Parma
@parma26
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2014
- Messages
- 756
Big thanks to @steve and @Tess for inviting me on this trip, and @Backcountry Post for the forum to allow people like me to meet up with them, or else I never would have experienced this amazing trip. @Mike K and Lane missed out on a good one!
This was my first multi-day trip in Canyonlands, first time I've ever gone with people I didn't know (@steve and I did go to lunch the week before so we knew we were both weirdos willing to camp with strangers) and I've gone backpacking and rafting, but this was my first pack rafting trip. So it was an adventure in multiple ways...though my wife was convinced that this was just a ruse to lure me out to the desert so someone could harvest my organs or something...Ukrainians don't trust anyone though.
The permits were tricky/time consuming since we were going thru Needles, Maze, the Green River and the Colorado River, so there were plenty of rules and regulations we needed to follow. One was a life jacket, packing one in an already filled backpack is a chore.
@steve did take PLENTY of video and maybe by Christmas he'll have it edited and up on youtube. So look forward to that.
Here's a link to my Garmin tracks to see exactly where we went: http://adventures.garmin.com/en-US/by/parma26/canyonlands-packrafting-trip/#overview
It ended up being 49.5 miles total, 30 hiking and 19.5 floating over three full days.
Day one (Thursday) we started off by meeting at @steve's house and were on the road around 6:00 pm. We stopped at Grogg's in Price, and that burger was awesome HIGHLY recommended: http://www.groggspinnaclebrewing.com. This night we planned on camping near the trailhead outside of the Needles Visitors Center. But it was getting dark so we found the first available spot before entering Canyonlands.
![IMG_4528.JPG IMG_4528.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28618-cdf2d78d560a966b32f81854592ac5a3.jpg)
Day two we got up and headed to Elephant Hill 4WD Road to leave my car, jumped in with @steve and @Tess in their Honda Fit and headed back up to the Needles Visitors Center. We got there minutes before they were open.
![IMG_4529.JPG IMG_4529.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28619-45636d70337491f5b623f2a9c9baa684.jpg)
We did get to see them raise the flag in the morning though.
![IMG_4530.JPG IMG_4530.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28620-cdf334b445df9c5dfcea715efd76fba4.jpg)
Went inside to finalize everything and check-in. And we found out that a Honda Fit isn't "fit" to drive down the road thru the parking lot toward our starting point. SO we just added about 5 miles to our day. And they were right...we wouldn't have made it very far!
We topped off our water containers and emptied every last bit of whatever we had inside us before leaving.
![IMG_4531.JPG IMG_4531.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28621-e165eb147fd032598e631175221e67fd.jpg)
![IMG_4532.JPG IMG_4532.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28622-2cd7fe87a8685ab03394712f87084bec.jpg)
All packed and ready to go. Normally my backpack weighs 30 lbs for a trip, this one I added a Kokopelli Nirvana packraft: http://kokopelliraftco.com/collections/packrafts/products/nirvana a life jacket, and a paddle that breaks down into five parts (bar into 3 and the 2 blades). So I was at about 40 lbs! This is the heaviest pack I've had to haul...and yes I whined a lot!
We followed the 4WD road for five miles. Nothing too exciting, all the fun stuff was off in the distance.
![IMG_4533.JPG IMG_4533.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28623-67ec9fdd44b36aecca244f68c2abd55b.jpg)
There was a sign pointing to what I thought was a pinewood derby track...nope.
![IMG_4534.JPG IMG_4534.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28624-29ad57a26fdef759727cd1b9ded900b4.jpg)
Off in the distance you could see the Needles district.
![IMG_4535.JPG IMG_4535.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28625-0ca9964078b0f70059118552a37a3114.jpg)
The people you meet in the backcountry seem to always be amazing and interesting to talk to. We had a couple drive up behind us and I'm pretty sure @steve is still drooling over their rig. Meet Henk and Marianne from the Netherlands.
![IMG_4536.JPG IMG_4536.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28626-772199f68307757908daf16456e01481.jpg)
Henk's rig is called the Blues Cruiser and he and his wife have driven it over some of the gnarliest roads and regions our planet has to offer. They have over 500,000 kilometers on it. Here's their website: http://www.henkmarianne.nl/ And their Blues Cruiser is a 1995 Toyota Land Cruiser 4.2 diesel pickup: http://www.henkmarianne.nl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=15&Itemid=14
Their camper on the back expands and has solar panels on the roof.
![IMG_4538.JPG IMG_4538.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28627-66489eb84ca2109f059756845a133f23.jpg)
I think this will be @steve and @Tess in the not too distant future.
![IMG_4539.JPG IMG_4539.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28628-c9ea86d3057208aea272856fcfa63117.jpg)
Amazing couple and they were great to chat with. We probably could have visited with them for hours, the places they have been were unreal!
We went our ways and headed to the Colorado River.
![IMG_4541.JPG IMG_4541.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28629-b8af853384a7520daf8fa10b3e2d9125.jpg)
After a while we were finally closer to the water.
![IMG_4551.JPG IMG_4551.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28630-63cf7ec2c22d783b7c04132c9abaa51d.jpg)
And finally we see it, the Colorado River, now we just need to find a way down to it.
