Vermilion Cliffs
Not exactly sure which forum would be best for my post, but I have to drive a new Dodge Diesel 4x4 truck from Ct. to AZ and as long as I have to make the trip I wanted to see some places I never saw b...
Forum Discussion
I don't know if this will help but here goes:
Unless you do the much longer loop (think backpacking), the Paria is (or used to be) a self issue permit at the trail head. It's just a walk down the river. You will be in the water (possibly up to your waist in places). It will be cold and the mud will stick to everything (and the stain will take months to clean out). Don't misunderstand, it's a wonderful place, just go prepared...bring trekking poles and clothes you don't mind either laundering multiple times or just throwing away.
As you are aware, The Wave requires a permit...which can be hard to get. You used to be able to get this permit from the Paria Contact Station, not too far from the dirt road that goes down to the Wave trail head. Now (well, once the shutdown ends), you have to go to Kanab for the permit. Kanab is about 40 miles west of the dirt road that leads to the Wave trail head. There is an alternative however...... If you go to the Paria Contact Station, they will call the Paria office and, IF there are any open permits, they will issue it to you from there. Saves 80 miles of driving..... For best "luck" getting a permit however, I suggest you just go to the Kanab BLM office. Good luck.
But don't dispair. South Coyote Buttes is also very pretty. It now requires a permit (same office), but the likelihood of getting it is much greater than the Wave (everyone wants the Wave...silly folks....).
Keep in mind that, in February, it can be cold down there and there might be some snow (personally, I wouldn't want to wander down the Paria canyon then). Snow isn't a problem, but those roads can turn into a real mess when wet. DO NOT venture down them when there is a lot of rain coming.....unless you want to wait for a day or three until it all drys out.
Some awesome options in that area are:
- South Coyote Buttes
- wander up Cottonwood Canyon Rd. (north) into the Coxcomb (part of Escalante National Monument)
- Paria Movie Set (a cool area north of hwy 89...The Wave is South of 89)
- Just east of Page is the "New Wave". I have not been there, but it might be worth checking out????
- The visitor center in Big Water (assuming the gov. shutdown is over) is well worth a stop and they can make suggestions on where to explore.
- You are aware of Antalope Cyn., but IF you have a boat, Antelope Canyon can also be accessed from Lake Powell. Not the same, but it's free.......
There is just so much to do down there. Headed back to that area (again) for a couple months in March ourselves.
If you are into getting books, check out this one.
I doubt that you will be disappointed.
Oh yea, this is an El Nino year so they are getting lots of moisture down there (at the present). Might be something you want to factor in (watch out for those dirt roads in the rain!)
Hope this helps and ......... have fun.
Unless you do the much longer loop (think backpacking), the Paria is (or used to be) a self issue permit at the trail head. It's just a walk down the river. You will be in the water (possibly up to your waist in places). It will be cold and the mud will stick to everything (and the stain will take months to clean out). Don't misunderstand, it's a wonderful place, just go prepared...bring trekking poles and clothes you don't mind either laundering multiple times or just throwing away.
As you are aware, The Wave requires a permit...which can be hard to get. You used to be able to get this permit from the Paria Contact Station, not too far from the dirt road that goes down to the Wave trail head. Now (well, once the shutdown ends), you have to go to Kanab for the permit. Kanab is about 40 miles west of the dirt road that leads to the Wave trail head. There is an alternative however...... If you go to the Paria Contact Station, they will call the Paria office and, IF there are any open permits, they will issue it to you from there. Saves 80 miles of driving..... For best "luck" getting a permit however, I suggest you just go to the Kanab BLM office. Good luck.
But don't dispair. South Coyote Buttes is also very pretty. It now requires a permit (same office), but the likelihood of getting it is much greater than the Wave (everyone wants the Wave...silly folks....).
Keep in mind that, in February, it can be cold down there and there might be some snow (personally, I wouldn't want to wander down the Paria canyon then). Snow isn't a problem, but those roads can turn into a real mess when wet. DO NOT venture down them when there is a lot of rain coming.....unless you want to wait for a day or three until it all drys out.
Some awesome options in that area are:
- South Coyote Buttes
- wander up Cottonwood Canyon Rd. (north) into the Coxcomb (part of Escalante National Monument)
- Paria Movie Set (a cool area north of hwy 89...The Wave is South of 89)
- Just east of Page is the "New Wave". I have not been there, but it might be worth checking out????
- The visitor center in Big Water (assuming the gov. shutdown is over) is well worth a stop and they can make suggestions on where to explore.
- You are aware of Antalope Cyn., but IF you have a boat, Antelope Canyon can also be accessed from Lake Powell. Not the same, but it's free.......
There is just so much to do down there. Headed back to that area (again) for a couple months in March ourselves.
If you are into getting books, check out this one.
I doubt that you will be disappointed.
Oh yea, this is an El Nino year so they are getting lots of moisture down there (at the present). Might be something you want to factor in (watch out for those dirt roads in the rain!)
Hope this helps and ......... have fun.
