Best time of the year to go to Escelante? AZ?

[nkanarik]

I'm planning a 7-10 days canyoneering trip for next year and debating about the actual area we should pick. Two areas/canyons that are high on the list are the ones below...I was wondering what would be the best time of the year to visit:

Escelante (Choprock, Neon, Ringtail, Baker, etc.)
AZ (Illusions, Insomnia, etc.) - Mongolian Rim area (May consider other areas nearby, but not Grand Canyon Area)


Thx

[Scott Card]

I've not been to the AZ canyons but for Escalante canyons I would recommend late April or early May or late September or early October. More light in April/May, however. Water levels are critical for Choprock so be prepared anytime due to runoff or flash floods moving the sand dams around.

[nkanarik]

Thx. This helps.

I've not been to the AZ canyons but for Escalante canyons I would recommend late April or early May or late September or early October. More light in April/May, however. Water levels are critical for Choprock so be prepared anytime due to runoff or flash floods moving the sand dams around.

[kiwi_outdoors]

and remember - if it has rained the dirt is slicker than snot - an issue when driving

[switchflare]

Consider joining the Arizona canyoneering community at our annual rendezvous that starts 4/10/19. Good group and you'll be able to talk to guys who have run the canyons you are interested in. You can join a group for a canyon run or start a sign-up for one your are interested in. Runoff is usually decent in April, although 2017 was an exception.

https://www.meetup.com/AZROCK/events/249890896/

[mcweyen]

I've done the AZ canyons in late May and early July. Late May was far better from a water level perspective.

I agree on the Escalante recommendation of May or September. I've been there in both of those months multiple times and agree entirely.