San Rafael Swell MTB and salvaged packraft weekend

fossana

Member
Joined
Jan 11, 2018
Messages
853
Prelude
I had just returned from a tech conference in Portland, and the local weekend temps were looking grim, with highs in the mid 90s+. Skimming through the NWS weather map for the CO Plateau, the Swell looked reasonable temp-wise, so I started digging around for ideas on Road Trip Ryan's site. I noticed some comments indicating that the magic float window for the class 2 Muddy Creek Chute was open, which seemed like a great opportunity to test out my new packrafting setup. I also lucked out b/c someone was looking for a shuttle partner, so I didn't need to deal with a bike or motorcycle self-shuttle. I rounded out my weekend plans with the Good Water Rim trail, hyped as one the most scenic MTB trails in the state.

As is typical the past few months, I ended up working until 5 on a Friday. I still had a few things to pack and last minute grocery shopping, so by the time I picked up my sushi burrito from Cedar City, it was 8ish. I made it as far as Salina, and started looking for a dispersed camping spot.


Part 1. Good Water Rim Trail
In the morning I drove up highway 10 through coal country, grabbed breakfast in Huntington, then headed out the dirt roads to the Wedge Overlook and started my loop from there. The trail lived up to the hype, with jaw-dropping views for miles. The spring flowers were in bloom and the temps were perfect. I definitely want to head back to drop down into the canyons next time.

Logistics
Start/end: multiple options, I parked at Wedge Overlook
Mileage: ~22 miles (~14.5 on singletrack, ~7.5 on dirt roads), but shorter loop options or out/back possible
Difficulty: easy
Navigation: Map/GPS may be useful, but the trail/directions were easy to follow without.
Filterable water: none
Fees: none
Nearest town/gas: Castle Dale, UT or Huntington, UT
Vehicle requirements: No special requirements. Avoid traveling there if the roads are wet.
Date biked: 8 May 2019
Highlights: Consistently stunning canyon views and twisty trails.
References:
UtahMountainBiking has excellent directions. It's also on MTBProject.
Notes: Car and ATV traffic on the dirt roads was minimal. If you're looking for technical singletrack this isn't it. This would make a nice introductory or family-friendly bikepacking loop, with options to cache water mid-route.


Approximate Route
map.png

Photos
DSC01581.jpg DSC01583.JPG DSC01585.jpg DSC01588.jpg

DSC01592.jpg DSC01608.jpg DSC01612.jpg DSC01617.jpg

DSC01620.jpg DSC01627.jpg DSC01632.jpg DSC01642.jpg

DSC01645.jpg DSC01646.jpg DSC01664.jpg DSC01666.jpg

DSC01667.jpg


Part 2. Muddy Creek Chute Salvaged Raft Trip
After riding I stopped in Castle Dale for a calzone and checked the river flow. When I left the 4G zone it was ~170-240 CFS and on rising a trend (this didn't hold true for the next day unfortunately). I drove the dusty dirt roads to the Chute takeout near Hidden Splendor mine. On the way in, there were a ton of rafters/kayakers on their way out. I was hoping "the Lord's Day" would be quieter.

In the morning my shuttle partner, Brian from SLC, met me on time and we carpooled to the put-in near Tomsich Butte. There were an insane number of people with all sorts of floating paraphernalia, from white water kayaks to paddle boards to pontoon boats. I am far from a water person and had a steering challenged Klymit Lite Water raft, so hoped I could keep out of people's way and not slow down my shuttle partner too much (granted I did forewarn him).

None one else seemed to be in a hurry to hit the water, so we had the river to ourselves. The scenery was spectacular. At first it was doable, but the river was low in spots and I had to bail out of my raft once to avoid hitting a snag. Not surprisingly my raft was basically unsteerable in class 2 rapids. A few miles in my raft made an odd sound and I suspected a leak. I flipped it over to find a 2" gash. At this point I was skeptical even with a repair that I could make it since we were scraping bottom often, so I decided I would hike the rest of the way to the takeout. Brian insisted that I hitch a ride on the front of his inflatable kayak, and after some deliberation I agreed.

In the end giving up on my raft turned out to be a wise thing, since the river continued to be shallow (as in ankle deep) and some of the rapids bordered on class 3. The flow rate had dropped that day and never peaked above ~180 CFS. I decided that if I continue with my packrafting adventures that I should either stick to deeper calmer waters, or shell out for something more durable, but still lightweight, like an Alpacka Scout. If the raft failure wasn't enough, my Sea to Summit paddling dry bag also leaked. On the upside, no complaints with my Alpacka Ninja paddle and Astral Linda lifejacket.

Near the Chute we caught up with the sole party ahead of us, and continued to play leapfrog with them the rest of the way. The rapids became more technical and one or both of us walked around a few sections. In the end Brian's kayak and my electronics survived the trip. One of the leapfrogging party was impressed that we made the trip in a 1-person kayak. We hoofed his Supai kayak up the hill, and I dropped him off at his car.


