Backpacking near Moab

[Scott Chandler]

I'm in the process of planning a trip down to Moab for this weekend and got wondering what backpacking options are favorites of y'all. It'd have to be a shortish backpack, 2 nights. Any experience/opinions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[pixie1339]

Canyonlands is probably your best bet for backpacking. The Needles has a bunch of great backpacking options, if you can get a permit. They have a calendar on the NPS webpage now so you can check for availability.

https://canypermits.nps.gov/index.cfm

One option would be to base camp in Elephant Canyon and hike to Druid Arch one day, and Chesler Park another day. You could explore part of Salt Creek if you have a couple nights to spend. There are also a variety of loops that can be made of Big Spring, Squaw, Lost Canyon, etc.

There are also a couple backpacking options in Island In The Sky. You could start at Alcove Spring and loop through Taylor and Upheaval Canyons, ending at the Syncline Trailhead. You could also hike down to the Colorado River via the Lathrop Trail.

 

[TannerT]

You can actually backpack in arches as well. It's not as interesting as canyonlands but it is always available. We've gone down a big wash off of the devil's garden loop. It was gorgeous and solitary.

 

[pixie1339]

You can actually backpack in arches as well. It's not as interesting as canyonlands but it is always available. We've gone down a big wash off of the devil's garden loop. It was gorgeous and solitary.

That sounds awesome. Was there water available?

 

[TannerT]

That sounds awesome. Was there water available?

No water. That is one downside but the hike in was short so we carried a lot of water and bulky camp chairs. It made lounging under the stars awesome. Very heavy, but awesome.