Return of the Painted Desert Rendezvous

[PaleoRob]

So folks I finally return to the site after too much time away. I have been wanted to get back out backpacking and Randal messaged me the other week about Pilot Rock in the Petrified Forest. I've always wanted to get up there so it didn't take much convincing. September 27th and 28th. We'll probably meet up the night before in Holbrook to allow an early start. Head out into the Wilderness, make camp near Pilot Rock, and ascend. The next day it is back to the vehicles. Simple PeFo meetup. Folks are welcome to hike out on the 27th for the day as well. Lots of fossils to be seen and some prehistoric artifacts will crop up for sure.
Randy and I are co-organizing this so feel free to send any questions our way or post them here.
Let's do this!
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=2238

[PaleoRob]

Yeah a muddy day trip to Onyx Bridge is certainly doable. Plus we could check out Homolovi, which has some paved(ish) trails over in Winslow. I think Friday night as planned and assess as needed should work.

[Randal_Schulhauser]

Yeah a muddy day trip to Onyx Bridge is certainly doable. Plus we could check out Homolovi, which has some paved(ish) trails over in Winslow. I think Friday night as planned and assess as needed should work.

Rock Art Ranch can also be an interesting distraction (flooding?) => http://hikearizona.com/decoder=1303
or
Grand Falls (take advantage of high water) => http://hikearizona.com/decoder=51

[PaleoRob]

Grand Falls might work too, depending on road conditions.

[PaleoRob]

https://www.facebook.com/NWSFlagstaff/p ... =1&theater
Just going to leave this bit of news here too, for any uncommitted folks still eyeballing it. I'm anticipating doing day hike stuff at this point due to the weather but maybe things will work out for us!

[tibber]

https://www.facebook.com/NWSFlagstaff/p ... =1&theater

sad to say ut: .

Please be careful! oh, and you might want to take an umbrella ;) .

[writelots]

I'm going to have to pass, too...Travel too long and costs too high and what I REALLY want is an overnighter up there in the badlands. How about November 7-9? Or 21-22?

[PaleoRob]

The ride up to Flag was dry and cloudy. We got some rain and lots of wind driving over to Holbrook though. Currently grilling steaks in the parking lot with no wind or rain. Updates as events warrant.

[PaleoRob]

Didn't get wet at all until driving back. Hit rain outside of Holbrook and had intermittent showers from there down through the valley (and back to Casa Grande). Hiked around down near Puerco Pueblo and up towards Onyx Bridge before calling it around 3pm. Some family stuff back home made me a bit nervous about returning late but the timing worked out perfect - we avoided the weather and had some great hiking. Full trip report and photos once I get everything downloaded.

[PaleoRob]

For consideration for the next Rendezvous:
http://www.nps.gov/pefo/off-the-beaten-path.htm

[tibber]

For consideration for the next Rendezvous:
http://www.nps.gov/pefo/off-the-beaten-path.htm

gosh it all looks wonderful ; how does one choose what is best? I'll have to read up to see I guess.