorse Canyon isn't very far either...

[rockgremlin]

Wow! You've never been to the Swell? I admire you! You've got a whole new world to explore! Prepare to be awed.

If you don't mind crowds, you might also want to check out Fifth Water hot springs up Diamond Fork canyon -- on the way to the Swell. :2thumbs:

[stefan]

I'd also recommend the northern Swell, but just be warned that Buckhorn Wash, Wedge Overlook, and all the other places that are easy to get to will be crowded.

ooo ... good point, totally forgot it was easter weekend

[DiscGo]

I'm not at all familiar with the Swell. Havent explored it at all since living here. Can you give me more details?? Thanks! Little Grand Canyon sounds perfect. :-)


LWH is great, but if you show up and it is busy you should check out Crack Canyon. Seriously though, if you have not hit the Swell it is where you need to go.

[TreeHugger]

OK, maybe I've been to the Swell and didnt realize it!! Been to LWH and Goblin Valley. Whatd'ya know! :-)

There seems to be a campground where we could start a really nice looking hike along the river, as far as one might want to go, there are pictographs along the way and stuff like that. I think this is the San Rafael River. What do you think? Too crowded? (didnt think about that, I'm guessing this is a popular area)

Man, this website rocks - ask and you shall receive. You guys are awesome!!

Yours,
Tree.

[asdf]

The buckhorn wash / San Rafael river area should not be too busy this time of year (compared to the goblin lwhc areas). You could always drive down the Mexican mountain road and hike the black box overlook or in ther spring canyon area. There should be somer good campsites in red canyon, but i have not been down there for a few years .... http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=834579

[asdf]

If you do go to that area check this out - http://www.flickr.com/photos/bclee/139579490/map/?view=everyones

[Iceaxe]

FWIW: The Swell is usually a zoo over Easter. LWH will look like Disneyland on the 4th of July.

If you want something similar to LWH but without the crowd maybe try Moonshine Wash.

[R]

LWHC. You will love it. I can't wait to get back myself...

http://richardbarron.net/galleries/anytrail/lwhc/LWHC14.jpg

[asdf]

LWHC. You will love it. I can't wait to get back myself...

:roflol:
easter weekend.... its going to be packed not even worth considering.

[R]

Yeah, I guess I blanked that it was Easter. Might be a good weekend to rent Black Hawk Down and order a pizza. :nod:

[brettyb]

An alternative to the Swell would be Dinosaur NM (depending on how developed of an area you're looking for). The Quarry portion is around 3.5 hrs from SLC. There is great red rock / canyon scenery and I suspect it wouldn't be as crowded as the Swell for Easter. Based on the forecasts I'm seeing for the weekend it should be just fine weather over there. There are some nice, albeit short, trails, good petroglyphs, etc. Of course, the Dinosaur Quarry is, unfortunately, closed indefinitely, but that doesn't mitigate the recreational opportunities.

[rockgremlin]

Of course, the Dinosaur Quarry is, unfortunately, closed indefinitely, but that doesn't mitigate the recreational opportunities.

IT IS?!! Why?!!

[brettyb]

Because the building was deemed unsafe:

http://www.nps.gov/dino/faqs.htm