Keet Seel: June 9 - 12, 2011

[GrottoGirl]

Keet Seel (English: Broken Pottery) is AZ's best preserved and remote Native Dwellings.

I have a permit that is limited to 10 people. I have 4 spots available (6 were already taken by the Tucson Backpacker Meetup). Please let me know if you are interested. I'll take the first 4 people who sign up (either here or on meetup). Carpools can be arranged.

The NPS recommends that you carry a minimum of two gallons in addition to everything you need for an overnight camp. 2 gallons of water weighs nearly 17 lbs. Keep this in mind when you sign up for this backpack.

A description of the hike can be found here:
Keet Seel Information - http://www.nps.gov/nava/planyourvisit/l ... eID=444873

Since it's a long drive, we will do the Betatakin Tour:
Betatakin Information - http://www.nps.gov/nava/planyourvisit/l ... eID=444964

Itinerary:
Thursday: drive up 400m, 7h
Friday morning: Betatakin Tour
Friday 4pm: Keet Seel orientation (mandatory!!!)
Saturday morning: Backpack to Keet Seel, tour at the ruins
Sunday morning: backpack out, drive home.

Thursday and Friday nights will be in a campground (car camping). Saturday we will backpack (hike and carry all gear) to a remote campground near the ruins.

Stats:
Distance: 8.5m each way
Elevation: 1000' elevation change (down on the way in, uphill out)
Trip rating: Advanced
Driving Distance: 400 miles each way, I was told paved until the parking lot.
Water: Needs to be carried in (~2 Gallons)
Elevation: ~7000'
Temperatures: expect 90-80 during day, 60s at night, possibly HOTTER
Cost: gas only.

Restrooms are available. No campfires, therefore bring a book, game and some jokes. Exploring the ruins is done with the ranger.

Like all trips, this is a private trip and you hike at your own risk. Before signing up, you must acknowledge that you take full responsibility for your own health and safety.

Appropriate gear items include the following:
* 1 gallon of water per person per day * Sturdy hiking boots * High energy food
* Hat, rain gear * Ground tarp or lightweight tent * Lightweight long sleeve shirt
* Fleece jacket/Waterproof * Long pants * Cook Stove
* Flashlight * Trash bag * First aid kit
* Wool socks and extra socks * Sport sandals or tennis shoes (non-aggressive treads,
you may be crossing the stream many times)

[PaleoRob]

I can't make this, but anyone thinking of signing up I highly recommend this trip. Keet Seel is a ruin like no other.

[SUN_HIKER]

gpsjoe, myself and several others did this as an overnighter several years ago. We too lugged an unbelievable amount of water and when we got to the campsite found out there is a spring nearby the campsite.

[oliverr99]

You can also stash your water just before the climb out, hide them under the trees. We did this last year! Have fun!

[SUN_HIKER]

Yup, that also sure beats lugging gallons. If I recall on top of the camping gear I started out with 180 oz. of water. Just about broke my back.

[ToadOfTheRocks]

Might be interested in just the keet seel part
must talk w/ boss/wife first

[PaleoRob]

Toad, are you going to post your Escalante adventures? Or do I have to drag them out of you?

[squatpuke]

VERY VERY Interested!!!!

Will see tomorrow at work if I can get the time off...if so...I'M IN!!!!

Any costs besides gas??

[squatpuke]

I'm IN !!!!

[GrottoGirl]

No permit costs. So, the only costs are gas, food, camping...

[ToadOfTheRocks]

Me and my wife will go, that takes all the spots, I think. We will join you early on Sat to hike up To Keet Sel then back back on Sun. We need to do the orientation Sat morn 8:15 instead of 4 PM Fri (I have to work till 5). I live in Page, if we want to set up a meet and greet in town on Thurs, I 'm game.
TOAD

[squatpuke]

Toader....probably doing the 4pm on Friday to get a super early start on Saturday....is the permit just for the campsite? Or do you need for the trail?

[ToadOfTheRocks]

Toader....probably doing the 4pm on Friday to get a super early start on Saturday....is the permit just for the campsite? Or do you need for the trail?

Larry,
U need to hike w/ your permit holder (Belinda-bknorby) or at least near. That is why me and my wife had to get seperate permits, as we are coming Sat. morn (we have to work fri till 5) we will take the permit orientation 8:15 am (7:15 AZ time) then hit the trail and meet you guys at the ruin (between 11-1p)
The Monument ofc said to try and be early for the orientation, so they dont have to wait.
I'm Stoked, look forward to seein' you there
.
Toad

[GrottoGirl]

See you guys soon!

[ToadOfTheRocks]

Hey All,

I have to cancel the trip for us, regretably. Nothing exciting or bad, just have to deal w/ some stuff. I was looking forward to meeting y'all, just have to be another time. I live in Page, I'm down to hike every other week, just msg me. Thanks for the invite, y'all go have some fun. bknorby msg me to let me know you got this and arent looking for me later. Again Thanks.

Toad

[GrottoGirl]

Got it Toad, we'll miss you!

[squatpuke]

DUDE!....we need a botanist...EVERYONE needs a botanist on their hike trip....

Oh well, hope to see you at Chaco....u bringin' your kids?