Logistics
Start/end: Tomsich Butte / Hidden Splendor Mine; the 16 mile shuttle could be done on a bike.
Mileage: ~15 miles
Difficulty: class 2, possibly 2+
Navigation: Roads are mostly signed. Map +/- GPS is helpful. It would be bad to miss the takeout spot.
Filterable water: none, river water is super silty hence the name
Fees: none
Nearest town/gas: Green River, UT
Vehicle requirements: Medium clearance advised, a few sandy washes to cross. Best to have 4WD clearance for the final ~0.25 mile of the road to the takeout.
Date floated: 9 May 2019
Highlights: striking canyon and towers, old mining relics
References:
Road Trip Ryan has excellent directions. Also see SW Paddler for info on this route and a longer class 3 option. USGS discharge rate site.
Notes: The day we went the discharge rate was below 200 CFS, which meant there were a lot of rocks. Recommend bringing something you don't mind scraping up or waiting for a higher flow rate. It's also possible to do this as a hiking route when the water level drops.


Approximate Route
muddyMapNorth.png

missing a tiny bit of mileage here
muddyMapSouth.png

Photos

Due to the rapids my camera stayed in a dry bag most of the trip.
DSC01675.jpg DSC01673.jpg DSC01678.jpg DSC01680.jpg
 
That looks like a really great MTB loop- thanks for sharing. And yes, that's impressive 2 people in a 1-person kayak! Usually you hike solo, how great you buddied up with Brian for the rafting. If he posts a video elsewhere, pls share the link, that would be fun to watch. In hindsight could you have hiked through the chute itself, was the chute only ankle deep?
 
That looks like a really great MTB loop- thanks for sharing. And yes, that's impressive 2 people in a 1-person kayak! Usually you hike solo, how great you buddied up with Brian for the rafting. If he posts a video elsewhere, pls share the link, that would be fun to watch. In hindsight could you have hiked through the chute itself, was the chute only ankle deep?

The water ranged from ankle deep to above my head. At times I got out and walked when it got too shallow. I'm not on FB, and I think that's where he posts videos.
 
I floated The Chute on Saturday morning when there was a bit more water and it was a great time! You definitely want a tougher boat (not a pool toy) for this section since there are a lot of rocks to get caught on.
 
Glad you were able to get out there! What did the temps end up being?
Also....sushi burrito?! I am intrigued.
 
Glad you were able to get out there! What did the temps end up being?
Also....sushi burrito?! I am intrigued.
Saturday it was in the low 70s, but dropping into the upper 60s with wind chill. Sunday was in the mid to upper 70s.

A sushi burrito is basically just a fatter version of a makizushi, rebranded for the gringo market ;)
 
I'm catching up on reports that I apparently overlooked. This looks like a great trip, I am especially interested in the Mountain biking. I have interest in the swell but keep avoiding it because I keep hearing that it is overrun with UTVs. It sounds like your didn't have to many issues with them on your route, so I may run it past my wife to see what she thinks.

Thanks for the report.
 
I'm catching up on reports that I apparently overlooked. This looks like a great trip, I am especially interested in the Mountain biking. I have interest in the swell but keep avoiding it because I keep hearing that it is overrun with UTVs. It sounds like your didn't have to many issues with them on your route, so I may run it past my wife to see what she thinks.

Thanks for the report.
That single track is off-limit to motorized vehicles, so at most you'll encounter them at the road crossings or during the road section (if you don't do an out-and-back). It's a mellow ride, but incredibly scenic.
 
That single track is off-limit to motorized vehicles, so at most you'll encounter them at the road crossings or during the road section (if you don't do an out-and-back). It's a mellow ride, but incredibly scenic.

Mellow sounds good. Since I broke my back MTB riding what is classified an easy trail in 2019 I have been a little gun shy about cycling in general. I get a tad bit of vertigo when going down anything remotely steep and when road cycling I get more freaked out by cars that I used to.
 
@swmalone your brain now knows what true pain is and is being careful on your behalf.

The pain was definitely not pleasant but I think it more a concern of brain damage or being paralyzed. It is a bit distressing because road cycling was something I really enjoyed and something I could do whenever right from my house. I don't do it much anymore due to fear allowing me to come up with all kinds of excuses for why I shouldn't go for a ride or I should be doing something else.

I am slowly trying to get back on the bikes, but arguing with your own brain isn't always the easiest thing to do.
 
Mellow sounds good. Since I broke my back MTB riding what is classified an easy trail in 2019 I have been a little gun shy about cycling in general. I get a tad bit of vertigo when going down anything remotely steep and when road cycling I get more freaked out by cars that I used to.
Glad that you are back on the road to recovery. I think you'll enjoy this ride. I hear you about having to overcome the "what ifs" in your head after a serious accident. I had a crush incident with a large boulder while stepping off a moraine in the Sierra.
 
