Trip Planning: May: Lower End of Grand Gulch and Capitol Reef, Tenkara Fly Fishing
Hi, I'm finally getting back to Southern Utah for the first time since 2011 when I got to explore Grand Gulch from the top to an exit at Collins. I promised myself I would be back to do the lower section to the San Juan and also to spend some time in Capitol Reef. Well the time as arrived, I scored good priced tickets to Vegas and will be there in the first half of May. I have 9 days total.
Grand Gulch: I'm looking at spending 3 days heading down-canyon and back from the Collins TH. What are some must see in that section of GG. I hope to get to Shaw arch and see some of the great rock art I've heard about in this section. This will be my third trip to GG but I still feel like a noob here. So appreciate any advice. Love working a bit for my rock art/ruins and GG never disappoints. My two previous trips have been in April and this year will be the latest in the spring that I've been in GG. Planning for the second week of May and would appreciate any wisdom on water availability. Is three days enough. Realistically how much time is needed to get the most out of this section of GG? Would 6 days be too much?
Capitol Reef: The second part of my trip will be 3 days in Capitol Reef. I've driven through from Boulder via the Burr/Bullfrog Rds and was blown away by the landscape and have always wanted more time to visit. I realize 3 days is not much. I hope to spend two days in the Halls Creek Narrows and spend a day hiking some of the slot Canyons off the Bullfrog Rd (Burro Wash/ Cottonwood Wash/ Sheets Gulch). If I had another few days to spend in CR NP what would be a recommended overnight with challenging route finding, tough terrain, rock art and decent water? Something that would make for some good memories. Any beta for the Narrows or for those slot canyons.
Finally does anyone have advice on Fly Fishing in May? Tenkara specifically and where might be good to spend a few days. Was thinking the Escalante/Boulder area. Flying in and out of Vegas.
Thanks so much in advance