Utah - Canyonlands to Zion NP
I've managed to reserve campsites on the White Rim Trail in early October. So I'm planning a trip to the area. I'll be on the White Rim Trail for 4 days/3 nights. After completing the trail I would li...
Forum Discussion
Sweet. I assume you will be bikingpacking the trail?
We'll be in the area the last week of October ourselves; hiking, backpacking, and packrafting.
Here is a different approach for you to consider:
Instead of trying to see it all (you'll never come close if you want to get into the backcountry) why not stay in one (or two) area(s) and really explore that (as best as you can in just one trip anyway). If your heart is set on Zion, then just go straight there after Canyonlands so you can maximize your time there. Yes, you'll zip by many awesome places to explore ...... another time. But unless you just want to just get a cursory look at the area, you won't really get to know them anyway. If you can skip Zion (I would), then why not stay in the Moab area and see more of that? I am not a biker, but there are many bike friendly (slickrock) routes there.
Note that S. Utah is chock full of BLM land that is, IMO, just as pretty as the National Parks and far less crowded.
I don't know how long you plan to be in Utah, but keep in mind that October is a transitional month weather wise. So consider adjusting your plans as needed for the weather. Up in elevation = cooler and down in elevation = warmer.
Some of the many resources to check out include:
- Photographing the Southwest volume 1 (S. Utah) for ideas on what different areas look like and some hikes.
- Non Technical Hiking Guide to the Colorado Plateau for hikes for details on hiking.
- ClimbUtah.com for an on-line hiking and canyoneering guide to great areas to explore (including Moab, Arches, Canyonlands, and Zion)
- The many National Geographic Trails Illustrated maps (depending on which areas you want to explore)
Hope this helps.
We'll be in the area the last week of October ourselves; hiking, backpacking, and packrafting.
Here is a different approach for you to consider:
Instead of trying to see it all (you'll never come close if you want to get into the backcountry) why not stay in one (or two) area(s) and really explore that (as best as you can in just one trip anyway). If your heart is set on Zion, then just go straight there after Canyonlands so you can maximize your time there. Yes, you'll zip by many awesome places to explore ...... another time. But unless you just want to just get a cursory look at the area, you won't really get to know them anyway. If you can skip Zion (I would), then why not stay in the Moab area and see more of that? I am not a biker, but there are many bike friendly (slickrock) routes there.
Note that S. Utah is chock full of BLM land that is, IMO, just as pretty as the National Parks and far less crowded.
I don't know how long you plan to be in Utah, but keep in mind that October is a transitional month weather wise. So consider adjusting your plans as needed for the weather. Up in elevation = cooler and down in elevation = warmer.
Some of the many resources to check out include:
- Photographing the Southwest volume 1 (S. Utah) for ideas on what different areas look like and some hikes.
- Non Technical Hiking Guide to the Colorado Plateau for hikes for details on hiking.
- ClimbUtah.com for an on-line hiking and canyoneering guide to great areas to explore (including Moab, Arches, Canyonlands, and Zion)
- The many National Geographic Trails Illustrated maps (depending on which areas you want to explore)
Hope this helps.