Similar threads
Thread starter Title Forum Replies Date
D Horseshoe Canyon or San Rafael Swell? Trip Planning 9
D San Rafael Swell Recommendations Trip Planning 9
J Bunch O' N. San Rafael Swell summit scrambles April 10-12, 2021 (now w/rock art) Hiking & Camping 3
Stephanie B Old Woman Wash, Three Finger Petroglyphs, and Wild Horse Canyon (Backcountry Fest in the San Rafael Swell) Hiking & Camping 6
Mikjik86 Video Hiking/Camping San Rafael Swell/Goblin Valley/Horseshoe Canyon - Feb 2019 Hiking & Camping 2
J San Rafael Swell Wilderness Designations General Discussion 13
Nick Invite Backcountry Fest! - April 5-7, 2019, San Rafael Swell Meet Up (Members Only) 274
Jackson Jurassic National Monument and San Rafael Swell Conservation Area General Discussion 9
TrektheWorld The San Rafael Sure is.....Swell Hiking & Camping 1
fiber Invite Late March 3-4 day San Rafael Swell Backpacking Loop Meet Up (Members Only) 1
Devin Ashby Nate’s Canyon/ Spring Canyon San Rafael Swell Trip Planning 2
S Moab/San Rafael Swell Trip advice-family Trip Planning 6
Artemus Help Requested - Conserving the San Rafael Swell Wilderness - Interested? General Discussion 16
SwimsWithTrout Best time of year for San Rafael Swell/Cedar Mesa ? Trip Planning 4
hatchcanyon San Rafael Swell: South Fork Eagle Canyon Off Road 2
Artemus Conserving the San Rafael Swell - Interested? General Discussion 13
IntrepidXJ Legislative resolution: Drilling is ‘best use’ for Cedar Mesa and San Rafael Swell General Discussion 13
kansas Sunsets in the San Rafael Swell Trip Planning 13
kansas Hunting in San Rafael Swell Trip Planning 2
hatchcanyon San Rafael Swell - Cane Wash Off Road 4
hatchcanyon San Rafael Swell - Swaseys Leap (2006) Hiking & Camping 4
hatchcanyon San Rafael Swell - The Western Slope - Slaughter Slopes Off Road 4
hatchcanyon San Rafael Swell - The Western Slope and Lone Tree Wedge Off Road 0
hatchcanyon San Rafael Swell - The Western Slope and Mesa Butte Off Road 2
steve Invite San Rafael Swell River Float - dates TBD depending on water levels Meet Up (Members Only) 73
K This weekend: San Rafael Swell or Moab? Trip Planning 4
steve San Rafael Swell Quickie Off Road 8
PureLightImages Daughter's First Campout - San Rafael Swell Hiking & Camping 5
Dave Ding & Dang Canyons, San Rafael Swell Trip Planning 0
Udink Sid's Mountain, San Rafael Swell Trip Planning 0
PureLightImages Horsethief & Grotto - San Rafael Swell - 10.19.2012 Hiking & Camping 5
Nick Southern Baptist Canyon, San Rafael Swell Canyoneering 13
Nick Lower Black Box, San Rafael Swell Canyoneering 15
Go-deep San Rafael Swell and the Chute of Muddy Creek Trip Planning 3
HomerJ San Rafael Swell - April 2012 Hiking & Camping 14
Nick Chimney Canyon, San Rafael Swell Trip Planning 20
Tyler San Rafael Swell: Ding Canyon, upper Eardley Canyon, Arch Canyon Hiking & Camping 0
Tyler San Rafael Swell - Crack Canyon, Skylight Arch, Hiking & Camping 6
Tyler San Rafael Swell March 2009 Hiking & Camping 2
Tyler San Rafael Swell 3 days early March 2010 Hiking & Camping 2
J Moving down to Southern San Rafael Reef Wilderness for two more loop hikes April 13-14 2021 Hiking & Camping 1
J San Rafael Reef Wilderness. Rambling on the Reef March 30-31, 2021 Hiking & Camping 1
Jackson Return to the San Rafael River Gorge Backpacking 17
George_Washington_Hayduke Packrafting and Bikepacking from the San Rafael River to Muddy Creek On The Water 0
Jackson San Rafael River Backpacking 7
Udink San Rafael Fall 2015 Hiking & Camping 4
P Noob looking for solitary beauty in canyon lands, san rafael, escalante Noobs: Introduce yourself! 2
kansas San Rafael Reef Trip Planning 2
steve San Rafael River Float On The Water 5
Udink San Rafael Reef Hiking & Camping 2

Similar threads

Back
Top