Good Southern Utah trip

[uintafly]

I am looking for a new route in Southern Utah in the 2-4 day range for early March this year. I don't have a ton of experience down there but have done the following: Grand Gulch, Coyote Gulch, Zion Narrows, East Rim, and West Rim. I am good to go anywhere from 5-12 miles per day and have been thinking a bit about Buckskin Gulch or Hackberry Canyon but am definately open to any suggestions. I would not comlain at all about not seeing anyone during the trip. Thanks in advance for any info.

[denaliguide]

not southern utah but in early march i would be tempted to go to the grand canyon. temps are perfect in the bottom at that time of year.

[Scott P]

Buckskin Gulch or Hackberry Canyon

Early March is a bit early for Buckskin Gulch and it may have very cold wading. Hackberry might be possible if the Cottonwood Road is dry and in good condition.

[Cirrus2000]

Early March is a bit early for Buckskin Gulch and it may have very cold wading. Hackberry might be possible if the Cottonwood Road is dry and in good condition.

Still, though - solitude. I did it and the Paria to Lees Ferry Mar 1-4, 2007, and didn't see another person. Chilly, but gorgeous and had it all to myself.

Good luck!

[uintafly]

Thanks for the info guys. The suggestions in the Cedar Mesa thread also sound pretty good.


not southern utah but in early march i would be tempted to go to the grand canyon. temps are perfect in the bottom at that time of year.

I thought about this but the drive is a little long from SLC.

[tanya]

Early March in the Zion area can be snowing or warm as a nice spring day. Its hard to pick a hike until you know what the conditions will be when you get here. Most things on the east side of Zion would be good since road conditions are not an issue. East and West Rims are not usually great choices that time of year, and unless you want to wear a wetsuit and such the Narrows is just too cold. Some like it that way, but I think to really enjoy the Narrows it should be done in the summer. A favorite in the GSENM is Bull Valley Gorge and out Willis Creek which is 10 miles and you can do it in a day or backpack it. I also love Ashdown Gorge near Cedar Breaks, but March is a no go on that one too. If Skutumpah is passable and I would enter from Cannyonville in March, then I would do Bull Valley Gorge or one of Zion's east side hikes. As the guys said Buckskin is doable in the winter, just like the Zion Narrows, but it is more enjoyable in the summer.
The Wahweap Hoodoos might be fun March. It's not a summer hike, since its too hot. It's not 10 miles, but you could do some other nearby hikes as well like Cobra Arch. By the way... I have waded the Paria in the winter and it was so PAINFUL! I don't wish that on anyone! If you plan to do it wear neoprene socks at least. I am not a big fan of Hackberry and love Southern Utah more than the Grand Canyon, but it is 2nd on my love list. You might consider Thunder River if the forest roads are passable in March.

Here are some links to look at...

Bull Valley Gorge, Wahweap Hoodoos and others in the area.
http://www.zionnational-park.com/gshike.htm

Grand Canyon
http://www.zionnational-park.com/gbpack.htm


Check out the bottom of this chart of hikes in Zion. It starts with the classics on top, then goes to the routes on the bottom. The mileage is presented, but keep in mine there are 10 mile hikes and there are 10 mile hikes. The worst I ever did was Lava Falls at Toroweap which was only 1.5 miles, but the elevation change is 2540'. My suggestions for Zion in March would be to do more than one. These are all right there together...

Many Pools to the East Rim http://www.zionnational-park.com/zion-hike-manypools.htm
Parunuweap to the Powell Plaque and Checkerboard Arch http://www.zionnational-park.com/parunuweap-hike.htm
Checkerboard Mesa http://www.zionnational-park.com/zion-checkerboard-mesa.htm
Jug Handle Arch http://www.zionnational-park.com/zion-jug-arch.htm
Cockeye Falls http://www.zionnational-park.com/zion-cockeye-falls.htm
Parunuweap Pass: http://www.zionnational-park.com/zion-parunuweap.htm

[biophase]

Have you visited the Wave? It's not a backpacking trip, but a place you definitely should take a hike to.

[tanya]

Oh yes! And its by the Wahweap Hoodoos. :2thumbs: