A free week unexpectedly appeared and my brother and I are planning a last-minute backpacking trip in southern Utah starting in one week (March 23). We are experienced backpackers, but have no experience in Utah or in any similar terrain. Ideally, we would like a 50-75 mile loop that we would plan to cover in 5 days.
Because of the last minute nature of the trip, backcountry sites are mostly booked in Zion and Canyonlands. Canyonlands has some backcountry sites available and we could probably manage to string some trip together there. Zion has almost nothing available. Currently, we are narrowing in on Escalante as tehe destination since it doesn't require any advance reservations. Two questions:
1) Would Escalante be the best choice in our situation?
2) Can anyone recommend a hike in Escalante or elsewhere that would meet our needs?
Thanks!
Because of the last minute nature of the trip, backcountry sites are mostly booked in Zion and Canyonlands. Canyonlands has some backcountry sites available and we could probably manage to string some trip together there. Zion has almost nothing available. Currently, we are narrowing in on Escalante as tehe destination since it doesn't require any advance reservations. Two questions:
1) Would Escalante be the best choice in our situation?
2) Can anyone recommend a hike in Escalante or elsewhere that would meet our needs?
Thanks!