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 before in the MH. In particular I wanted to see some places in the Vermilion Cliffs area such as Antelope canyon, marble canyon, paria canyon and anything else in that area that others have found interesting. In looking at the web sites it looks like permits are need to enter these places, and if I understood them correctly from Nov to mid March you can apply as a walk in and hike the same day. Has anyone done this? Also during this time is snow a problem, we would be staying at hotels at night.

I know some places are off limits to casual exploration, Antelope is Indian property and you have to join a tour group. The Wave area is maybe the the one you are thinking about since permits are given out in the morning by lottery. Paria Canyon also requires a permit for overnight camping, here is the Vermilion Cliffs BLM website.There are 4WD roads that go into and near the area, Orderville Canyon in particular. The runs from near Jacob Lake to near Kanab. About 30 miles. Plus many 4WD roads around the North Rim area.I suggest this book if you want a lot more info

Hi Gary!Couldn't convince the Boss for new MH?How much you going to be spending in the southwest? I am sure you are going to the North Rim of Grand Canyon.What about Zion and Bryce?North of Page is a small museum about the dinosur in area. When we stopped, we meant the geologist that found the feathered dinosaur. He volunteers at museum. It is worth the 30-45 minutes.

By Marble Canyon check out Navajo Bridge, Lee's Ferry, Vermillion Cliffs.In Page, do Antelope Slot Canyon, Horseshoe Bend overlook, Dam Overlook, Wahweap Overlook, maybe tour the dam.Here is the website for AC tours:Antelope Canyon Tour OperatorsNorth Rim is closed in winter until about May 15.Snow can happen in the area, but not generally, and not much when there is a storm. It's all about elevation. We've been getting several snowstorms this winter in northern AZ. You'll have more likelihood of snow in Flagstaff and Grand Canyon South Rim. Are you going there?

enblethen wrote:Hi Gary!Couldn't convince the Boss for new MH?How much you going to be spending in the southwest? I am sure you are going to the North Rim of Grand Canyon.What about Zion and Bryce?North of Page is a small museum about the dinosur in area. When we stopped, we meant the geologist that found the feathered dinosaur. He volunteers at museum. It is worth the 30-45 minutes. No I could not convince my wife to buy new MH after our last accident. I guess my MH days are coming to an end much to my dismay. I have not sold my old one yet. I think I would like to spend at least a couple of weeks in the SW to see that whole area. I am driving a new truck to a friend that she bought the in Ct and will fly back home. Figured as long as I was driving the truck all that way I might as well see something while I am there.

Thank you guys for all the information. Those of you that have made the antelope canyon tours which one is better the upper canyon tour or the lower canyon tour?

Vermilion Cliffs | Good Sam Community

Gjac
Explorer III
Jan 16, 2019
agesilaus wrote:
No we've been to a number of other slot canyons up around Escalante UT but not those. I am generally adverse to paying for tours so we haven't been to Antelope either.

Let me mention something else as one flatlander to another, I'm not sure what altitude those canyons are but it's probably 6,000 ft or more. Unless you are acclimated to the altitude your energy level will be much lower than you expect. Especially when hiking up climbing trails.
Elevation was a problem for me years ago in Colorado, I got high altitude sickness at 9,000 ft constant head ache, could not sleep, low energy once I got down to 6000 ft I was fine. In the last 10 years it did not seem to bother me as much.
agesilaus
Explorer III
Jan 15, 2019
No we've been to a number of other slot canyons up around Escalante UT but not those. I am generally adverse to paying for tours so we haven't been to Antelope either.

Let me mention something else as one flatlander to another, I'm not sure what altitude those canyons are but it's probably 6,000 ft or more. Unless you are acclimated to the altitude your energy level will be much lower than you expect. Especially when hiking up climbing trails.
Gjac
Explorer III
Jan 15, 2019
agesilaus wrote:
maybe a partial hike to the first wave(see agesilaus video) if we can get a permit
--------------------------------

Just make sure you watch the Paria hike video, the last of the three I posted. It seems to be by the BLM and clearly describes the dangers. It covers the wave too.
Yeah, I saw that one and decided against Paria Canyon for that reason plus it looked like it was more suited to overnight stays rather than day hikes. Have you hiked either the Wave or Paria Canyon?
agesilaus
Explorer III
Jan 15, 2019
maybe a partial hike to the first wave(see agesilaus video) if we can get a permit
--------------------------------

Just make sure you watch the Paria hike video, the last of the three I posted. It seems to be by the BLM and clearly describes the dangers. It covers the wave too.
Gjac
Explorer III
Jan 15, 2019
huachuca wrote:
If you make it to Lee's Ferry, be sure to check out Lonely Dell ranch which was the name one of John Lee's wives gave to the settlement. The orchards, buildings, cemetery and general history are interesting. Condors can often be seen perched on the girders beneath Navajo Bridge in late afternoon. The nearby Cliff Dwellers grill has ice cold beer and great shrimp tacos. We enjoyed the all day boat trip and short hike to Rainbow Arch. Combine that with a tour of the dam.
I made it to Lee's ferry several years ago and did a float trip for trout, caught more than 20 nothing really big but the trip was beautiful, saw the condors and the orchard and was intrigued with the whole area. Always wanted to go back and explore that area more. With the information I got on the tread it looks like the toadstool is a hike that we can do along with antelope canyon and maybe a partial hike to the first wave(see agesilaus video) if we can get a permit. Those were informative videos. Thanks again for all the suggestions.
huachuca
Explorer
Jan 15, 2019
If you make it to Lee's Ferry, be sure to check out Lonely Dell ranch which was the name one of John Lee's wives gave to the settlement. The orchards, buildings, cemetery and general history are interesting. Condors can often be seen perched on the girders beneath Navajo Bridge in late afternoon. The nearby Cliff Dwellers grill has ice cold beer and great shrimp tacos. We enjoyed the all day boat trip and short hike to Rainbow Arch. Combine that with a tour of the dam.
Gjac
Explorer III
Jan 15, 2019
Janss wrote:
Yes, the Toadstools hike is relatively easy. There are also videos of it on youtube. Here is one:
Toadstools trail
Thanks Janss, I think that one is doable.
Janss
Explorer II
Jan 14, 2019
Yes, the Toadstools hike is relatively easy. There are also videos of it on youtube. Here is one:
Toadstools trail
agesilaus
Explorer III
Jan 14, 2019
As I said the Wave is always 'get your pass the day of the hike'. However you can assume that the cold weather months draw many fewer people to the auction so you will most likely get a permit. In the summer the odds are against you.

The Wave hike is well represented on YouTube, watch some of those. It is not a hike for newbies as there is no trail just rock cairns on a red rock trail. You can get lost, people get stranded over night. So be prepared.

Getting the Permit

The hike

Paria Canyon

I don't know if you are experienced hiking out in red rock country but bring 3 times as much water as you think you'll need.
Gjac
Explorer III
Jan 14, 2019
Janss wrote:
I don't know about Wave and Paria info because I'm not a major hiker.

But I can recommend the Toadstools hike. You'll find the small trailhead parking area on the north side of Hwy 89 between Page and Kanab.
I am not a major hiker either I will be 72 next month have arthritis in both knees and a torn miscues in one but can still walk, so short flat hikes are still OK. I assume the Toadstool hike is like that?

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