Awesome report. That's a rugged trip and I can't imagine doing it in the colder months. Watching the videos instantly makes my hands cold and makes me feel like my feet are soaking wet.
Just adding that this was a fantastic series. Congratulations on such a big accomplishment. The pictures are fantastic but it was your description that really grabbed my attention through the whole thing. You did a really good job capturing the value this journey meant for you. I've never done...
Thanks for sharing. Cloud Peak Wilderness has a special place for me since it's where I had my introdcution to backpacking so I really enjoy seeing stuff like this.
What an adventure! You have a knack for coming up with new and interesting routes. I really liked reading about Lake Canyon and other places that don't get lots of hiker travel.
Looks like it might only be closed at the Cottonwood Wash Bridge, per the report on the udot map: https://udottraffic.utah.gov/
Edt: you'll need to have the construction or lane closure filters on to see the alert.
Awesome report! Sorry to hear about those administrative nuisances. Looks like a beautiful hike. I imagine it was really something waking up to a mountain lion serenading the canyon!
An update on Secretary Haaland's visit and some speculation about the future of the Bear's Ears and Escalante monuments:
https://www.sltrib.com/news/environment/2021/04/11/biden-is-poised-expand/
Interior Secretary Haaland is currently visiting Bears Ears and the Grand Staircase and meeting with leaders, elected officials, various stakeholders.
https://www.sltrib.com/news/2021/04/08/update-deb-haaland-tours/...
Here's a look at the numbers for California: http://cdec.water.ca.gov/reportapp/javareports?name=swccond.pdf
Not so good, especially in the Southern Sierras