Southern-UT/Northern-AZ in Early-May

Gene I hope you are right. I have been pretty involved in this issue for a while and the mining companies have thrown a lot of money around at the local and national level. I urge anyone who loves these wild areas to become informed on this issue and support the proposed withdrawal. I'll step down off the soapbox now.
Dsrtrat

I am thinking with the nuclear tragedy going on in Japan and many countries stopping, even reversing their nuclear policies, uranium prices are about to crash. Hopefully, a final nail in the coffin to the uranium industry.
 
MarkBC, just showed the Lady your post about Toroweap. She got excited. I believe you may have just changed our spring break plans in April. Happy travels.
 
Just a heads up.

There are only 9 single and 1 group campsites at Toroweap. They usually fill up in the spring. If you plan on camping there try to get there before noon after the previous days campers have left. If you can't find a spot you will have to backtrack past the park boundry and camp on BLM land. Toroweap is a fine place to spend a couple of days, plan on about a 3 hour drive from the paved 89a. While in the area Pipe Springs National Monument is worth a visit, it's just down the road from the turn off to Toroweap. Gas is also cheaper at the tribal run station at Pipe Springs than in the Kanab area, fill up before you head out to the strip.

The Lava falls trail is a real grinder, if you do it take plenty of water and leave early, there is no shade of any kind on this trail and it is fully exposed to the afternoon sun.
Dsrtrat

http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/tuweep.htm




MarkBC, just showed the Lady your post about Toroweap. She got excited. I believe you may have just changed our spring break plans in April. Happy travels.
 
The Lava falls trail is a real grinder, if you do it take plenty of water and leave early, there is no shade of any kind on this trail and it is fully exposed to the afternoon sun.
Dsrtrat

When I did that hike (back in '94, as I said) it mainly struck me that the trail was in poor condition...like, washed out in places and merged with an erosion gully in others!
ohmy.gif
I still thought it was worth it, though!
smile.gif


Dsrtrat (or others who've been there in recent years): is the trail still bad? Steep of course, that's to be expected given where it is -- but besides steep, is it in poor condition?
Given the lousy funding to National Parks, I can't imagine that a remote trail like that is in better condition than when I was there...
rolleyes.gif
 
Marc,

I have done it within the last year.The trail is classified as a route and as such is not maintained. The worst parts are like hiking on marbles as the scree is very loose and unstable. If you decide to do it talk to the Tod the Toroweap ranger about the conditions. Lot's of falls and injuries, one death in the last couple of years. There is also the Whitmore trail that is much less steep and goes to the river. You have to take a different road into the trailhead than the Toroweap road but it is still in the area. You cross quite a bit of sharp lava on these roads so go slow to save your tires.
Dsrtrat

When I did that hike (back in '94, as I said) it mainly struck me that the trail was in poor condition...like, washed out in places and merged with an erosion gully in others!
ohmy.gif
I still thought it was worth it, though!
smile.gif


Dsrtrat (or others who've been there in recent years): is the trail still bad? Steep of course, that's to be expected given where it is -- but besides steep, is it in poor condition?
Given the lousy funding to National Parks, I can't imagine that a remote trail like that is in better condition than when I was there...
rolleyes.gif
 
Marc,
I have done it within the last year.The trail is classified as a route and as such is not maintained. The worst parts are like hiking on marbles as the scree is very loose and unstable. If you decide to do it talk to the Tod the Toroweap ranger about the conditions. Lot's of falls and injuries, one death in the last couple of years. There is also the Whitmore trail that is much less steep and goes to the river. You have to take a different road into the trailhead than the Toroweap road but it is still in the area. You cross quite a bit of sharp lava on these roads so go slow to save your tires.
Dsrtrat

OK, so it sounds like the condition is no better (and maybe worse) than when I did the route 17 years ago -- yep, marbles-on-a-steep-slope is how I remember it. But you did it and didn't die, right?
wink.gif
Anyway...this trip I'm more-likely to pass on it because my current aerobic fitness isn't what it should be...we'll see.

After I did that hike back in the good old days I read the trailhead register and saw entries by a group of frat boys using foul language to rant about how sh!tty the trail was. I remember thinking how uncool it was to write stuff like that in a public register that little kids might read...and patting myself on the back 'cause I didn't think it was all that bad.

(BTW: On WTW, only guys who own XPCampers spell their name as "Marc"...I'm Mark.
biggrin.gif
)
Thanks for the info, dsrtrat.
smile.gif
 
Just a heads up.

There are only 9 single and 1 group campsites at Toroweap. They usually fill up in the spring. If you plan on camping there try to get there before noon after the previous days campers have left. If you can't find a spot you will have to backtrack past the park boundry and camp on BLM land. Toroweap is a fine place to spend a couple of days, plan on about a 3 hour drive from the paved 89a. While in the area Pipe Springs National Monument is worth a visit, it's just down the road from the turn off to Toroweap. Gas is also cheaper at the tribal run station at Pipe Springs than in the Kanab area, fill up before you head out to the strip.

The Lava falls trail is a real grinder, if you do it take plenty of water and leave early, there is no shade of any kind on this trail and it is fully exposed to the afternoon sun.
Dsrtrat




dsrtrat, thanks for the great information. This is how we're thinking also. Although this is a remote area, we will probably get there during the prime season. Thanks for the ideas on plan b's and gas info. It's appreciated, thanks!
We will find the Whitmore Trail on our topos.
 
dsrtrat, thanks for the great information. This is how we're thinking also. Although this is a remote area, we will probably get there during the prime season. Thanks for the ideas on plan b's and gas info. It's appreciated, thanks!
We will find the Whitmore Trail on our topos.


ski -
When are you going there?
 
