Grand Gulch via Collins Spring - 2013

[PLC92084]

Announcing...Grand Gulch - May 2013. This will be a six day adventure exploring the numerous canyons and ruins of Grand Gulch, Utah.

Permits have been secured for Saturday May 11 through Thursday May 16, 2013. Group size will be limited to six people, including myself. The cost, per person, is a reasonable $10.61 (via PayPal), excluding shuttle (which can be arranged if we decide not to leave any vehicles at the TH).

The plan will be to drive up to Valley of the Gods, Fri May 10 and car camp so we can be at the Kane Gulch Ranger Station at 0800 on Saturday. After signing in and watching the mandatory "educational" video, we'll head out to the TH (either in one of our vehicles or a shuttle - TBD).

We'll be entering at Collins Spring and exiting at Kane Gulch. Our itinerary will be based on group feedback (and projected water availability). While the terrain isn't considered extreme, this is a trek for experienced and fit backpackers; we'll be covering a fair amount of ground and negotiating various cliffs, ledges and outcroppings. I'll screen all potential adventurers prior to approving you. Please email or PM me, if interested...

[azbackpackr]

I can't commit at this time, Paul. I am going on a shorty to Aravaipa the first weekend in May, and even that is stretching the budget. If something changes I maybe can try to get in on it at the last minute.

[PaleoRob]

I wish I could make this one! The stretch between Collins and Government is the only part of the upper Gulch I haven't put boots in. Unfortunately I am almost completely out of days off and am planning on using some of them for Deer Creek in May. I look forward to the photos that will result!

[azbackpackr]

Deer Creek. That sounds fun! Hope you can enjoy it when there aren't 100 river runners hanging out there!

[PLC92084]

Just got information back regarding a shuttle service...With at least four people, cost per person will be about $35.00 ea... Worth the cost considering the time/effort saved not having to go back to TH for vehicle(s). There's the added benefit of leaving the cars at the Ranger Station; worked out well last time!

[big_load]

I'm still holding the dates. It's looking good.

[PLC92084]

@big_load
I've cross-posted on a couple of sites but still have slots open... Give a shout as soon as you're sure and I'll lock you in.

[outdoor_lover]

@PLC92084
I'm still considering it too...

[squatpuke]

I'm IN....

[azbackpackr]

Dang....I put myself as interested, but it's a long shot. I won't know for a while.

[big_load]

OK, I'm changing status. I'll get tickets soon.

[PLC92084]

Alright, Alex!! That makes it a party of four, so far (got this posted on a couple of sites...). PM or email and we can discuss details.

[azbackpackr]

Dang... I'm awaiting word on several recent job interviews. I just can't commit.

[sneakySASQUATCH]

@big_load
I'm jealous!

[big_load]

@MtnBart01
It won't be the same without you.

Are any of the others on the fence ready to jump?

[outdoor_lover]

@big_load
One foot is off the fence in the right direction. Just need to make sure that I can swing the rest of the equipment in order to do 6 days...

[PLC92084]

With the HAZ team and the folks recruited from a couple of Meetup groups, we've got five folks who have committed to going. Still got room for one more! (Pam, Liz?)

[sneakySASQUATCH]

In my absence I nominate Alex aka big_load to be the spaz who drops his pack and climbs up to every little alcove to take a peek no matter how unlikely the possibility of habitation. I'd nominate Paul, but I still feel a little guilty about the sandstone burn he got on the first day of the last trip following me and my ninja like skills where he shouldn't have gone. I want documentation of every ledge so I can pretend I was there. You guys might want to bring some rope.
Regards
Super Jealous

[big_load]

@MtnBart01 I'm bringing better binoculars this time. However, they can't see through stone, so I'll be scrambling to get a better angle. Pam has gotten me into a few places I wouldn't normally try, but I'm still not up to your level of difficulty.

[outdoor_lover]

@PLC92084
Oh, the pressure! Ok, with a gift card, and my REI Dividend of a whopping 20.00 I think I'll be able to swing purchasing a real Backpack. Alex is going to need a ride up there anyway from Phoenix and I really do want to go. As long as you guys are comfortable with an extremely novice Backpacker, I'm in. I do not know this area at all, so I'll have a ton of questions, as Alex is already finding out.

@MtnBart01
@big_load I'll bring a rope...