Grand Gulch - Kane to Collins
It's about time I put something up here - almost 3 weeks since I got home, and not a word!
Grand Gulch solo backpack - 5 days from Kane Gulch to Collins Canyon.
Rather than my usual wordy, long report, I'll just put some short notes and a bunch of photos...
I flew into Vegas on March 30, and drove down to Bullhead City for dinner with denaliguide. He gave me some great maps & info. Thanks, denaliguide! Spent the night in Flagstaff.
Drove to the Kane Gulch Ranger Station, where I met Brewhaha. We drove to the Collins Canyon trailhead, where I parked my car, and he drove me back to Kane. (There was a snow shower on the way - made me nervous!) He wished me luck, and I was on my way at about 12:30. Thanks, Brewhaha!
Campsites were at: Day 1, mouth of Todie Canyon. Day 2, mouth of Bullet Canyon. Day 3, just west of Cow Tank Canyon. Day 4, just west of Bannister Ruin.
Emerged on Friday afternoon, and drove to Mt. Carmel, where I stayed courtesy of the Emperor. Thanks, ratagonia!
Spent Saturday morning on the east side of Zion, then the afternoon in Springdale. Dinner with ratagonia, then a drive back to Vegas. A night in an interesting & unusual hotel (and hours wandering the strip.)
Sunday, relaxing day, with a flight home at dinner time (that was delayed for an hour or two, 'til after dark. Love the lights of the Strip...)
Some photos:
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Collins Canyon parking lot
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Setting out from Kane
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Approaching Junction Ruins
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Stimper Arch
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First night's shelter
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Final night's camp
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The Narrows of Grand Gulch
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Halfway up Collins
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Dugway out of Collins
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Ah, the sights of Springdale
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Artisan Hotel, Vegas
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Boarding my flight home
If you're interested, more photos are available here