![IMG_4552.JPG IMG_4552.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28631-46a21f0927dbaf8db292eea42aa6d9ff.jpg)
![IMG_4556.JPG IMG_4556.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28632-0a5d33f2f81062dd8a9dcc2e500016a3.jpg)
Thanks to @Kullaberg63 and his tracks from a previous trip, we were in good hands. After a mile or so we found the way down to a great looking beach to launch, a perfect spot for lunch, and a chance to refill our water.
![IMG_4557.JPG IMG_4557.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28633-4acfe8a5babca20ac4a1581570768670.jpg)
![IMG_4558.JPG IMG_4558.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28634-5558e62d97a2637f43259bcc08b33308.jpg)
After eating and resting we unpacked the rafts, inflated them with our inflation bags, and we were off.
@steve is in the red one, @Tess is in the blue one, and mine was yellow. We were quite the picturesque group floating down the river.
![IMG_4562.JPG IMG_4562.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28635-eb3519c0c4fdef321467a88ce5bd1a48.jpg)
![IMG_4563.JPG IMG_4563.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28636-9f299adadb48d1b19159bd1ec0bc392e.jpg)
![IMG_4564.JPG IMG_4564.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28637-65bef08602d4e514bf00954dfa9785c8.jpg)
![IMG_4572.JPG IMG_4572.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28638-312ebffaa81d0d538e4ffeba76938241.jpg)
The water is pretty slow. The only quick moving water is at The Slide. A rock slide caused the river to narrow and makes for some faster water...maybe a class I rapid. With the steep walls on both sides of the river it sure did amplify the sounds and make it audible for a ways up river.
It's about seven miles from where we put in to the confluence with the Green River.
![IMG_4577.JPG IMG_4577.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28639-e3220cc9fbde367081518ecce72f1c5d.jpg)
Coming down the Colorado River side of the Confluence we couldn't really see the color difference where the two rivers met. Later in the trip when we came down the Green River we could...maybe it was the lighting?
After a couple miles you see the warning sign for Cataract Canyon on the left. This sign also signifies that Spanish Bottom was coming up.
![IMG_4579.JPG IMG_4579.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28640-0c749ad5f22f587048ae79835dcedd6a.jpg)
Most of the beaches had someone already there, mostly canoes. We continued on to the end to what I thought was rock steps leading up the bank from other photos I've seen. But to my dismay, it was dirt. And we got pretty muddy hauling out our wet rafts.
![IMG_4581.JPG IMG_4581.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28641-91dd53eb9c9a29505550bdc33f12af0e.jpg)
A couple ladies from Colorado were camped here, but were kind enough to share their camp with us as we packed up everything and prepared for the hike up to The Dollhouse.
![IMG_4582.JPG IMG_4582.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28642-aad79801d6d40cc791e4e127540c89a2.jpg)
Spanish Bottom
![IMG_4583.JPG IMG_4583.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28643-69cdedf2787db14e512c887065e7c7c8.jpg)
As you can see, the sun was going down, and the hike from Spanish Bottom to The Dollhouse is a steep one! It was a well marked trail, but it was A LOT of rock steps straight up the mountain side. Someone put in some work to make this trail.
![IMG_4584.JPG IMG_4584.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28644-5d67a569595aa818b290020f8ecc1498.jpg)
![IMG_4586.JPG IMG_4586.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28645-e5ebb17097490e98ac081dfe57de95b2.jpg)
We made it up, slowly but surely, it was dark so we broke out the headlamps and found a place to camp for the night.
It was cold over the night. My watch thermometer said it got down to 36 degrees. Morning came and it was good to see the area in some daylight.
![IMG_4587.JPG IMG_4587.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28646-916d06e9e4026b1d7e7fa77fdcb4058d.jpg)
We ate breakfast, packed up, and ditched our packs and headed for The Granary. Here are some views headed that direction.
![IMG_4590.JPG IMG_4590.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28647-0b583a439db3dcda80bad06eeceb5cb0.jpg)
![IMG_4592.JPG IMG_4592.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28648-0fedb123093cc21ec7691c1124a91876.jpg)
![IMG_4593.JPG IMG_4593.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28649-bc450fec524a42195ae796d7c22ba535.jpg)
After a short walk, 1/4 mile or so, we found The Granary.
![IMG_4596.JPG IMG_4596.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28650-47db3897969b63af765ba89db4fb062b.jpg)
Back to the packs, and we were off to Chimney Rock thru The Dollhouse.
![IMG_4597.JPG IMG_4597.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28651-cc9c51ebccaa05209ef40406c5294aa5.jpg)
![IMG_4598.JPG IMG_4598.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28652-7959eaa7a6adfb8477599e9582c7bd40.jpg)
After a bit we approached a couple slots we needed to get thru. One was too narrow for our packs, so we slid thru with them in front of us and hoisted them up and out.
![IMG_4599.JPG IMG_4599.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28657-e48d54e2556cfdaf74b3bccebc41ead6.jpg)
![IMG_4600.JPG IMG_4600.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28654-385687f1c81da251aabeebe8e1215e80.jpg)
![IMG_4604.JPG IMG_4604.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28658-8b3674c93d004d74fe258fb803f49605.jpg)
After The Dollhouse we had a couple miles of a sandy 4WD road to Chimney Rock. We were starting to get low on water and were really hoping some Jeeps or someone would come by. Lucky enough we found someone at Chimney Rock, a couple...one from Colorado and the other from Iraq. It seemed like everyone we met was either from another country or Colorado.
