Canyonlands Figure 8: Packrafting Loop through the Needles and Maze District

[George_Washington_Hayduke]

We started at the Confluence Overlook Trailhead, hiked down Big Springs Canyon to Salt Creek Canyon, and took Salt Creek to the Colorado River. Once we reached the Colorado River, we packrafted down to the confluence, crossed the Confluence and hiked up the Green River to Powell's Canyon, up Powell's to the Overlook Trail, and down to Water Canyon. We hiked down Water Canyon to the Green River. We inflated the packrafts again and floated the Green River back down to the confluence, and continued down the river to Red Lake Canyon. We hiked up Red Lake Canyon to Cyclone Canyon- and out the Confluence Overlook Trail and back to the car. The GoPro died on day 3 in Red Lake Canyon. We did this route in February 2016 and it took us 4 days to complete. Enjoy the "Canyonlands Figure 8"

Lower Salt Creek

We had to deploy a handline to get down this one

A cold morning on the Colorado

Approaching the confluence of the mighty Green and Colorado Rivers

Jason and his new Hyperlite Ultamid

The mighty Green

Red Lake Canyon with the Dollhouse in the distance

 

[Mcrimp]

I'm curious about the ropes you guys were using for those downclimbs. Did you guys use releasable anchors to get them back so you didn't have to leave anything behind?

 

[George_Washington_Hayduke]

I'm curious about the ropes you guys were using for those downclimbs. Did you guys use releasable anchors to get them back so you didn't have to leave anything behind?

We biner blocked it

 

[Magnus]

Looking to do something similar to this soon! How was getting from the confluence to Powell's route? And what time of year did you do this?