Posted by Ron Pullen on November 29, 2010 at 6:37 PM
Thinking about hitting Moab right after Christmas for 5 or 6 days, any tips for this time of year. I'll probably be camping at Canyonlands at the Willow Flats campground and maybe at Arches campground. I'll be traveling alone so I'll be very flexible as far as hiking and moving about. I've done the icon's,so might look for something a bit different, not that I won't hit the hot spots too. Thanks in advance, Ron
Posted by John Mumaw on November 29, 2010 at 11:25 PM
You may want to post this at the RMNP forum for more precise answers.
Posted by Aaron Cowan on November 30, 2010 at 12:33 AM
Ron,
I'd suggest you buy some Yak Trax. They're a cheap but effective alternative to crampons and would help you get around any ice you may encounter. Aside from the two parks, I'd check out the Sandflats Recreational Area. Primarily it's a 4x4, mountain biking trail system but there is a good graded road that goes through it too and gives nice views of the La Sals and a variety of sandstone. Also, if you're looking to check out other areas while you're there I highly recommend Goblin Valley State Park and Little Wild Horse Canyon. These are very close to each other and are in the San Rafael Swell (~1.5 hours from Moab).
Posted by Ron Pullen on November 30, 2010 at 7:41 PM
Thanks John and Aaron. I am looking into doing 4x4 backcountry travel in and around Grand Staircase/Escalante, figure I can find some very diverse scenes and plenty of solitude. Ron
It can be really cold in that period Ron, especially camping at elevation. It's not a problem if you're prepared, but it could be a factor. If there's snow, Shafer Trail in Canyonlands will be closed from the top but likely accessible via 4wd from Potash. That's my favorite region with snow, but if you have vehicle problems you're not likely to encounter other travelers. South of Moab you can travel east on highway 46 to reach New LaSal and Old LaSal for access to the LaSals themselves.
Travel on out 46 to the Colorado line and the highway is renamed 90. Travel that through the LaSal Creek canyon for a different "take" on red rock, into the Paradox Valley for dramatic mesas. In Bedrock you can take a right on the short gravel road to the Dolores River rafting haul-out and the start of a 3-mile hike to the mouth of LaSal Creek for additional red rock and mesas. The Bedrock Store is an icon from many TV and print commercials, as well as the movie Thelma and Louise.
Two miles beyond Bedrock you can take a left on River Road (gravel) for an 18 mile drive through the bottom of the Dolores River Canyon, much like a drive through a smaller version of the Grand Canyon. At it's end you intersect Hwy 141. Right takes you to Natarita for a decision whether to turn right again and return to Moab via Hwy 90/46, or to continue on to Telluride. Left yields more dramatic views of the Dolores River, Gateway, and ultimately to Grand Junction and Colorado National Monument. From there you can complete a loop back to Moab, though that will likely require a second day.
If you encounter other travelers at all on that route, smile, wave and be real friendly. If you have subsequent car troubles, they might well be the only people you'll find wandering about!
Posted by Ron Pullen on December 1, 2010 at 5:52 PM
Hank,
Thanks for the advice, sounds like some very good tips. I have nothing set in stone for my iteniary, I'm just going to do what ever and where ever I might care to wander. I do always go well prepared for weather and survival. I'll be sleeping in the camper shell on my Tacoma. Hopefully I'll catch a bit of snow on the red rock. Thanks again, Ron
I'll be sleeping in the camper shell on my Tacoma.
You're singing our song!
Posted by Mel Ladewig on December 2, 2010 at 12:00 PM
It will be cold during that period up on top of Island in the Sky or in Arches and lots of other high places in that part of UT and the camper shell will be mighty chilly if you don't have a heater or a very warm sleeping bag. Also make sure you have a thermal insulating layer underneath the sleeping bag, closed cell foam is always good for this.
As far as where to go in winter, Snow on the La-Sals always complements the red rock and blue sky. The primitive trail over in Devil's Garden can provide some good views of fins and the La-Sals. Hidden Canyon overlook offers more of the same as well around sunset. If you're up there before sunset and don't have a campfire and don't shine your headlights over the valley below, I doubt anyone would come around to tell you not to camp. The camp where you like days are long gone for the Moab area, but this is a really nice off the beaten path area.
Capitol Reef is worth a visit if it gets a dusting of snow and its along the way if you're going to be heading down to Escalante.
I too am a big fan of the Paradox Valley, though the last time I went through there, the well drilling operation was in full swing.
The slot canyons may not have as much light bouncing through them this time of year due to the sun's lower position in the sky, but some of the canyons run N-S and should be good late morning or early afternoon. Others like wire pass would probably be pretty dark.
