Ideas for Capital Reef

[asdf]

asdf

[sparker1]

I think Hickman Bridge and Grand Wash are good hikes for kids, but not off the beaten path. Cathedral Valley and Notom Road drives are also a good family activities.

[asdf]

has anyone camped in the Cedar Mesa campground?
Is there any other campsites in the area?
Is sheets gulch worthing hiking up with children? My little ones love slots canyons.

where is Iceaxe when you need him.

[Jaxx]

you probably already saw this but, this thread said that it isn't very far from boulder mtn.

http://bogley.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10478

[asdf]

asdf

[mudjumper]

A couple of years ago, we went down there and we camped where Cottonwood Wash crosses Notom-Bullfrog road. More specifically, we camped at a pretty good place at N38deg 09.860' & W111deg 05.511'. I like to go to the more primitive spots, so that way I know my kids, who have a tendency to be a bit loud sometimes, aren't bothering the tent(s) in the area. A luggable loo and wag bag are our standard equipment kit.

While there, my 3 kids and I went down to hike HQ and surprise canyons and had a pretty good time there. We love to do any kind of slot canyon, and while those 2 are not as narrow as some of the others we've done so far, it was enjoyable. I think they liked Hickman Bridge a little better, but we've not done too many arches yet. Honestly, Sulphur Creek looked pretty good, but we opted not to do that one because it was still rather chilly, and the thought of getting wet wasn't too appealing.

On the way from Cottonwood wash to those canyons we did drive thru Cedar Mesa campground, and it looked nice and we used the head there (note, bring your own TP). It's on a nice ridge with good views all around. *Could* be windy, but looked decent. Some small trees for shade and such but nothing too large.

Hope that helps. Let me know if you need any more info.

Russ

[asdf]

Thanks mudjumper,
We will check out the cottonwood wash campsite out if we head down that direction.

[stefan]

has anyone camped in the Cedar Mesa campground?

yes. it's a nice campground

Is sheets gulch worthing hiking up with children? My little ones love slots canyons.

haven't been up sheets, but there are a number of slots in the area. while some are technical, it's nontechnical to explore them from their bottoms. i am sure they would enjoy exploring the bottom of burro. also try fivemile. perhaps surprise and headquarters cyns would also be fun for them

[Iceaxe]

Sheets is a great canyon to hike from the bottom. Expect some minor wading.
http://climb-utah.com/Capitol/sheets.htm

Cottonwood also makes a great hike from the bottom but it's a little more advanced then hiking Sheets. Hiking instructions at the bottom of the tech page. Expect some swimming.
http://climb-utah.com/Capitol/cottonwood.htm

Five Mile is NOT a good hike. Most people will be stopped by a short dryfal just after entering the narrows.
http://climb-utah.com/Capitol/fivemile1.htm

Burro is nice from the bottom, but with the new BLM wash closure it's now a long ass hike to get to the goods.
http://climb-utah.com/Capitol/burro1.htm

Headquarters Canyon is OK.
http://climb-utah.com/Capitol/hq.htm

Surprise is OK.
http://climb-utah.com/Capitol/surprise.htm

[brettyb]

has anyone camped in the Cedar Mesa campground?
Is there any other campsites in the area?
Is sheets gulch worthing hiking up with children? My little ones love slots canyons.

where is Iceaxe when you need him.

Stayed at Cedar Mesa on Labor Day weekend a couple years ago. Showed up on Saturday and was shocked that more than one of the few (5?) sites was available. It was a great place to stay. Very laid back, far from the RV crowds. There is a pleasant hike that starts right from the campground.

[tmartenst]

I usually revolve my trips around photogenic spots as taking photos is what I love to do. Any thoughts for camping spots a little deeper and secluded in the area. Cedar Mesa Campground looks pretty nice. I typically stay away from people if possible. I have only been to Halls Overlook but only jumped out of the car there as we were using the road as a detour. Halls Narrows look pretty cool and I know Lower Muley Twist is a winner. Looks to be wet this time of year. Any idea how wet?

Looking to go Good Friday through Easter in two weeks. I am thinking car camping one night and backpacking in somewhere if possible. Haven't totally made up my mind yet about Capital Reef. Lower SR Swell should be about perfect then too.

Also, anyone been to Halls Creek Bay Arch. I just saw some pictures and it looks very cool. Especially if there was water coming through it!

Thanks

[pestopolis]

Kohab Canyon is really nice. Not too long, the switchbacks are kinda steep on the ascent if you start from the campground side. Once in the canyon though it is nice, and since capitol reef is still asomewhat of a hidden gem, there are not tons of people there.

I also think sulphur creek is fun because you get to wade in the water, it is a bit longer though if you have little chitlins.