![IMG_4608.JPG IMG_4608.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28659-05c4a541cf49e364b9745ea54f5979e2.jpg)
From Chimney Rock the views were great, all the way to the La Sal mountains.
![IMG_4609.JPG IMG_4609.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28660-d560d3d4c608efc343e388f80e2ed5e5.jpg)
So we stopped for lunch in a nice shady spot below Chimney Rock.
![IMG_4611.JPG IMG_4611.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28661-38d96cfb449aef7f4bb17a7aa8aad548.jpg)
Obligatory flower photo
![IMG_4612.JPG IMG_4612.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28662-6cc10b2a6ebb1a7bf71d63ecd3db1d83.jpg)
From here we needed to go thru Shot Canyon to Water Canyon and then to the Green River where we'd camp for the night.
![IMG_4613.JPG IMG_4613.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28663-9fb2fa1f6b125aa56ecbbea3616073d6.jpg)
This rock looked cool. I think it looks like a big hammer just whacked it and left it crumbled.
![IMG_4614.JPG IMG_4614.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28664-77713b4cec8c2502cabaf4e1dd199232.jpg)
Making our way into Shot Canyon, notice the walking sticks with @steve. It's his paddle with little rubber caps on the ends. They worked OK, but the carbon fiber ridges weren't very comfy so he taped them up and made due. And later they would prove useful for a couple bees that decided to follow him for a couple miles.
![IMG_4615.JPG IMG_4615.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28665-f0616e17ede088e6dd28aabb16a007b5.jpg)
To get down into Shot Canyon there are some interesting stairs, they don't look very stable, but they surprisingly weren't too bad. @Tess still didn't trust them and took a different route.
![IMG_4617.JPG IMG_4617.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28666-cd306c91c95e19b3487ed33f5799bce4.jpg)
![IMG_4618.JPG IMG_4618.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28667-e8b4c095b4796781a53fa275a1785722.jpg)
And the final decent into Shot Canyon
![IMG_4620.JPG IMG_4620.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28668-40401bdcb0bccc77bcb86cc1766eac55.jpg)
Temps were getting up there so keeping the ears and neck from the sun required a fashion statement
![IMG_4622.JPG IMG_4622.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28669-ffbdcdf4c4f5c65ae4b535ceb59de74c.jpg)
Here's a view of a couple Natural Arches as we cross from Shot to Water Canyon
![IMG_4623.JPG IMG_4623.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28670-094f613b94a323548483792a64771258.jpg)
And the 360 degree view from the top of the pass was amazing.
![IMG_4624.JPG IMG_4624.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28671-4b28380bd06af28a741a4c4ce5e3d9f0.jpg)
This is looking down into Water Canyon
![IMG_4626.JPG IMG_4626.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28672-325cfe3fd4b76829e72bdf2c487f23fb.jpg)
Another cool rock, and it's hard to see where these come from and the nice edges that are formed when they break lose too.
![IMG_4627.JPG IMG_4627.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28673-ff820baf15530d9183d23559255d4ff6.jpg)
Meandering our way thru Water Canyon we found our friendly neighborhood snake for all you snake lovers
![IMG_4631.JPG IMG_4631.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28674-bb163da1dcc71dafe8191ac8ffccbe31.jpg)
And here's the source of the water in Water Canyon. Spent some time here drinking and filling up for the day/night.
![IMG_4633.JPG IMG_4633.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28675-4ac4e3eecb2981d7c122a0ebc19ea42d.jpg)
Now we needed to make our way from Water Canyon to the Green River. This is a trail not maintained by the park and was the sketchiest part of our whole trip.
![IMG_4636.JPG IMG_4636.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28676-e9e5d61cafb87c22956fe96e07838a8f.jpg)
![IMG_4637.JPG IMG_4637.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28677-15a0ee14f606e8a7d19cbcf9f830222d.jpg)
This is looking back up from where we came down.
![IMG_4641.JPG IMG_4641.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28678-d15c37dbe455eb050e63dfed3d821360.jpg)
The whole time making our way down we needed to find a camping spot for the night. We heard that the portion of The Green River where we were headed was a very popular spot for floaters and would most likely be filled with people by the time we got there. Nothing was suitable for us so we hoped something would be open.
![IMG_4643.JPG IMG_4643.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28679-d08dd3eb962f83594e01633fca26bfab.jpg)
Once we reached the river, we found many nice spots...but no people! We had our pick of the litter of camp sites. So naturally we took up a couple and made ourselves at home.
![IMG_4645.JPG IMG_4645.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28680-c967da8c7e8ba91f70d9965e7992a7be.jpg)
Here's my setup...In a van down by the river (in a Matt Foley voice)
![IMG_4647.JPG IMG_4647.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28681-5e3a241c0ce4ab28498b5fe20ab7b083.jpg)
While eating that night we realized that some mice were in the area too. Steve will have to tell you all the exact smell proof bag he uses, but it worked! Morning came and our food was safe.
It was a very warm night, almost too warm. My watch showed it only got down to 49 degrees that night.
Ate, packed up, inflated our rafts and hit the silty water of the Green River.
![IMG_4648.JPG IMG_4648.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28682-afaf6280e824508a1bc193cc9c980ed8.jpg)
The Green River flowed noticeably faster than the Colorado. And floating the morning was the way to go. Very peaceful, great weather and very relaxing compared to lugging a 40lb pack up and down the trail.