Posted by Ron Pullen on December 2, 2010 at 6:59 PM
Mel,
Thanks for your reply. I have an elevated sleeping platform in the shell on the Tacoma. It has a BedRug liner on top and then I use 2 waffle style foam pads, a down and a polarguard bag along with a wool blanket. I sleep at 0 degrees quite often so I'm pretty confident I have that part covered. Hank also mentioned Paradox Valley so I believe I'm for sure heading thru that area. I'm starting to think I'm going to be short on time but I'll just enjoy and squeeze in what I can. You guys have got me all pumped up now. Ron
If you make it to the Paradox Valley, be sure to stop in at the Bedrock Store and say hi to Rose. While you're at it buy one of her music CDs. Wow! What a voice hidden away there in rural Colorado!
Posted by Ron Pullen on December 3, 2010 at 8:57 AM
I'll be sure to do that, Hank. Thanks for the tip. I'm a sucker for unique music and I'm needing something different. Helps with my creativity. Or I think it does. Ron
I was in Moab in the middle part of January last year and was very disappointed with the conditions. The air quality was extremely poor and it was very, very hazy. The deep views were gone and so was the sweet light. I talked to ranger about this and he said it was in part due to the number of folks in town lighting fires in their homes. This years been a lot warmer than last, at least here in Arizona, but it's something to monitor before your trip.
Posted by Rodney Ninow on December 13, 2010 at 12:35 AM
I spent a week in Moab in January, and while I didn't see any haze from fires, it was overcast most days. I waited and waited for warm light in the morning and afternoon, and was disappointed a lot. Just be prepared for overcast and lack of nice light for landscapes.
Posted by Rodney Ninow on January 24, 2011 at 9:40 PM
Discussion
13 repliesI'd suggest you buy some Yak Trax. They're a cheap but effective alternative to crampons and would help you get around any ice you may encounter. Aside from the two parks, I'd check out the Sandflats Recreational Area. Primarily it's a 4x4, mountain biking trail system but there is a good graded road that goes through it too and gives nice views of the La Sals and a variety of sandstone. Also, if you're looking to check out other areas while you're there I highly recommend Goblin Valley State Park and Little Wild Horse Canyon. These are very close to each other and are in the San Rafael Swell (~1.5 hours from Moab).
Travel on out 46 to the Colorado line and the highway is renamed 90. Travel that through the LaSal Creek canyon for a different "take" on red rock, into the Paradox Valley for dramatic mesas. In Bedrock you can take a right on the short gravel road to the Dolores River rafting haul-out and the start of a 3-mile hike to the mouth of LaSal Creek for additional red rock and mesas. The Bedrock Store is an icon from many TV and print commercials, as well as the movie Thelma and Louise.
Two miles beyond Bedrock you can take a left on River Road (gravel) for an 18 mile drive through the bottom of the Dolores River Canyon, much like a drive through a smaller version of the Grand Canyon. At it's end you intersect Hwy 141. Right takes you to Natarita for a decision whether to turn right again and return to Moab via Hwy 90/46, or to continue on to Telluride. Left yields more dramatic views of the Dolores River, Gateway, and ultimately to Grand Junction and Colorado National Monument. From there you can complete a loop back to Moab, though that will likely require a second day.
If you encounter other travelers at all on that route, smile, wave and be real friendly. If you have subsequent car troubles, they might well be the only people you'll find wandering about!
Thanks for the advice, sounds like some very good tips. I have nothing set in stone for my iteniary, I'm just going to do what ever and where ever I might care to wander. I do always go well prepared for weather and survival. I'll be sleeping in the camper shell on my Tacoma. Hopefully I'll catch a bit of snow on the red rock. Thanks again, Ron
You're singing our song!
As far as where to go in winter, Snow on the La-Sals always complements the red rock and blue sky. The primitive trail over in Devil's Garden can provide some good views of fins and the La-Sals. Hidden Canyon overlook offers more of the same as well around sunset. If you're up there before sunset and don't have a campfire and don't shine your headlights over the valley below, I doubt anyone would come around to tell you not to camp. The camp where you like days are long gone for the Moab area, but this is a really nice off the beaten path area.
Capitol Reef is worth a visit if it gets a dusting of snow and its along the way if you're going to be heading down to Escalante.
I too am a big fan of the Paradox Valley, though the last time I went through there, the well drilling operation was in full swing.
The slot canyons may not have as much light bouncing through them this time of year due to the sun's lower position in the sky, but some of the canyons run N-S and should be good late morning or early afternoon. Others like wire pass would probably be pretty dark.
Thanks for your reply. I have an elevated sleeping platform in the shell on the Tacoma. It has a BedRug liner on top and then I use 2 waffle style foam pads, a down and a polarguard bag along with a wool blanket. I sleep at 0 degrees quite often so I'm pretty confident I have that part covered. Hank also mentioned Paradox Valley so I believe I'm for sure heading thru that area. I'm starting to think I'm going to be short on time but I'll just enjoy and squeeze in what I can.
I was in Moab in the middle part of January last year and was very disappointed with the conditions. The air quality was extremely poor and it was very, very hazy. The deep views were gone and so was the sweet light. I talked to ranger about this and he said it was in part due to the number of folks in town lighting fires in their homes. This years been a lot warmer than last, at least here in Arizona, but it's something to monitor before your trip.