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?

[writelots]

Ok, then, I'll bring the big truck. Poor Lil' Bit will feel left out , but I'm sure we'll have many more opportunities.

I'm excited! I'm getting to be an old hand at cold and snow these days, so look out world!

[PaleoRob]

I am super excited too! Should be a good time!

[oliverr99]

I am excited, I just hope the weather will cooperate!!!

[PaleoRob]

Uh! Me too. Though warm weather is supposed to stick around for the next couple weeks. I've got my fingers crossed. It'll be exactly what we need to make this perfect!

[rushthezeppelin]

Am bringing 4 sure (unless Rob can tell me that there'll be trees for my hammock):

* 15deg sleeping bag - Big Agnes Pad - extra insulation layer
* Bivy/tarp combo or 1 man 2 wall tent (depending on weather)
* Hiker water filter
* Lots of warm/dry clothes (I had my fill of wet and miserable this weekend)!
* Heavy camera
* Hot beverages and rum

Option depending upon needs of the rest of the group:
* 2 person, 2 wheel drive, decent clearance Lil' Bit
* 4 person, 4 wheel drive, good clearance Truck (Nismo)
Let me know what's required/preferred in this dept.

As rob says there is usually enough trees near the springs where you should be fine. I had a little problem the second night finding the right spot but I managed. Certainly more choices than some supes hikes.

[writelots]

As rob says there is usually enough trees near the springs where you should be fine. I had a little problem the second night finding the right spot but I managed. Certainly more choices than some supes hikes.

Sounds like it'll be a hammock, then! Much better... I'll have to get the Mazatzal goo off it first ;)

also think I'll bring the big camera. Gonna want good pics on this one, methinks...

[PaleoRob]

Coming up quick on us now. Everyone got their carpool arrangements from the Valley/Tucson/wherever set?
My wife may drop out, she is unsure, so we might end up with an additional permit. Time will tell here shortly.

[writelots]

What? You mean you haven't arranged the limo service for us this time?

And I was SO hoping for a repeat of the Chippendales' performance from my last trip to Southern Utah...

[PaleoRob]

Hahaha.
I'm hoping to take a recon trip up to Cedar Mesa this weekend for a day and check the conditions. My buddy was up there last weekend and said the roads are passable but are packed snow. He also said that it was melting fast. I hope that it isn't snowed in. Aye! But I also don't want muddy roads and trails. Eee....

[oliverr99]

I also don't want it to be too cold, yikes!
Do you know what the temps will be??

[PaleoRob]

Weather service isn't predicting past next Tuesday, but they're saying highs near 50, lows 30 or above. For now. I'll be checking NWS for up-to-date info, believe me. I also have a backup plan in my head, but hopefully it won't be needed.

[oliverr99]

what is your backup plan?

[writelots]

what is your backup plan?

and does it involve beer?

[Sredfield]

Lay up for a three day bender at the Windy Mesa Bar in Page?
http://local.yahoo.com/info-20142881-windy-mesa-page

[PaleoRob]

Backup Plan Uno is The Maze. Lower in elevation so it should be drier. I have some firsthand report to corroborate that as well - my coworker was up in the area of Hite a few weeks back and reported no snow on the ground.

[writelots]

I was wasting time here at work (surprise) on Google Earth - looking at the area around Grand Gulch... Pulled up an image for a place called "Edge of the Cedars". Guess who's name was on the image? Come on - guess!!!! :GB:

[big_load]

Backup Plan Uno is The Maze.

Good choice!

[PaleoRob]

Backup Plan Uno is The Maze.

Good choice!

I figured there wouldn't be too many complaints about that.

[bmaaske]

The Maze looks hard to get to. Have you done it before?

[PaleoRob]

The Maze looks hard to get to. Have you done it before?

No. I'm also not looking at the Flint Trail approach but the southern road that leaves 98 at Hite and follows the cliff line. Long, but on maps and GoogleEarth it appears to be without serious elevation change. However, before that is set in stone I need to do some research. I just hope that snow melts and we don't end up having to use any backup plan.