Canyonlands in March?

Greg,
Temperatures are wildly variable week to week. We have had miserably cold (55/25°F), cloudy, and windy times as late as mid-April, in the Needles District. We were told that the week before was sunny and warm. We still had a good time. Just check weather immediately before going and plan accordingly.

Take a look at Big Spring-Cyclone Valley-Squaw Flat. Camp at Squaw Flat, con someone into taking you to Big Spring. Long pants are recommended for Cyclone Valley. The route is around 22 miles +/-.

Thanks Greg,

I will check out the route you suggested. 22 miles sounds about right.

Greg

I have been there the last two years at that exact time ( my wife is a teacher and its here spring break)

The area can vary in temperature but, it has usually been in the 50's with some cold nights. I would suggest that you book your camping spots ahead of time as last year we got stuck day hiking cause it was all booked when we got there. You can call the rangers, they are great. If you dont' get to the back country for camping they have sites there or you can stay at the Out Post which is right before you enter the park.

My favorite hike is a nice long hike starting at the Squaw Flats going towards EC1, and make my way to Chesler Park staying at CP5 if you can get it. That site is awesome!! its an old cowboy camp and you get to see the "Negro bill" wanted sign.

After that I would go do the Joint trail which is cool. Then come back and gone down to Lost Canyon where you can usually find water that time of year. SQ2 is a cool site as is LC1 farther down. Good exposed slick rock and beautiful scenery.

It is such a cool place you just can't go wrong. If you need any book ideas or anything else let me know, the Needles are my stomping grounds.

What about trails into the Maze or the Needles from the Green River from Mineral Bottom to confluence or the Colorado from confluence to Spanish Bottom? I am considering a solo kayak trip combined with a two to three day backpacking side trip, preferably into the Maze, and particularly trails that would provide access to the top of the canyons. I would really appreciate any advice on trail access points on either river, water availability, best times of the year, suggested reading, etc. etc.

Thanks!

I was there last year right in that time period. We had quite the range of weather!
Had overcast but not cold, then the next day it hailed in the morning/then turned nice and warm (but not hot), nice weather with sun for a couple days then woke up to snow and 29* but by 10 am it was high 60*s.

So just go with rain gear and insulating layers…and shorts. ;-)