Hiking Utah (or close by) OUTSIDE of National Parks

[Vic Harder]

My trip to Utah in May could be disrupted by a government shutdown. I was in Yosemite a few years ago when this happened, and not prepared for it. This time, I'd like to be prepared with some options.

We are taking friends with us. They travel in Honda Fit and (very) small tent trailer, so not up for 4x4 roads. We are planning to do 4 days at Watchman Campground in Zion, 5 at Squaw Flats in the Needles District and 5 more in Capitol Reef at Fruita, doing day hikes in each location every day.

If there should be a shutdown, I'd love to stay in Utah/Arizona/Nevada and do some hiking and camping.

Ideas are most welcome!

Vic

 

[Cayuse]

Buckhorn Draw and the Wedge Overlook in the San Rafael Swell are accessible by most cars. I think a fit could make it. There is dispersed camping in the draw in addition to the Swinging Bridge CG and there are designated sites at the overlook.

VotG would be another place to consider though they might not want to drive the dugway. I have seen trucks with rafting trailers coming down the dugway so it depends on comfort level.

Kodachrome Basin State Park is nice and has free showers!

There is dispersed camping past Goblin Valley State Park if the Park is full. Also up Temple Mountain Rd.

There is some camping just west (south) of the bridge across the Dirty Devil, some spots are more accessible than others.

Keep in mind that there will be a lot of pressure on areas if the NP's close down so the State Parks will probably fill first. San Rafael Swell has a lot of non technical slot canyons available and places you can get with 2WD using caution so that would probably be my go to backup plan.

 

[Vic Harder]

Buckhorn Draw and the Wedge Overlook in the San Rafael Swell are accessible by most cars. I think a fit could make it. There is dispersed camping in the draw in addition to the Swinging Bridge CG and there are designated sites at the overlook.

VotG would be another place to consider though they might not want to drive the dugway. I have seen trucks with rafting trailers coming down the dugway so it depends on comfort level.

Kodachrome Basin State Park is nice and has free showers!

There is dispersed camping past Goblin Valley State Park if the Park is full. Also up Temple Mountain Rd.

There is some camping just west (south) of the bridge across the Dirty Devil, some spots are more accessible than others.

Keep in mind that there will be a lot of pressure on areas if the NP's close down so the State Parks will probably fill first. San Rafael Swell has a lot of non technical slot canyons available and places you can get with 2WD using caution so that would probably be my go to backup plan.

Thanks Cayuse!

Using that info to start, this is what I have compiled so far (more ideas are welcome, and not just in Utah... we are driving down from Seattle on May 7th, staying south until the end of the month...):

Buckhorn Draw
http://geology.utah.gov/map-pub/survey-notes/geosights/little-grand-canyon/
http://sanrafaelswellguide.com/buckhorn-draw/
http://www.utahoutside.com/2012/05/explore-buckhorn-wash-in-the-san-rafael-swell/

San Rafael camping
http://www.sanrafaelcountry.com/campgrounds.htm

Slot Canyons in the Swell
http://www.americansouthwest.net/slot_canyons/san_rafael_swell/

Hiking map of the Swell
http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/san_rafael_swell/map.html

Hiking guide for Utah
http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/trails.html

Kodachrome Basin State Park
https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/kodachrome-basin/trails/

 

[searching for nowhere]

For more information about the San Rafael Swell area see:

http://www.emerycounty.com/travel/

There is a map and travel guide to download. I found them packed full of information.

 

[alijabosdotcom]

Thanks for this guys. I'll also be in the area mid- late may.

 

[VerdantSkys]

I'm going to second all of the San Rafael Swell recommendations! That's one of my favorite places to visit in Utah.

As for the Capital Reef Area, pull up a map and check out the Notom Road which follows the reef on the east side of the park. There are roads that take off from Notom going west where you can camp just outside the park and hike in. Plus the road itself is a beautiful "back-road" to Lake Powell. You can also access the Burr Trail and the Grand Staircase of the Escalante from that road. The Notom Road is passenger car friendly - just drive carefully. Several of the spur roads may also be passenger car friendly if a driver is slow and cautious.

Outside of Canyonlands Google "Mineral Bottom" and "Horsetheif Bottom". Take Highway 313 to reach the access to those areas and camp just outside of Canyonlands. The Mineral Bottom road is passenger car friendly but the switchbacks down into the canyon are intimidating so its up to the driver. While in this area be sure to see Dead Horse Point State Park. The views are about as good as Canyonlands Island in the Sky and there is even a campground - but book now.

Have a great trip.

 

[SeatoSea]

My trip to Utah in May could be disrupted by a government shutdown. I was in Yosemite a few years ago when this happened, and not prepared for it. This time, I'd like to be prepared with some options.

We are taking friends with us. They travel in Honda Fit and (very) small tent trailer, so not up for 4x4 roads. We are planning to do 4 days at Watchman Campground in Zion, 5 at Squaw Flats in the Needles District and 5 more in Capitol Reef at Fruita, doing day hikes in each location every day.

If there should be a shutdown, I'd love to stay in Utah/Arizona/Nevada and do some hiking and camping.

Ideas are most welcome!

Vic

We just left Needles, South through Valley of the Gods, up the Dugway, along 95 to Natural Bridges, and two nights in GlenCanyon Area. No news of shutdowns and was surprised at the number of camping location along the way. I'm staying in Kodachrome then Zion, Capitol Reef and back to Island in the Sky (which is the only area I foresee a problem camping)!
Wave if you cross our path!

 

[Vic Harder]

you bet!

 

[BillM]

The Swell, Butler wash road, Cedar Mesa, Valley of the Gods. All have cool hikes, slots, ruins, no hassle with the feds. We are gong to be in the Swell end of May, looking forward to it.