DV, Southern Utah, or ? Mid May to mid June?

busboy66

busboy66

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Jun 2, 2010
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257
Location
Victoria, BC, Canada
Looking for some WTWers who would like to meet up mid May to mid June.
We are planning a trip from our home in Victoria, BC to see some sights in DV, Southern Utah, and Phoenix and Tucson areas.
Although we are relatively new to the FWC experience, we have traveled the SW many times by vehicle. Normally we have gone in September, but this year we would like to see the desert when it is in bloom at least partially.

Normally we have stayed on the beaten path (National Parks, state parks, BLMs etc) because we are not comfortable yet going off on our own.

So, if you have any plans during that time for any or all of the areas mentioned, let me know. It would be great to meet some of you folks and perhaps find something off the beaten path with you.

We have only traveled through DV, but would like to stay there for at least a few days. We want to see the Racetrack, Scotty's Castle, and the Borax Museum.

Comments/criticisms welcome. Suggestions for good locations and interesting sites also encouraged. :)

Thanks,

Tom
 
I'm not a DV expert at all...but I do like to follow weather, and I know that by mid-June in DV it's usually already somewhere between "hot" and "damn hot" (in the low-elevation areas, I mean). So...maybe hit there first.
In temperature ranking: DV > Phoenix > Tuscon > Southern Utah (at most elevations) >>>Victoria, BC
wink.gif


On the other hand, I know that there are Europeans -- or maybe just Germans -- who deliberately visit DV in mid-summer (when highs can be >120° at Furnace Creek) just so they can get the "full experience". So maybe the temps aren't an issue for everyone.
 
MarkBC,

Ya, I realize the temps will be pushing it. When we were there in Sept 07 it was about 104. Last Sept we camped in Moab area and it was 100 + ish.
I am definitely NOT European, and not a big fan of sweltering.
Hot I can take, as long as it cools in the evening.
 
As Mark says, it could be quite hot in Death Valley that time of year. After you fry in Furnace Creek, head to higher country in Butte Valley or even higher to Mohogany Flat.

Euros often find ways to die in the Death Valley heat!
 
Great territory but too hot for me by then :D . I may be heading to Dawson NWT or beyond. If it gets too hot, and it seems you know what you are in for, just head up. Hwy 12 in Utah is great and take the switchbacks, I think out of Boulder to Notam Road. Go South and take the ferry or North for Capital Reef.
 
Barko,

Dawson City, Yukon? If so, check out Midnight Dome. Great views of the town and all the old mining tailings.

We did Hwy. 12 last Sept. What a great trip. We ended up doing the Grand Circle in Utah, Vegas area, and even Woodland to check out new FWC developments.

So, the consensus appears to be that it may be too hot in May/June for DV. We are pretty flexible with our timing, so maybe late April early May. I'll have to run that by the boss.


Great territory but too hot for me by then :D . I may be heading to Dawson NWT or beyond. If it gets too hot, and it seems you know what you are in for, just head up. Hwy 12 in Utah is great and take the switchbacks, I think out of Boulder to Notam Road. Go South and take the ferry or North for Capital Reef.
 
Thanks Stew,

I'll definitely check those spots out.

As Mark says, it could be quite hot in Death Valley that time of year. After you fry in Furnace Creek, head to higher country in Butte Valley or even higher to Mohogany Flat.

Euros often find ways to die in the Death Valley heat!
 
We visited Escalante UT last May and were early for the bloom. It was a cold spring. If you do swing thru Hwy 12, I recommend camping on Old Sheffield Rd. We wish we had our FWC when we visited there!
 
Well Hello there neighbor....

If you pass this way (which I assume you will) I would love to join up for part of a trip at least down through OR. Always nice to travel with folks.

Dave in Seattle
 
While you are in southern Utah, I would strongly recommend the one day river trip down the San Juan River from Bluff, Utah. The company to go with is Wild River Expeditions. Very nice people and very knowledgeable. Likely to be a high point of your trip. I've done it about 8 times and never get tired of it. http://www.riversandruins.com/river-trips/upper-canyon-one-day

Also, on Cedar Mesa, not too far from Bluff see if you can locate Moon House Ruin. It is a short but strenuous hike after some miles of very scenic dirt road. One of my all time favorite cliff dwellings on BLM land.

Recommended books for the area: Ed Abby's "Monkey Wrench Gang", "Hayduke Lives" and others by Abby.

I like to spend time on the Navajo and Hopi lands. Navajo National Monument has a free "overflow" camping area with private sites and amazing views.
 
Gene & Others,

Have you ever spent time doing the Grand Gulch backpacking trip? (roughly 22 miles) Been through there four times. The ruins and rock art are extraordinary! Anyone in that area should, with doubt park the rig and take a few days to do this backpacking trip! This entire area campsites etc. is a "primitive Area", no developed anything during the trip (perfect). My ultimate goal is to have someone stash my raft or dory on the San Juan River where the Grand Gulch drops in, while I hike the full length of the Grand Gulch down to the river, jump in the boat and finish the trip with a float trip. AHH, the list of things gets longer and longer! :rolleyes:

Still waiting for Spring!

Good camping everyone!

Paul
 
Gene & Others,

Have you ever spent time doing the Grand Gulch backpacking trip? (roughly 22 miles) Been through there four times. The ruins and rock art are extraordinary! Anyone in that area should, with doubt park the rig and take a few days to do this backpacking trip!

Paul


Yes, I did that backpack trip about 20 years ago.
 
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