Keet Seel Camping...

[writelots]

So, I'm taking a group out to Keet Seel this weekend, and I'm totally psyched! I know not to expect the most wonderful of camping conditions, but I am really looking forward to the ruins!

A few questions for those of you who've done this trip before:

1) Reports are that there is no usable water in the canyon. However, reports are also that there is water in the canyon. Any word on whether or not treating this water (i.e. filtering) is possible? It would just be much more comfortable if we didn't have to carry all of it for the 2 days.

2) If we have to carry water, is there an appropriate place to stash/cache water near the bottom of the hill back up to the trail head? I was thinking it might be a good idea to leave a certain amount of water there for the climb out...

3) Any thoughts on whether or not a hammock would work at the back country campground?

[hikeaz]

So, I'm taking a group out to Keet Seel this weekend, and I'm totally psyched! I know not to expect the most wonderful of camping conditions, but I am really looking forward to the ruins!

A few questions for those of you who've done this trip before:

1) Reports are that there is no usable water in the canyon. However, reports are also that there is water in the canyon. Any word on whether or not treating this water (i.e. filtering) is possible? It would just be much more comfortable if we didn't have to carry all of it for the 2 days. The creek water (not to be confused with the spring water) is contaminated by cows and fertilizer (plus who knows what else). There used to be a spring at the base of Keet Seel but it is now dry. There is a nice spring not too far from the camping area.

2) If we have to carry water, is there an appropriate place to stash/cache water near the bottom of the hill back up to the trail head? I was thinking it might be a good idea to leave a certain amount of water there for the climb out... Yes, there are some nice size junipers below the switchbacks, just before you drop down into the creek; I'd suggest under one of them.

3) Any thoughts on whether or not a hammock would work at the back country campground? A hammock WILL work - there is an abundance of scrub oak trees.

[azbackpackr]

When I went there 10 years ago, the rangers definitely checked our packs for water. They also said there are heavy metals in the creek water. Not sure if that is true.

[sneakySASQUATCH]

There is a spring the rangers use a little downstream from the ruins. They won't tell you where, but I saw it from the upper trail. (the lower trail was washed out when I was there). I would not try to filter as I was told the same thing as azbackpacker. Camping is nice and they have one of the better maintained composting toilets in a remote area I have ever seen complete with wood chips. Beware however I got up in the middle of the night when I heard a noise and came face to face with a cow who had somehow gotten into the camping area. Evidently, the grass was greener on that side of the fence. I went in Aug. 2002 and it was 95F @7000' probably warmer in the canyon. I went with another person and we both went through 2.5 gallons each! Keep that in mind. It is exposed with no shade for about 7-8 miles of the hike walking through sand and crossing ankle deep stream multiple times. Have fun it is well worth it.

[PaleoRob]

Awesome hike. I've only hiked it as a day hike, so I don't know about the camping situation, but our ranger told us the same story; cow crap, sheep crap, and Uranium as well. I don't know about the last (haven't brought my Geiger counter out there), but I suppose its not impossible. Stashes at the base of the switchbacks under junipers or in rock crevices would be great places - lots of good spots there.

[writelots]

Just as an aside - I've got a permit slot open for the trip this weekend. We're hiking in Saturday and out Sunday, in case anyone has a free weekend and wants to have a little fun

[azbackpackr]

It's a fun trip. When I went we didn't need any rain shelter, so we saved weight on that, but you will need it, I think. Stick to the trail rather than trying to walk in the bottom of the creek the whole way. When the trail crosses the creek, sometimes it was sort of hard to pick it up again, but I think it is easier than slogging along the bottom of the creek. Truly, the only hard thing about this hike is all the sand. It gets old after awhile. Other than that, it is pretty flat, other than that one teensy little hill near the trailhead.

If the ranger invites you to the ruins at night, you should go. Ch'indi!

[PaleoRob]

Just as an aside - I've got a permit slot open for the trip this weekend. We're hiking in Saturday and out Sunday, in case anyone has a free weekend and wants to have a little fun

Damn! Got to work Sunday. Otherwise I'd be there.

[squatpuke]

I just signed up!!...this trip's been on my wish list for some time...