3 day backpacking ideas

[Keliko]

I am looking to do 2 trips in May, one preferably early May right after finals and the other towards mid-late May. I been looking at the trip reports for San Rafael Reef or the non-technical Escalante ones. Do I need to pick up permits for all the places down there? Any particulars places you guys recommend? Need to be dog friendly and preferably a lesser traffic one. Swimming holes are a plus!

Thanks guys

 

[Nick]

Not a lot of great backpacking along the San Rafael Reef, IMO. Perhaps up north towards Cottonwood Wash though. I bet langutah might have some other thoughts ont that.

Definitely no permits needed for the Swell. Permits are required in Escalante but they are free and not limited so no big deal. Escalante is kind of dog backpacking mecca in my opinion. I've done a lot of it. Are there any in particular there you were looking at?

 

[Keliko]

Harris Wash, Death Hollow+Boulder Trail, Death Hollow-The Escalante River, Escalante River Gorge all look like some trips I want to tackle soon. Which ones can be accomplished more as of a loop trip (start to finish preferably not the same trail)? I'm looking to drive down Thursday or early Friday and head back probably late Sunday.
I don't know if anyone in the group will be willing to hitchhike back to the car or what not...