Grand Gulch 2010

[PaleoRob]

Alright, we've got a place and we've got a date. March 13th-15th, we'll be hiking about 20-ish miles from the Government Trail to Collins Canyon, seeing lots of awesome rock art and Anasazi ruins along the way. Group size will be limited to 12 (10 slots plus me and my wife, though she might back out), due to BLM permit restrictions. Dogs are welcome on-leash, but not in ruins or at rock art sites, so be aware of that. If other participants don't want dogs on the trip, we may reconsider that.
Weather is variable - can be warm or we could get snow. Roads to the trailheads are dirt. Collins Canyon is decent, but Government requires 4x4, but carpooling is preferable anyway, since parking is limited. 3 days in one of the most beautiful and rich canyons in the southwest; what's not to like?

[PaleoRob]

Oh come on Anne, you know you want to go!

[writelots]

Now I'm considering doing this one INSTEAD of the Rainbow Bridge hike. Timing may be better on this one, as it coincides with UofA Spring Break and isn't the week before I have to go to a training in San Fran...

Sigh.

So many choices, so little time...

[PaleoRob]

Well I've currently got one more permit slot than people, so you're welcome to come along!

[oliverr99]

Of course I want to go, but I also have to consider how I am going to get out there, if I do go!

[PaleoRob]

I'm sure something could be worked out.

[writelots]

Well, Anne - as long as I can still get a spot, you can ride with me. I can bring the 4wd if I have to, but I'd rather bring the new 2wd toy, which should be fine on most roads...

[PaleoRob]

You can still get a spot. Put your name down! If we need to, we can probably get a few more spots too - this isn't the most heavily traveled section of The Gulch.

[PaleoRob]

Just ran this through GoogleEarth, and it shows a total trip distance of just about 14 miles, so that should make for an easy and enjoyable 3 days, averaging about 5 miles a day. Still researching water sources, but it has been wet wet wet snowy up there this winter, so the creek might even be flowing.

[bmaaske]

This hike looks awesome. I'm totally in. Bonus, it's on my birthday weekend. Couldn't think of a better gift to myself! I'm looking forward to it.

Bill

[PaleoRob]

Welcome aboard.
Related note, I got the confirmation letter today in the mail from BLM. Woo hoo!

[oliverr99]

Ok Wendy, if you go, I will go!! Oh a new toy!!! Thanks it will be fun to ride with you and backpack with you again! AND...it will be nice to have a girl along on the trip, I didn't mind it last time, just saying.....

I do work that Friday, so I can't leave until after 3:30, but I have the rest of the week off!

[PaleoRob]

So do I need to pick up some more permits...?

[oliverr99]

Probably, I will wait for a response from Wendy! Thanks!!!
I guess I need to get in shape.... :wlift:

[PaleoRob]

Just perusing the info here; looks like there's a spring at Deer Canyon for a first night camp, and a spring near Bannister Ruin for night two. That puts us at a leisurely 5 miles per day between water sources/trailheads, just as I had hoped.

[oliverr99]

That does sound nice to do a leisure backpack trip, and a little more time to explore the ruins!

[writelots]

Just an easy walk in the park - I'm in! Let me know what kind of driving capability I need (4wd or no). Also, just so I remember - this is a no campfire area, correct?

[PaleoRob]

No campfires allowed :whistle: High clearance recommended to the Government TH, though lowriders can park another 1/4-1/2 mile away. Collins should be okay for whatever. I'll call today or tomorrow for a few extra permits.

[rushthezeppelin]

Well this is lovely......I just found out that the GDC (Game Developers Conference) happens this exact same weekend It's kind of one of the biggest opportunities I have for making industry connections for when I graduate in another 2 1/2 months. Still not sure but I'm really leaning towards making connections that could land me a job.

[oliverr99]

Oh make the connections, you need to eat and buy more gear, we will miss you though!

[PaleoRob]

Got a hold of our friendly Cedar Mesa permitter, and I picked up 3 more, so we've got 8 spots reserved. I've got 6 confirmed here (including myself) and my wife brings it to 7. A couple of folks have PMed me with interest in coming as well but haven't confirmed, so I got one extra.
The fella said they had about 2 feet of snow on the ground. He also said if the weather continues they may see some snow on our trip (on the ground still?), but that is over a month away. And snow = water. What I'd like to see is snow in the shadows, clear sunny skies, and decent potholes and flowing springs.