I called the Monticello Field Office last week because the KGRS isn't open yet. Monticello said that it was "basically" impassible. She said it was possible, but dangerous. Hence my thought of just rappelling it.
I found a relatively recent picture of the dreaded lower Grand Gulch pour-off. They made a note there might be a safer way around the pour-off via a steep boulder field RUC. Has anyone tried that route? It sounds like the pour-off is 30 ft. What about rappelling it? There is probably enough...
1. There is a short cliff band along the South side of the E-Ramp near the lake. Follow it until you see a class 2-3 section, a ramp, that you can use to climb through the cliff band. There where a few breaks if I remember right, just pick one. The Ice Lakes area is nice, but it is not...
I've found backpackers tend to be on the introverted side. If you want to get out in nature with others, you might want to try trail running. Most cities have running clubs that organize weekly pavement and trail runs. It isn’t backpacking, but trail running with others might be more fun for you...
I did a similar route last summer. I can PM you the route if you want. I no longer post trip reports, trying to keep things wild out there. There are a lot of medium potholes, go after a good rain storm and they'll be full.
There are a lot of videos on how to drive a 4x4 off road. You should definitely watch them. Not only wil you get great tips and tricks, but you'll learn a little about what a 4x4 can easily clear. It is really amazing what a stock 4x4 can drive over.
Taking alcohol or sleeping pills in the wilderness to sleep better is not a good idea. Animals, storms, or other emergency situations can occur at night. You are always in the wilderness, even when in your tent.
Bic lighters, or any lighter with compressed liquid fuel, work poorly in cold conditions. If you warm them up in your pocket for a few minutes they generally work again.
I am a Software Engineering Manager in SLC. I have often thought of taking a month or two off in summer, but have yet to find any partners to join me. I am happy backpacking in the wilderness for a few days solo, but after that I miss human contact. Given the current state of capitalism in the...
If you want safety, stay at home. Climbers crave the independence and focus that being in dangerous situations force. Society has indoctrinated us to expect safe passage. It more people consciously took risks, I think our society would be much healthier.
Hi Jeff, It is not going to be easy to find people that will want to do 15 miles a day. Most backpackers on these forums stay around 7-10 miles a day on trail. Maybe people in Utah have less time to train, larger families and all. In Oregon everyone wanted higher mileage days. PM me if you are...
I created this route based on one posted by LarryBoy. He was absolutely right, it is a great route and once you leave the Big Sandy Lake area, there are very few people. This was labor day weekend and Big Sandy TH was packed with +50 cars. We had to park half a mile from the TH in a field...
I know of Hill map, Gmap4, and Hike Arizona. Hike Arizona is the closest to CalTopo, and they do have maps of areas outside of Arizona. Hill map and Gmap4 are much simpler tools.
I got $527, mostly because I use my REI Master card to buy everything. 2% back on Grocery purchases adds up over a year.
I need a new pair of mountain biking shoes and a new bike helmet.
I have also been looking for more groups/partners, in the SLC UT area, but haven't had much luck. Meetup seems to attract those less committed to activities. Most outdoor Meetups I've seen are targeted towards novices, which makes sense, who wants to lead a trip of +8 people on a challenging...
Living at 7,000 ft. should mean that going to 12k will not cause you much of an issue as far as breathing is concerned. I find that pack weight is the issue on long days. Most people do not want to train with a 30 lbs backpack on, but that is exactly what you should do a least once a week for 3...