Neon Conditions?

[Brian in SLC]

How is it to do Neon not as a backpack?

We did it car-to-car in 9 hours, and, didn't feel that rushed. But, we did nail the trail in and out (cross country to the canyon on the way in, then out the Fence way on the way out).

With an early start, pretty doable.

[DWayne27]

Just take the time and camp down by fence canyon. It makes the trip much easier than a day hike would.

We would definitely prefer this option, but our "small" tent is a big heavy 4 man tent, and all our sleeping gear is certainly not compact. For some reason my wife doesnt think this is a good enough reason to buy some new gear that works for backpacking. I will never understand her...

And thanks for the input Brian.

[trackrunner]

tent? ditch the tent go with a light weight tarp & save a few pounds.

[oldno7]

Have to agree with the "hall monitor"
No tent required, you'll thank me on the hike out.
I prefer a therma-rest and light down bag.

I'm not sure how fast this canyon drains, but if the keeper gets down 1'-2'(which it should this year) be prepared.

[DWayne27]

That is the other big question on our mind. Obviously the weather, and the condition of the keeper. I was certainly going to ask around as we get a little closer. Last TR I read, the keeper was totally full and no problem at all. Seems like everything is warming up and draining out. Anyone familiar with the canyon care to venture a guess as to what the conditions will be in 2 weeks?

[Scott Card]

If the weather reports are correct. I will fill again this week....

[ratagonia]

If the weather reports are correct. I will fill again this week....

Going to Chuckarama or something Scott?

If the weather reports are correct. It will fill again this week....

...and generally takes longer than a few weeks to get to the 'obnoxious' stage.

In a day? There are many different places to enter the canyon. Doing it in a day and only getting the "sport route" or the "more fun route" is definitely doable, but I like the idea of going out via Fence Canyon - the slog up the sand pile and across the sand mesa is... a slog. With long days, quite doable. But camping at Fence allows going much higher in the canyon and getting more.

Tom

[Scott Card]

Going to Chuckaram or something Scott?

whoopsie.... Dang "t" button... But now that you ask, no. Trying to slim down a bit to fit into my wet suit so I don't have to fight it.

[Scopulus]

But camping at Fence allows going much higher in the canyon and getting more.

How much of the canyon can one do in a long day if beginning from the Fence camp? Does doing the entire canyon require (or demand) an overnight? Is doing the entire canyon better from the head of the canyon with a long vehicle spot, or doable going up and back from the Fence camp? I've never done the upper section. What think ye?