Grand Gulch Question

[pixie1339]

I have a backpack into Grand Gulch from Bullet Canyon to Kane Gulch planned for Friday - Sunday with a couple of friends. I'm concerned about the springs freezing since the temps at night are supposed to drop into the low to mid 20's. I've never backpacked in temperatures quite that cold before. I'm hoping that someone who's familiar with Grand Gulch, like gnwatts, or really anyone who's backpacked in temps that low, can tell me whether that is likely to happen or not. The temps are supposed to rise to the low to mid 50's during the day. We really want to make this happen, but have no desire to find ourselves down there without access to water. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Nick]

I don't have GG experience but I wouldn't think you'd have a problem. In my experience it takes much more sustained lows before things really start freezing, and even then, they're usually in the shady bends that don't get much winter sunlight.

 

[pixie1339]

I don't have GG experience but I wouldn't think you'd have a problem. In my experience it takes much more sustained lows before things really start freezing, and even then, they're usually in the shady bends that don't get much winter sunlight.

That's comforting to hear. I was thinking that if they do freeze they probably wouldn't stay frozen all day long, but like I said, I haven't backpacked in weather that cold before, and I don't like to make assumptions about important details like that.

 

[gnwatts]

What Nick said. I have not been down there since spring, so I don't know what the water situation is. But I have never not found water, somewhere. You could get some fall color maybe lower down.
I'm jealous.

 

[pixie1339]

What Nick said. I have not been down there since spring, so I don't know what the water situation is. But I have never not found water, somewhere. You could get some fall color maybe lower down.
I'm jealous.

Thanks for confirming Greg! I've been in touch with someone from the the ranger station, and there is still water in several places. I just wanted to make sure we'd actually be able to drink it. The forecasted night time temps have increased slightly, so that's good. I'm really hoping we'll get some nice fall color while we're there. This will be my first trip to Grand Gulch, so I'm really excited to finally be going.