Zion Alternative

[Maya Rosenzweig]

Okay I was all set to head to Zion on Thursday spending a day in the narrows and then hiking the Zion Traverse. Since it looks like that's pretty impossible right now I'm left scrambling for trip ideas. This was my first trip to Utah and I'm totally unfamiliar with the area.
Anyone have some recommendations for 5-6 days of backpacking? I'd prefer a few nights out rather than only day trips but I'm open to any suggestions.

[David Chenault]

Tons of non-NPS public land which will still be accessible. Escalante comes first to mind, but I'm not sure if Hole-in-the-rock road has been opened back up after the recent flood damage. In any case, you can access the Gulch and Boulder Creek from paved roads, and that area is pretty cool. The Boulder Mail trail is also worth investigating.

The Robbers Roost is also very worthwhile. Navigation can be a little more demanding than in most NPS settings.

Take a look at Steve Allen's guidebooks if you can get a hold of them.

[Billy Ray]

David,
I had not heard the Hole in the Rock Road was damaged or closed… do you know how far out you can still drive or where the damage was/is?

Of course, I can't call the ranger station since they will be shut down due to funding issue with congress..

thanks,
Bill D

[David Chenault]

http://www.bogley.com/forum/showthread.php?69844-Road-to-Egypt-UT-(Choprock-Neon)-and-Road-to-Robbers-Roost-condition-Inquiry

[Brendan Swihart]

I heard that HITTR road is now passable all the way to the bottom in a 4WD. Don't know about side roads. As far as the Roost, I know someone who was headed to do Twin Corral/Sam's Mesa Box this week from the top and haven't heard back, so I kinda assume that's good news. If you have 5-6 days, accessing the Roost from either Burr Point or the Angel Trail might be an option. Maybe take a bike in case you run into trouble on the way in but they're both less than 10 miles from the highway if I remember correctly and there's definitely plenty to keep you busy for a week.

[Author]

Posts