I just placed my pack in the front of my raft and put my rain cover over it because of the water that would splash it from paddling. I'd change from feet up and out like this photo, or tucked under on the sides of my pack. But tucked under was a little chilly against the cold water.
![IMG_4649.JPG IMG_4649.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28683-2501beb40d9642db9f09b4984a525b4a.jpg)
![IMG_4654.JPG IMG_4654.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28684-041b914214aab5db4f7cb0f21f97e810.jpg)
![IMG_4655.JPG IMG_4655.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28685-e2422a0450c19080e3462994f560cbb2.jpg)
After a couple miles we came up on the Confluence again. Steve wanted a photo so the grassy area right at the point of the Confluence was perfect. Only trick was to get up on it. He made it and from there he said the color differences of the two rivers was visible.
![IMG_4656.JPG IMG_4656.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28686-9db0d7088d58a69d164c907f59bd58d5.jpg)
Back at Spanish Bottom looking up at The Dollhouse.
![IMG_4658.JPG IMG_4658.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28687-73ae4d1781952768e5546b50713b2bb9.jpg)
This is looking from opposite of Spanish Bottom where we took out a couple days prior at what the map refers to as Butler Wash.
![IMG_4659.JPG IMG_4659.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28688-5bd2643c7e7236c59195470b6aec4599.jpg)
Where we took out there were some workers clearing some trees. And a Park Ranger talked to us and checked our permits. Most of everything was in order. Only thing lacking was an approved method of disposing human waste since we were on the river. Our reusable and sealable bags weren't sufficient. Luckily enough the Park Ranger gave us a warning instead of a $175 ticket (not sure if that was total or for each of us). We did promise to tell all yall that if you are required to have a disposal method that you need a Wag Bag and a dry bag to store it in. Even he wasn't sure if one for the group was enough or if we each needed one. I think they are still trying to figure out how to handle packrafters. Regardless, we were grateful for letting us off with a warning.
![IMG_4660.JPG IMG_4660.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28689-ec885f4e47122f7ee97e5210c8f8c33b.jpg)
We packed up, ate, topped off our water and headed out.
![IMG_4661.JPG IMG_4661.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28690-5cdd6bc3fc68e2f5cd22859539cfff15.jpg)
This stretch from the river to the 4WD road in Devils Lane was only five miles, but I swear that was the longest five miles in my life! It's a tough go. Between sand, rocks, tumble weeds, multiple passes over The Grabens, and the heat...it was rough!
For the first bit you follow the wash in thick sand.
![IMG_4662.JPG IMG_4662.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28691-01a63c81cf4106c4203ce330b7655aea.jpg)
Then the hike up, but it did have a view of The Dollhouse.
![IMG_4664.JPG IMG_4664.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28692-c334f254ef4a0bae36a66a21c63075e3.jpg)
Then the tumble weeds/stickers.
![IMG_4666.JPG IMG_4666.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28693-8149c62adb903314bb1e70636973bfa0.jpg)
I found this rock formation that looks like The Sphinx (aliens probably made it)
![IMG_4669.JPG IMG_4669.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28694-32a8bff2712b6e6395eabc42b859f1c0.jpg)
Then a much needed break, where we discovered Steve's jerky bag throwing abilities were lacking...maybe it was the heat that caused it to stick to his hand and fly on top of the rock behind him instead of to me right in front of him![roflmao :roflmao: :roflmao:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![IMG_4670.JPG IMG_4670.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28695-0b48a0c6f094701cea87a78c0b856bad.jpg)
![IMG_4671.JPG IMG_4671.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28696-a6ab595542af092735393570cf1f5c0f.jpg)
Now the Needles District is in sight.
![IMG_4672.JPG IMG_4672.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28698-920e24c1b50d82ef3b88554c16fc053c.jpg)
The last stretch is an easy hike on the Elephant Hill 4WD Road. These are also not Honda Fit accessible roads. There are some rough areas, and they look pretty fun too!
![IMG_4675.JPG IMG_4675.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28699-649b9572e29e79b03843d979071a4f9c.jpg)
This narrow stretch had some scrapes and paint on the walls.
![IMG_4676.JPG IMG_4676.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28700-32084bfab8e828c1e17af116e802e6c7.jpg)
Some of the fun 4WD hills
![IMG_4681.JPG IMG_4681.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28701-9b17991a072e90b86102ec4c51ddfc5f.jpg)
![IMG_4682.JPG IMG_4682.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28702-e623bf5e4366e90f8da0fa8e0aa52038.jpg)
And even another pinewood derby car hill!
![IMG_4684.JPG IMG_4684.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28703-1a599681650debad72aa01a6833e5bb3.jpg)
And the car is in sight, and still there in the parking lot.
![IMG_4685.JPG IMG_4685.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28704-59440b29f136873226f59831f24a1cc7.jpg)
![IMG_4686.JPG IMG_4686.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28705-72ea3897f52d98102f4c30870056cce9.jpg)
Here we are after three days, we planned on doing it in four days, but were covering more ground than we planned.
![IMG_4687.JPG IMG_4687.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28706-6093f7462aea8dccee922e08d6a9ef38.jpg)
It was a great trip! Steve has some great video footage he'll post hopefully sooner than later. And it's always good to meet new friends.
