Best time of year for San Rafael Swell/Cedar Mesa ?

Joined
Jun 7, 2015
Messages
85
I really, REALLY need to get out for a 10 day -2 week road trip , with daily, day hikes and possibly an easy overnighter. I've had a route planned for the past three years, that I still haven't been able to complete. I'd rather do it in late April to catch the desert bloom and more importantly, take advantage of the longer daylight, but my other option is Sept..

Primary purpose is to visit as many Native American Art sites / Cliff Dwellings as possible, and also hit a slot canyon or two.

The loop I would like to take is from home (Ft.Collins,CO) through Dinosaur Monument/McConkie Ranch, then 9 Mile Canyon for a couple of days, to "The Swell" for several days, a day in Horseshoe Canyon, then to Comb Ridge/Cedar Mesa for several more days and back, probably through Mesa Verde.

What do you consider the "prime time" for a roadtrip to the area ?
 
Late March/early April for Spring and Blooms, Early October for Changing leaves on Cottonwoods.
 
Hey man, good to see you here.

You will soon have some really good insights, this is the place for Utah.

First weekend of April 2007

Utah Indian Creek April Bloom.jpg
 
Eardley Canyon is quite beautiful in the Swell. It is an in and then out back to the car, as you will be stopped by the technical section (unless you are taking ropes). The upper and lower black box is also an option, a lot of swimming, but a summer day would be best. These are only three options among many.
Cedar Mesa is a huge place, with many options also. You can't go wrong wherever you go. Perhaps a little more info on what you like would be helpful. Gran Gulch will be crowded I think, but obviously is a must see. Slickhorn, Johns, Point Lookout canyons, and any number of side canyons are all great. Lower Grand gulch with it's side cayons is an option,
(especially Pine canyon), Road, Mule (north and south), are beautiful, Mule will be a little cooler I think. Depending on your skills, a North to south mule loop is fun. Texas Canyon off of Arch Canyon is spectacular. I have no experience in Coomb Ridge so someone could help here. Have fun!
 
Similar threads
Thread starter Title Forum Replies Date
JoshuaDyal Best San Juans hike Trip Planning 0
Devin Ashby Best Cedar Mesa/Bears Ears Guide Books? Trip Planning 8
ghsmith76 Looking for best multi-day Backpacking Trips near Livingston, MT Trip Planning 6
Parma The Best Arch in Utah is... General Discussion 20
forest dweller The best / ideal conditions/ criteria to backpack with a stranger / allow a stranger to backpack with you... General Discussion 6
forest dweller What do you think is the best way to meet other SERIOUS backpackers when you only backpack once or twice a year and... General Discussion 52
Nick Best of 2019 General Discussion 48
Perry Exploring above Cataract Basin - One of the Best Seats in the House Hiking & Camping 1
Nick Best of 2018 General Discussion 43
Outdoors24 Best computer for picture/video editing? General Discussion 26
Vegan.Hiker A Personal Best (ascent) - Pemi Loop, WMNF Backpacking 23
T Best practices for upcoming trip General Discussion 4
JDWalters Best time to photograph Zebra Slot? Trip Planning 3
Upgrayedd Best place to live? General Discussion 46
IntrepidXJ Meet the woman who knows Bears Ears best General Discussion 106
B Best Time of Year for Backpacking the Uintas in Utah Trip Planning 15
Perry Leona Spring Trail to UHT - A New Personal Best Day Hike Hiking & Camping 2
B Best Alternatives to the Sierras Backpacking 12
kimbur96 Best lens for backpacking? Photography 14
Kelin Best Route to Alpine Lakes? Trip Planning 4
Jimmy Best Backpacking Near Phoenix/Scottsdale? Trip Planning 1
LarryBoy Best ranges for off-trail travel General Discussion 11
Langdon Greene 2016 might be your best chance to do Wonderland (Rainier) Trip Planning 2
muir_mountain Best Backpacking in early June Trip Planning 12
Mike Jones Best UL Mountain Hardwear Rain Jacket Gear 2
Nick Best Packrafting Paddle Gear 8
Mike K Best Backpacking Pillow Gear 16
T Best place to backpack the Bob Marshall? Trip Planning 17
WasatchWill Best Cell Phone Camera: iPhone, G4, S6, or Other? General Discussion 6
Chuck the Mauler Best dual use camera? Photography 6
uintahiker What is the Best 3 day trip in the Uintas? Trip Planning 17
balzaccom Your best shot General Discussion 2
natylka Advice on the best lightweight sleeping bag for backpacking. Gear 27
natylka Advice on the best light backpacking tent Gear 39
Scott Chandler Help with the Best of the CPW Photography 9
jmerkley9 Best Car Camping - Uintas Trip Planning 2
Laura My tent shot is the featured photo for Best of May 2014 Photography 8
Antlerking Gear Review Best Hiking Briefs Gear Reviews 15
DrNed Best Hikes in Canyonlands Trip Planning 8
D Cedar Mesa to Hanksville, best day hike options? Trip Planning 3
Tater Head It was the best of times, It was the worst of times... General Discussion 6
Nick Best easy day hikes around Salt Lake General Discussion 25
Aldaron Best hike in the Uintas General Discussion 2
Aldaron The best part of BCP General Discussion 6
slc_dan Best Book for Hiking in the Uintas? Trip Planning 11
Nick BCP wins 'Best Adventure Blog'! General Discussion 16
uintahiker Aravaipa Canyon- what end is best? Trip Planning 2
Nick Album Best of 2012 Photography 45
intuitive cat what was your best/most satisfactory new gear this last season? Gear 18
Dan Best Camp Shoe - What's the lightest and most versatile? Gear 51

Similar threads

Back
Top