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?

[oliverr99]

So how many miles in, and to basecamp are you talking about? You know the weird thing is, I was just thinking yesterday, why don't we just go in and out of collins spring!

[big_load]

That sounds good. I'm dehydrating food tonight.

[PaleoRob]

Minimum miles in is 2 to GG. Some decent camp sites there, but we can go either up or down canyon from there for a few miles and set up camp. Lower GG is supposed to have more rock art than ruins, upper has the opposite.

[big_load]

I'm bringing an extra 8G memory card and three camera batteries.

[oliverr99]

That will be nice, I can bring extra warmth then! (I'm such a wimp )Thanks for checking out the roads for us! I am also bringing an extra battery for my camera!

[PaleoRob]

I'm also brainstorming where to camp the night before (Friday night) since the Muley Point road is a no-go, even in 4x4. Nasty up there, road wise.

[big_load]

Considering the mud, I'll bring something I haven't used in years: a mat. Sometimes its nice to have a mud-free area for lounging, cooking, or packing up.

[PaleoRob]

The canyon bottom was actually in good condition with basically no mud. The mud was basically confined to the mesa top to the east.
Anyone going to be spending Friday night in Bluff or Valley of the Gods? That's my new Friday night camp idea.

[big_load]

If no mud, maybe I'll just bring a groundsheet and let it do double duty if needed.

Anywhere you suggest for Friday night will be fine with me.

[oliverr99]

So what do you pack for hiking around down there, since we will be having basecamp? Like a fanny pack, a small backpack? Any suggestions?

[bmaaske]

Anyone going to be spending Friday night in Bluff or Valley of the Gods? That's my new Friday night camp idea.

I don't know the area at all, so if you tell me where it is and how to get there, that's where I'll be camping Friday night.

[PaleoRob]

Valley of the Gods is the valley to the east of Cedar Mesa, north of 261, and west of 163. Lots of buttes and nice views. There's really only one road that runs through it. I've never camped in it though, but I know Randall has. Maybe he can offer some camping advice for the rest of us. Any good spots?

[Randal_Schulhauser]

I was planning to stay at the San Juan Inn and Trading Post in Mexican Hat (located on the north side of the Hwy 163 bridge crossing the San Juan River) Friday evening. See http://www.sanjuaninn.net/ . Plan to catch a quick breakfast at the on site restaurant when it opens 7am sharp!

As for Valley of the Gods, the prime camp sites are near Castle Butte http://hikearizona.com/phoZOOM.php?ZIP=64597

http://hikearizona.com/phoZOOM.php?ZIP=64594

http://hikearizona.com/photoset.php?ID=5503


These sites are in the extreme Northeast section of Valley of the Gods along CR242. Looks like about 8 miles from the UT261 junction with CR242 below the Moki Dugway.

Anyone planning to set up camp in day light? Primary reason for me hitting the hotel in Mexican Hat is to avoid trying to set up camp in the dark... ;)

[bmaaske]

How is that road? My map shows it as dirt, 4wd likely needed.

Bill

[PaleoRob]

Randall - I'm planning on getting set up before sundown. If I leave here by 3:30 (which is my plan), I'll be up there just before sunset. I'm planning on bringing some firewood for the pre-hike camp to keep warm and enjoy the camradarie. Join up. Castle Butte (or somewhere nearby) sounds fine to me. Road looked fine from 261 - graded and dry. I didn't drive down it though.

[big_load]

Anyone planning to set up camp in day light?

Yes, unless something goes terribly wrong, such as getting a late start.

[PaleoRob]

So should our pre-hike plan be to meet up at Castle Butte for camp then?

[bmaaske]

So should our pre-hike plan be to meet up at Castle Butte for camp then?

Fine by me. I should be there well before dark on Friday. It's about 8 hours from Phoenix, right?

[PaleoRob]

I'd say its closer to 5-6 hours, but I've never driven that whole drive in one chunk.

Just as another thing - since we're now going in-and-out Collins, there will be no dogs allowed. Dogs are prohibited below Collins.

[big_load]

Sounds good.