Featured image for home page:
![slide.jpg slide.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28885-1b4f951dd92b5d93c875177bf03b0aca.jpg)
**Here's the video from this trip:
This was my first multi-day trip in Canyonlands, first time I've ever gone with people I didn't know (@steve and I did go to lunch the week before so we knew we were both weirdos willing to camp with strangers) and I've gone backpacking and rafting, but this was my first pack rafting trip. So it was an adventure in multiple ways...though my wife was convinced that this was just a ruse to lure me out to the desert so someone could harvest my organs or something...Ukrainians don't trust anyone though.
The permits were tricky/time consuming since we were going thru Needles, Maze, the Green River and the Colorado River, so there were plenty of rules and regulations we needed to follow. One was a life jacket, packing one in an already filled backpack is a chore.
@steve did take PLENTY of video and maybe by Christmas he'll have it edited and up on youtube. So look forward to that.
Here's a link to my Garmin tracks to see exactly where we went: http://adventures.garmin.com/en-US/by/parma26/canyonlands-packrafting-trip/#overview
It ended up being 49.5 miles total, 30 hiking and 19.5 floating over three full days.
Day one (Thursday) we started off by meeting at @steve's house and were on the road around 6:00 pm. We stopped at Grogg's in Price, and that burger was awesome HIGHLY recommended: http://www.groggspinnaclebrewing.com. This night we planned on camping near the trailhead outside of the Needles Visitors Center. But it was getting dark so we found the first available spot before entering Canyonlands.
![IMG_4528.JPG IMG_4528.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28618-cdf2d78d560a966b32f81854592ac5a3.jpg)
Day two we got up and headed to Elephant Hill 4WD Road to leave my car, jumped in with @steve and @Tess in their Honda Fit and headed back up to the Needles Visitors Center. We got there minutes before they were open.
![IMG_4529.JPG IMG_4529.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28619-45636d70337491f5b623f2a9c9baa684.jpg)
We did get to see them raise the flag in the morning though.
![IMG_4530.JPG IMG_4530.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28620-cdf334b445df9c5dfcea715efd76fba4.jpg)
Went inside to finalize everything and check-in. And we found out that a Honda Fit isn't "fit" to drive down the road thru the parking lot toward our starting point. SO we just added about 5 miles to our day. And they were right...we wouldn't have made it very far!
We topped off our water containers and emptied every last bit of whatever we had inside us before leaving.
![IMG_4531.JPG IMG_4531.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28621-e165eb147fd032598e631175221e67fd.jpg)
![IMG_4532.JPG IMG_4532.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28622-2cd7fe87a8685ab03394712f87084bec.jpg)
All packed and ready to go. Normally my backpack weighs 30 lbs for a trip, this one I added a Kokopelli Nirvana packraft: http://kokopelliraftco.com/collections/packrafts/products/nirvana a life jacket, and a paddle that breaks down into five parts (bar into 3 and the 2 blades). So I was at about 40 lbs! This is the heaviest pack I've had to haul...and yes I whined a lot!
We followed the 4WD road for five miles. Nothing too exciting, all the fun stuff was off in the distance.
![IMG_4533.JPG IMG_4533.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28623-67ec9fdd44b36aecca244f68c2abd55b.jpg)
There was a sign pointing to what I thought was a pinewood derby track...nope.
![IMG_4534.JPG IMG_4534.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28624-29ad57a26fdef759727cd1b9ded900b4.jpg)
Off in the distance you could see the Needles district.
![IMG_4535.JPG IMG_4535.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28625-0ca9964078b0f70059118552a37a3114.jpg)
The people you meet in the backcountry seem to always be amazing and interesting to talk to. We had a couple drive up behind us and I'm pretty sure @steve is still drooling over their rig. Meet Henk and Marianne from the Netherlands.
![IMG_4536.JPG IMG_4536.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28626-772199f68307757908daf16456e01481.jpg)
Henk's rig is called the Blues Cruiser and he and his wife have driven it over some of the gnarliest roads and regions our planet has to offer. They have over 500,000 kilometers on it. Here's their website: http://www.henkmarianne.nl/ And their Blues Cruiser is a 1995 Toyota Land Cruiser 4.2 diesel pickup: http://www.henkmarianne.nl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=15&Itemid=14
Their camper on the back expands and has solar panels on the roof.
![IMG_4538.JPG IMG_4538.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28627-66489eb84ca2109f059756845a133f23.jpg)
I think this will be @steve and @Tess in the not too distant future.
![IMG_4539.JPG IMG_4539.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28628-c9ea86d3057208aea272856fcfa63117.jpg)
Amazing couple and they were great to chat with. We probably could have visited with them for hours, the places they have been were unreal!
We went our ways and headed to the Colorado River.
![IMG_4541.JPG IMG_4541.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28629-b8af853384a7520daf8fa10b3e2d9125.jpg)
After a while we were finally closer to the water.
![IMG_4551.JPG IMG_4551.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28630-63cf7ec2c22d783b7c04132c9abaa51d.jpg)
And finally we see it, the Colorado River, now we just need to find a way down to it.
![IMG_4552.JPG IMG_4552.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28631-46a21f0927dbaf8db292eea42aa6d9ff.jpg)
![IMG_4556.JPG IMG_4556.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28632-0a5d33f2f81062dd8a9dcc2e500016a3.jpg)
Thanks to @Kullaberg63 and his tracks from a previous trip, we were in good hands. After a mile or so we found the way down to a great looking beach to launch, a perfect spot for lunch, and a chance to refill our water.
