BACKPACKING TRIPS

COYOTE  GULCH, Fri-Mon,April 18 through 21st

Meet in Spanish Fork at the Chevron Station by I-15 exit #258 onto Route 6 at 7 AM on Friday. Some members of the group may choose to car-pool. That will put us at the trailhead by noon. We will day hike to some excellent slot canyons without packs and camp at Red Well trailhead. Day two will be hiking an easy 7 miles following the wash bottom which is dry at first, but soon will have to get feet wet. The canyon deepens as we go and soon will be hiking below high sandstone walls with giant alcoves. We should arrive by mid afternoon at camp near Jacob Hamblin Arch and a spring. Day three will be the hike without packs to the Escalante River ( Lake Powell) and back, about 12 miles round trip. Several large arches and a natural bridge and Indian writings will be part of our beautiful scenery. Not much for swimming but several waterfalls will be encountered. Day four will be hiking back to the vehicles (by early afternoon) and the drive home. This hike is considered moderate to easy, but it being 30 miles will seem hard for beginners. Backcountry regulations designed to protect the land and the experience of others limit our party to just 12 people including the leader. No fires allowed. [E]

 

HIGH  UINTAS, Fri-Sun, August 22 through 24th

Meet by 10 AM at the Highline trailhead above Mirror Lake. Day one will be hiking to Pinto Lake which has a nice camping place. Day two will be hiking without packs to several excellent swimming (but cold) lakes. Day three hike out and home. The hike is not strenuous but is at about 10,000' elevation. Beautiful high elevation evergreen trees and wildlife. Wilderness regulations designed to protect the land and the experience of others limit our party to just 14 people including the leader. [E]

 

FENCE CANYON, Fri-Mon, September 12th through 15th

Meet at the trailhead by noon Friday. Day one we will hike down the slickrock to the river and a nice spring (but still need to filter water). The middle days will be hiking without packs. The Golden Throne is a photographers paradise. We will have to wade the Escalante River several times. Day four will be moderately strenuous hiking back up the slickrock, but it's only about 4 miles. Then on into Escalante to the fast food joint!
[E]

 

 

Bob would like someone/s to volunteer to handle the local ( Utah Valley) organizing of the outings, such as finding out who is going.  Any volunteers?  Please email Bob if you can lend a hand in this way.  Bob Owen <beowen@sisna.com>

 

Many thanks.  Let's have some fun Exploring and Enjoying--as well as protecting--the planet, right here in gorgeous  Utah!

Click here to see the full roster of Utah Chapter outings.

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BACKPACKING LIST

Our goal is to enjoy the beautiful backcountry as we practice "leave no trace camping skills." We will talk of geology and learn to identify native plants and animals. Please no smoking or pets.

 

      BASIC GEAR: 

Backpack (weight on HIPS)

Tent  (Wenzel $30 waterproof)

Sleeping bag  keep down DRY

      (Add 20º to temp rating)

Pad

Pillow

Mess kit

Canteen (with cloth cover)

Stove and fuel (magic glow)

Water filter

 

      CLOTHING: 

Well broken in hiking boots

      Lace tight going downhill

Long and short pants

Long and short sleeve shirt Hat

Socks

change of underwear

Poncho?

Stocking cap

Sun hat

Gloves

Jacket/Parka Shell

Fleece jacket if cool

 

      PERSONAL:

Sun screen & sunglasses

Insect repellent

T.P. Toothbrush

Toothpaste and floss

Lip balm

Lotion

Deodorant

Mini first aid kit

Medical needs

Soap

Towel/washcloth

 

      MISC:

Map

G.P.S.?/Compass

Binoculars?

Pocket knife

Camera

Flashlight / Headlamp

Waterproof Matches

“Fire starters”

Personal Locator Beacon

Whistle  (Fox 40 for REI)

 

      FOOD:

Breakfast: Whole grain cereal and powdered milk with additives. Also hot drink mix.

Lunch: Whole grain bread or bagels with spread. An apple a day.

Dinner: Freeze dried meals.

Snacks: Trail mix, etc.

 

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Types of trips:

1)  Loop or one way where packs are carried the whole distance.

2) In and out from the same trail head.  Pack in first day.  Day hike in between day/s without packs. Hike out the last day.

 

Backpacking Destinations & Their Seasons:

Grand Canyon: Sept/Oct

Escalante Canyons, San Raphael Swell and other sandstone areas: April, Sept/Oct

High Uintas: August

Pine Valley Mts. And similar): June through September

 

For more information about special wilderness backpacks to more distant locations such as the Greater Yellowstone Backcountry, call Bob Owen at 435/527-1099.

 

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