capitol reef help

bscuderi

bscuderi

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Joined
Nov 20, 2012
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So Im usually a uinta type backpacking fisherman but Ive got the itch to do some backpacking and something different. I did big sur in northern cali a couple weeks ago but was thinking how sad it is that I went all that way but yet have not done much of anything southern utah has to offer. Most my searches of southern utah are finding trails that require permits bought 4 months in advance or more if you are lucky enough to get one. Im obviously not used to this with my normal backpacking locations and am a more on the fly kinda guy with my time off and trip planning. It seems as though capitol reef is kinda more relaxed my reading is making it sound like I just have to call the office or swing by the visitor center to get a backcountry permit?! Can anyone here confirm this? Also any suggestions for a good backpacking route I get off in salt lake mid morning wednday and have til friday night off. Im not sold on capitol reef but would do anything within about a 5 hour drive with good scenery descent temps that either is free or has an obtainable permit. Thanks :)
oh and sorry I meant to put this is trip planning but for some reason and showed up here :( Im not trying to create organization problems for you moderators.
 
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that does look pretty cool although probably too high of altitude for this time of year? I'll have to look into halls creek
 
Halls Creek, Lower Muley Twist, Spring Canyon in Capitol Reef. Or go over into the Escalante canyons. Permits in either location should be no problem.
 
From my experience Capitol Reef is windy as hell this time of the year. The elevation there is also relatively high, so the temperatures are similar to Salt Lake. I've been loving Cedar Mesa for Spring and Fall trips, look at the Fish and Owl Creek loop or the Grand Gulch. I would bet that permits are available but the ranger station is only open from 8 - 12:00 to reserve and to pick up. Good luck
 
plenty of "on the fly" trips in Southern Utah, just look outside the NPs.
 
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