![IMG_4557.JPG IMG_4557.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28633-4acfe8a5babca20ac4a1581570768670.jpg)
![IMG_4558.JPG IMG_4558.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28634-5558e62d97a2637f43259bcc08b33308.jpg)
After eating and resting we unpacked the rafts, inflated them with our inflation bags, and we were off.
@steve is in the red one, @Tess is in the blue one, and mine was yellow. We were quite the picturesque group floating down the river.
![IMG_4562.JPG IMG_4562.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28635-eb3519c0c4fdef321467a88ce5bd1a48.jpg)
![IMG_4563.JPG IMG_4563.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28636-9f299adadb48d1b19159bd1ec0bc392e.jpg)
![IMG_4564.JPG IMG_4564.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28637-65bef08602d4e514bf00954dfa9785c8.jpg)
![IMG_4572.JPG IMG_4572.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28638-312ebffaa81d0d538e4ffeba76938241.jpg)
The water is pretty slow. The only quick moving water is at The Slide. A rock slide caused the river to narrow and makes for some faster water...maybe a class I rapid. With the steep walls on both sides of the river it sure did amplify the sounds and make it audible for a ways up river.
It's about seven miles from where we put in to the confluence with the Green River.
![IMG_4577.JPG IMG_4577.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28639-e3220cc9fbde367081518ecce72f1c5d.jpg)
Coming down the Colorado River side of the Confluence we couldn't really see the color difference where the two rivers met. Later in the trip when we came down the Green River we could...maybe it was the lighting?
After a couple miles you see the warning sign for Cataract Canyon on the left. This sign also signifies that Spanish Bottom was coming up.
![IMG_4579.JPG IMG_4579.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28640-0c749ad5f22f587048ae79835dcedd6a.jpg)
Most of the beaches had someone already there, mostly canoes. We continued on to the end to what I thought was rock steps leading up the bank from other photos I've seen. But to my dismay, it was dirt. And we got pretty muddy hauling out our wet rafts.
![IMG_4581.JPG IMG_4581.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28641-91dd53eb9c9a29505550bdc33f12af0e.jpg)
A couple ladies from Colorado were camped here, but were kind enough to share their camp with us as we packed up everything and prepared for the hike up to The Dollhouse.
![IMG_4582.JPG IMG_4582.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28642-aad79801d6d40cc791e4e127540c89a2.jpg)
Spanish Bottom
![IMG_4583.JPG IMG_4583.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28643-69cdedf2787db14e512c887065e7c7c8.jpg)
As you can see, the sun was going down, and the hike from Spanish Bottom to The Dollhouse is a steep one! It was a well marked trail, but it was A LOT of rock steps straight up the mountain side. Someone put in some work to make this trail.
![IMG_4584.JPG IMG_4584.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28644-5d67a569595aa818b290020f8ecc1498.jpg)
![IMG_4586.JPG IMG_4586.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28645-e5ebb17097490e98ac081dfe57de95b2.jpg)
We made it up, slowly but surely, it was dark so we broke out the headlamps and found a place to camp for the night.
It was cold over the night. My watch thermometer said it got down to 36 degrees. Morning came and it was good to see the area in some daylight.
![IMG_4587.JPG IMG_4587.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28646-916d06e9e4026b1d7e7fa77fdcb4058d.jpg)
We ate breakfast, packed up, and ditched our packs and headed for The Granary. Here are some views headed that direction.
![IMG_4590.JPG IMG_4590.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28647-0b583a439db3dcda80bad06eeceb5cb0.jpg)
![IMG_4592.JPG IMG_4592.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28648-0fedb123093cc21ec7691c1124a91876.jpg)
![IMG_4593.JPG IMG_4593.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28649-bc450fec524a42195ae796d7c22ba535.jpg)
After a short walk, 1/4 mile or so, we found The Granary.
![IMG_4596.JPG IMG_4596.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28650-47db3897969b63af765ba89db4fb062b.jpg)
Back to the packs, and we were off to Chimney Rock thru The Dollhouse.
![IMG_4597.JPG IMG_4597.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28651-cc9c51ebccaa05209ef40406c5294aa5.jpg)
![IMG_4598.JPG IMG_4598.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28652-7959eaa7a6adfb8477599e9582c7bd40.jpg)
After a bit we approached a couple slots we needed to get thru. One was too narrow for our packs, so we slid thru with them in front of us and hoisted them up and out.
![IMG_4599.JPG IMG_4599.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28657-e48d54e2556cfdaf74b3bccebc41ead6.jpg)
![IMG_4600.JPG IMG_4600.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28654-385687f1c81da251aabeebe8e1215e80.jpg)
![IMG_4604.JPG IMG_4604.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28658-8b3674c93d004d74fe258fb803f49605.jpg)
After The Dollhouse we had a couple miles of a sandy 4WD road to Chimney Rock. We were starting to get low on water and were really hoping some Jeeps or someone would come by. Lucky enough we found someone at Chimney Rock, a couple...one from Colorado and the other from Iraq. It seemed like everyone we met was either from another country or Colorado.
![IMG_4608.JPG IMG_4608.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28659-05c4a541cf49e364b9745ea54f5979e2.jpg)
From Chimney Rock the views were great, all the way to the La Sal mountains.