The Lady's spring break is the 16th to the 23rd.


Too bad, it looks like I will miss you guys :(

Have fun, though!
 
Not sure who -- if any -- are interested in crossing paths for a day or two or three...
RE When: How about I suggest sometime between May 2 - 8.
Suggestions for a more-specific date? What works for anyone else who's interested?

RE Where: I've visited southern/eastern UT (that whole magnificent swath from Zion to Arches) several times over the years, as well as northern AZ, but the last time was 6 years ago. I'm not a novice, but I'm definitely not an expert, so suggestions for a great spot -- or spots -- to meet are welcome and invited. :)
Some "must see" places have already been posted, but also consider "convenience for meeting".

- Mark
 
I suggest we pick a small town near the AZ/UT border, where there is gas, food and beer, to meet in. Maybe around noon. From there, head to a campground.

Any ideas?
 
I suggest we pick a small town near the AZ/UT border, where there is gas, food and beer, to meet in. Maybe around noon. From there, head to a campground.

Any ideas?

Stew- Sounds good... You mean "around noon" on May 2 (works for me)? Or some other day?

Small town near the AZ/UT border wouldn't include Hildale, UT or Colorado City, AZ, I assume?
biggrin.gif
So...maybe Kanab, UT or Fredonia, AZ? Either of these would be good if Toroweap was a destination (works for me)...otherwise, somewhere further north in UT? Or east, over towards Page, AZ?
 
Ya, not Hildale or CC.

I was just suggesting "around noon" on whatever date we chose. That would let people arrive from different places and do shopping, fueling, etc., if it were needed.
 
I sure wish we had our camper NOW!!! I love this part of the country so much, the photographic possiblities are everywhere. Hopefully you will do this in 2012 or the Fall? Last year, I got as far south as Kanab in January 2010 and in October as far east as Green River, as far north as Ferron and we drove over from Panaca, NV via 319. I have always wanted to explore off 89 into GSENM. We tried from the north from 12 last fall but roads were in bad shape due to rains. So much to see and do.
 
Mark & Stew, too bad our calendars don't mesh. It'd be nice to meet you Mark and hang out with our geezer friend, Stew, again. We are off next weekend for a week on the Arizona Strip and are deep into the pre-trip rituals; got the usgs topos and BLM map, we're watching the extended weather forecasts, watching the price of gas continue to rise, and getting packs and gear readied. At least the parks are open!
 
Mark & Stew, too bad our calendars don't mesh. It'd be nice to meet you Mark and hang out with our geezer friend, Stew, again. We are off next weekend for a week on the Arizona Strip and are deep into the pre-trip rituals; got the usgs topos and BLM map, we're watching the extended weather forecasts, watching the price of gas continue to rise, and getting packs and gear readied. At least the parks are open!


Ski, yeah it is too bad we won't cross paths this time...but since you and I live in adjacent states and I love visiting the Sierra's (mainly east-side) I'm sure there will be other opportunities; lets make one!
Please report back ASAP on what you find at Toroweap and wherever else you end up!
Happy trails.
smile.gif


So...is anyone else thinking they might be in S-UT/N-AZ in the first week of May?
(I promise to not talk about politics -- or anything else controversial...at least, not until I know you better
wink.gif
)
 
We'll be a little early to meet up... we're taking advantage of the long Easter weekend to head down then. If our plans get delayed (again - shoulda been there this weekend) I'll let you know. It would be nice to make introductions to you Mark, and to Stew.

Hope you guys have a great trip!
.
 
So...is anyone else thinking they might be in S-UT/N-AZ in the first week of May?
(I promise to not talk about politics -- or anything else controversial...at least, not until I know you better
wink.gif
)


I wish I could state a firm "yea" or "nay" on this. The good news is that I am not scheduled to observe during the first week of May. The bad news is that a new instrument will be delivered the week prior and everyone will be making a big push to get it on-sky. If the mechanical and software setup is delayed, I might be able to sneak away for a few days. If it's on schedule, I'll be heavily involved in commissioning and first light. I'm afraid it'll have to be a last minute decision. Keep your fingers crossed. I'd love to meet you all.
 
Ski, yeah it is too bad we won't cross paths this time...but since you and I live in adjacent states and I love visiting the Sierra's (mainly east-side) I'm sure there will be other opportunities; lets make one!
Please report back ASAP on what you find at Toroweap and wherever else you end up!
Happy trails.
smile.gif


So...is anyone else thinking they might be in S-UT/N-AZ in the first week of May?
(I promise to not talk about politics -- or anything else controversial...at least, not until I know you better
wink.gif
)


Well, Mark, let's say May 2, in Fredonia, AZ at noon? Then we can head into Tuweep, if that works for you. The town only has 1000 souls . . .
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads - WTW

Bosque Bill
In Search of San Rafael Swell, UT - May 2024
dr.tucson
dr.tucson
R
eastern oregon/western idaho in early spring?
2
GflGdog
G
R
Overland Route - Joshua Tree Adventure Route
kmacafee
K
R
Overland Route - Anza-Borrego Discovery Trail
CPT Davenport
CPT Davenport
F
Staying cool in '22: Cape Cod, Maine, Vermont, NH & 1000 Islands NY.
DavidGraves
D

New posts - WTW

Back
Top Bottom