Packrafting Fiftymile vs Davis and any reports on current conditions

[Schmede]

Hi! We want to backpack/packraft down Willow Gulch, and then head up either Fiftymile or Davis. For those of you that have done both Fifty and Davis, what do you think is a more rewarding canyon. We will have a tween and teen with us (both have backpacked and both are on their school cross country teams). I know the bushwhacking can be a challenge so I am inclined to choose Fifty since I have read it may have less bushwacking but I know Davis has some nice things to see. Our other option is to keep it simple and backpack Willow and Forty only. My daughter is doing a history fair project on Lake Powell and she really wants to see Gregory NB and the lower ends of the canyons while the water is low. If it seems doable we would like to make it happen. Any insights on current conditions would be great too. Thanks!

 

[ram]

Hi! We want to backpack/packraft down Willow Gulch, and then head up either Fiftymile or Davis. For those of you that have done both Fifty and Davis, what do you think is a more rewarding canyon. We will have a tween and teen with us (both have backpacked and both are on their school cross country teams). I know the bushwhacking can be a challenge so I am inclined to choose Fifty since I have read it may have less bushwacking but I know Davis has some nice things to see. Our other option is to keep it simple and backpack Willow and Forty only. My daughter is doing a history fair project on Lake Powell and she really wants to see Gregory NB and the lower ends of the canyons while the water is low. If it seems doable we would like to make it happen. Any insights on current conditions would be great too. Thanks!

Just back from there. Gregory is 7 feet out right now. A friend reported bushwhacking in 50 Mile but can't confirm. If it is, it is likely from where the pool ends and the 50 Mile narrows lower end. Can't speck to the transition conditions. Where the Escalante meets the pool it is chest deep mud making crossings of the river a mess. The transition out of the water and up Davis is in great condition right now. Down Willow, up 50 to the bridge, back out and up Davis would be my recommendation.
Ram