![IMG_4609.JPG IMG_4609.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28660-d560d3d4c608efc343e388f80e2ed5e5.jpg)
So we stopped for lunch in a nice shady spot below Chimney Rock.
![IMG_4611.JPG IMG_4611.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28661-38d96cfb449aef7f4bb17a7aa8aad548.jpg)
Obligatory flower photo
![IMG_4612.JPG IMG_4612.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28662-6cc10b2a6ebb1a7bf71d63ecd3db1d83.jpg)
From here we needed to go thru Shot Canyon to Water Canyon and then to the Green River where we'd camp for the night.
![IMG_4613.JPG IMG_4613.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28663-9fb2fa1f6b125aa56ecbbea3616073d6.jpg)
This rock looked cool. I think it looks like a big hammer just whacked it and left it crumbled.
![IMG_4614.JPG IMG_4614.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28664-77713b4cec8c2502cabaf4e1dd199232.jpg)
Making our way into Shot Canyon, notice the walking sticks with @steve. It's his paddle with little rubber caps on the ends. They worked OK, but the carbon fiber ridges weren't very comfy so he taped them up and made due. And later they would prove useful for a couple bees that decided to follow him for a couple miles.
![IMG_4615.JPG IMG_4615.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28665-f0616e17ede088e6dd28aabb16a007b5.jpg)
To get down into Shot Canyon there are some interesting stairs, they don't look very stable, but they surprisingly weren't too bad. @Tess still didn't trust them and took a different route.
![IMG_4617.JPG IMG_4617.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28666-cd306c91c95e19b3487ed33f5799bce4.jpg)
![IMG_4618.JPG IMG_4618.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28667-e8b4c095b4796781a53fa275a1785722.jpg)
And the final decent into Shot Canyon
![IMG_4620.JPG IMG_4620.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28668-40401bdcb0bccc77bcb86cc1766eac55.jpg)
Temps were getting up there so keeping the ears and neck from the sun required a fashion statement
![IMG_4622.JPG IMG_4622.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28669-ffbdcdf4c4f5c65ae4b535ceb59de74c.jpg)
Here's a view of a couple Natural Arches as we cross from Shot to Water Canyon
![IMG_4623.JPG IMG_4623.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28670-094f613b94a323548483792a64771258.jpg)
And the 360 degree view from the top of the pass was amazing.
![IMG_4624.JPG IMG_4624.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28671-4b28380bd06af28a741a4c4ce5e3d9f0.jpg)
This is looking down into Water Canyon
![IMG_4626.JPG IMG_4626.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28672-325cfe3fd4b76829e72bdf2c487f23fb.jpg)
Another cool rock, and it's hard to see where these come from and the nice edges that are formed when they break lose too.
![IMG_4627.JPG IMG_4627.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28673-ff820baf15530d9183d23559255d4ff6.jpg)
Meandering our way thru Water Canyon we found our friendly neighborhood snake for all you snake lovers
![IMG_4631.JPG IMG_4631.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28674-bb163da1dcc71dafe8191ac8ffccbe31.jpg)
And here's the source of the water in Water Canyon. Spent some time here drinking and filling up for the day/night.
![IMG_4633.JPG IMG_4633.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28675-4ac4e3eecb2981d7c122a0ebc19ea42d.jpg)
Now we needed to make our way from Water Canyon to the Green River. This is a trail not maintained by the park and was the sketchiest part of our whole trip.
![IMG_4636.JPG IMG_4636.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28676-e9e5d61cafb87c22956fe96e07838a8f.jpg)
![IMG_4637.JPG IMG_4637.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28677-15a0ee14f606e8a7d19cbcf9f830222d.jpg)
This is looking back up from where we came down.
![IMG_4641.JPG IMG_4641.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28678-d15c37dbe455eb050e63dfed3d821360.jpg)
The whole time making our way down we needed to find a camping spot for the night. We heard that the portion of The Green River where we were headed was a very popular spot for floaters and would most likely be filled with people by the time we got there. Nothing was suitable for us so we hoped something would be open.
![IMG_4643.JPG IMG_4643.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28679-d08dd3eb962f83594e01633fca26bfab.jpg)
Once we reached the river, we found many nice spots...but no people! We had our pick of the litter of camp sites. So naturally we took up a couple and made ourselves at home.
![IMG_4645.JPG IMG_4645.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28680-c967da8c7e8ba91f70d9965e7992a7be.jpg)
Here's my setup...In a van down by the river (in a Matt Foley voice)
![IMG_4647.JPG IMG_4647.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28681-5e3a241c0ce4ab28498b5fe20ab7b083.jpg)
While eating that night we realized that some mice were in the area too. Steve will have to tell you all the exact smell proof bag he uses, but it worked! Morning came and our food was safe.
It was a very warm night, almost too warm. My watch showed it only got down to 49 degrees that night.
Ate, packed up, inflated our rafts and hit the silty water of the Green River.
![IMG_4648.JPG IMG_4648.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28682-afaf6280e824508a1bc193cc9c980ed8.jpg)
The Green River flowed noticeably faster than the Colorado. And floating the morning was the way to go. Very peaceful, great weather and very relaxing compared to lugging a 40lb pack up and down the trail.
