Hiking Canyonlands after big rains

[38732]

Anyone got advice about hiking Canyonlands-Needles-Elephant Canyon etc. after a big rain ? Problems with heavy mud, mosquitos, impassable areas, or better because more water accessible on the trail ? Thanks !

[CannondaleKid]

For the most current information I'd recommend visiting the Canyonlands web site:
http://www.nps.gov/cany/index.htm
Or contact them by phone:
Park Administration: (435) 719-2100
Recorded Information: (435) 719-2313
Backcountry Reservation Office: (435) 259-4351
Island in the Sky: (435) 259-4712
The Needles: (435) 259-4711
The Maze: (435) 259-2652

Current status of roads in Canyonlands is here:
http://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/roadstatus.htm

After heavy rains, depending on the area mud, quicksand and general erosion will likely be the main issues.

[nonot]

It would not be advised to be in the bed of a wash/canyon during a heavy thunderstorm. What time of year are you planning to visit?

Usually lack of water is the problem with Canyonlands, not surplus water.

Elephant Canyon is the only trail where you spend an extended time at the bottom of a wash. For all others you cross washes. I imagine if you exercise caution (if you come to a swollen wash that is flash flooding-don't jump in) you'd be fine.

http://hikearizona.com/x.php?I=4&ZTN=11798&UID=0

During our trip it rained one of the days, we had no problems. I could imagine more prolonged rain would create mud and cause the washes to flood.

Salt creek may be impassible very early in the year due to heavy spring thaws (spring being...late February?)

[38732]

Thank you ! I hope to be there this coming week after rains pass through.