Suggestions for 30 miler and scouts in Cedar City area?

[dman]

I've been asked by our Scout Master to help with the planning of a 30 miler for our scouts in July. We need to stay in the StGeorge or Cedar area and I want to make sure we have access to water regularly. Many of the boys as well as the leaders have little to no experience backpacking as I believe that this is why I have been given this opportunity to help out. I would hope to put in 10 miles per day without to much elevation gain and plenty of shade to hike in. So let's hear what you've got.

 

[Seldom Seen Anderson]

Skyline national recreation trail (this is more in beaver than stg or cedar)

 

[dman]

That's a good suggestion but we are limited to 100 miles from home. I was even wondering about Virgin River Rim Trail but it's a point to point and I'm a little worried about water availability.

 

[Nick]

Maybe do half of the Zion Traverse? Start at Lee's Pass in Kolob, head up La Verkin Creek, up Hop Valley, Wildcat Connector to the West Rim and end in Zion Canyon at The Grotto. You'd have to plan around the springs and such but totally doable and mostly a lot of it at higher elevation so not too bad in summer.

 

[Nurrgle]

I agree with Nick. The desert will be smoking hot and water for a group that big culd prove to be spotty.