I just placed my pack in the front of my raft and put my rain cover over it because of the water that would splash it from paddling. I'd change from feet up and out like this photo, or tucked under on the sides of my pack. But tucked under was a little chilly against the cold water.
![IMG_4649.JPG IMG_4649.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28683-2501beb40d9642db9f09b4984a525b4a.jpg)
![IMG_4654.JPG IMG_4654.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28684-041b914214aab5db4f7cb0f21f97e810.jpg)
![IMG_4655.JPG IMG_4655.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28685-e2422a0450c19080e3462994f560cbb2.jpg)
After a couple miles we came up on the Confluence again. Steve wanted a photo so the grassy area right at the point of the Confluence was perfect. Only trick was to get up on it. He made it and from there he said the color differences of the two rivers was visible.
![IMG_4656.JPG IMG_4656.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28686-9db0d7088d58a69d164c907f59bd58d5.jpg)
Back at Spanish Bottom looking up at The Dollhouse.
![IMG_4658.JPG IMG_4658.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28687-73ae4d1781952768e5546b50713b2bb9.jpg)
This is looking from opposite of Spanish Bottom where we took out a couple days prior at what the map refers to as Butler Wash.
![IMG_4659.JPG IMG_4659.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28688-5bd2643c7e7236c59195470b6aec4599.jpg)
Where we took out there were some workers clearing some trees. And a Park Ranger talked to us and checked our permits. Most of everything was in order. Only thing lacking was an approved method of disposing human waste since we were on the river. Our reusable and sealable bags weren't sufficient. Luckily enough the Park Ranger gave us a warning instead of a $175 ticket (not sure if that was total or for each of us). We did promise to tell all yall that if you are required to have a disposal method that you need a Wag Bag and a dry bag to store it in. Even he wasn't sure if one for the group was enough or if we each needed one. I think they are still trying to figure out how to handle packrafters. Regardless, we were grateful for letting us off with a warning.
![IMG_4660.JPG IMG_4660.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28689-ec885f4e47122f7ee97e5210c8f8c33b.jpg)
We packed up, ate, topped off our water and headed out.
![IMG_4661.JPG IMG_4661.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28690-5cdd6bc3fc68e2f5cd22859539cfff15.jpg)
This stretch from the river to the 4WD road in Devils Lane was only five miles, but I swear that was the longest five miles in my life! It's a tough go. Between sand, rocks, tumble weeds, multiple passes over The Grabens, and the heat...it was rough!
For the first bit you follow the wash in thick sand.
![IMG_4662.JPG IMG_4662.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28691-01a63c81cf4106c4203ce330b7655aea.jpg)
Then the hike up, but it did have a view of The Dollhouse.
![IMG_4664.JPG IMG_4664.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28692-c334f254ef4a0bae36a66a21c63075e3.jpg)
Then the tumble weeds/stickers.
![IMG_4666.JPG IMG_4666.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28693-8149c62adb903314bb1e70636973bfa0.jpg)
I found this rock formation that looks like The Sphinx (aliens probably made it)
![IMG_4669.JPG IMG_4669.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28694-32a8bff2712b6e6395eabc42b859f1c0.jpg)
Then a much needed break, where we discovered Steve's jerky bag throwing abilities were lacking...maybe it was the heat that caused it to stick to his hand and fly on top of the rock behind him instead of to me right in front of him
![IMG_4670.JPG IMG_4670.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28695-0b48a0c6f094701cea87a78c0b856bad.jpg)
![IMG_4671.JPG IMG_4671.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28696-a6ab595542af092735393570cf1f5c0f.jpg)
Now the Needles District is in sight.
![IMG_4672.JPG IMG_4672.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28698-920e24c1b50d82ef3b88554c16fc053c.jpg)
The last stretch is an easy hike on the Elephant Hill 4WD Road. These are also not Honda Fit accessible roads. There are some rough areas, and they look pretty fun too!
![IMG_4675.JPG IMG_4675.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28699-649b9572e29e79b03843d979071a4f9c.jpg)
This narrow stretch had some scrapes and paint on the walls.
![IMG_4676.JPG IMG_4676.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28700-32084bfab8e828c1e17af116e802e6c7.jpg)
Some of the fun 4WD hills
![IMG_4681.JPG IMG_4681.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28701-9b17991a072e90b86102ec4c51ddfc5f.jpg)
![IMG_4682.JPG IMG_4682.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28702-e623bf5e4366e90f8da0fa8e0aa52038.jpg)
And even another pinewood derby car hill!
![IMG_4684.JPG IMG_4684.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28703-1a599681650debad72aa01a6833e5bb3.jpg)
And the car is in sight, and still there in the parking lot.
![IMG_4685.JPG IMG_4685.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28704-59440b29f136873226f59831f24a1cc7.jpg)
![IMG_4686.JPG IMG_4686.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28705-72ea3897f52d98102f4c30870056cce9.jpg)
Here we are after three days, we planned on doing it in four days, but were covering more ground than we planned.
![IMG_4687.JPG IMG_4687.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28706-6093f7462aea8dccee922e08d6a9ef38.jpg)
It was a great trip! Steve has some great video footage he'll post hopefully sooner than later. And it's always good to meet new friends.
Featured image for home page:
![slide.jpg slide.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/28/28885-1b4f951dd92b5d93c875177bf03b0aca.jpg)
**Here's the video from this trip:
Last edited: