Grand Gulch - Finished!

[PaleoRob]

Alright, in addition to the 4th SAPDR ( viewtopic.php?f=4&t=3663 ) I'm looking at a March Grand Gulch backpacking trip, and wondering if anyone would be interested in coming along. I've got permits for the 28th-30th, in Bullet, out Government, for four people. We can get more if needed. We'll be averaging about 6.5 miles a day, with our first day being the longest, about 7.5 miles with the remainder of the 12.5 miles taking place over the other two days. Total mileage is about 20.
For some information about Bullet: http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=1283
Anyone?

[PaleoRob]

Okay, we've had one cancellation from the list, which means we've got one open slot on this trip. Should be a blast with good folks and good scenery. Any takers?

[Vaporman]

Yea, I still want to go. I need some details on what time on Friday we're meeting up? Or are we justing meeting there at the TH Saturday early morning? What time do you think we'll be done on Monday? I need to know if I'm needing a 3 or 4 day weekend. Anyone else going live in the Mesa/Gilbert area?

[PaleoRob]

Meeting at the KGRS@8am on Sat. Whatever you want to do for Friday is up to you. I'm planning on car-camping somewhere on Cedar Mesa Friday night. Not sure if anyone is planning on getting togther earlier on Friday. As for Monday, probably mid-afternoon. We did the Bullet-Kane loop in 2007, which is longer than this, and got out around noon. Time may vary depending on how much exploring we do in the canyon that day and Sunday, but probably noonish, I'd say.

[berkforbes]

is there still room to tag along? id love to get in on this one..

[PaleoRob]

Not at the moment berkforbes, but I'll update this thread if anyone else cancels. Just about a month now, gang, and we'll be in the canyon!

[oliverr99]

Do we need to get our hotels for Friday night, or are we camping on Friday night, and if hotel, is there a girl who wants to share a room and cost? Also, Randal, can I still catch a ride with you? If so, would you be able to pick me up at home? Just wanted to see what we have planned. I am looking forward to this trip. Thanks!!!

[PaleoRob]

Friday is a free-for-all. You can camp somewhere near the TH, or get a motel room in either Mexican Hat, Bluff, or Kayenta (descending order of closeness). There is an improved campground at Natural Bridges, about 15 minutes away from our rendezvous point at the Kane Gulch Ranger Station. I'm going to be camping somewhere on the mesa with my friend. If anyone wants to meet up for a group camp Friday night, that's cool, but I understand people are going to be leaving from various places at various times. As long as we all get there safe and sound and ready to meet up at the KGRS the next morning, things are good in my book.

[Vaporman]

That campground in Natural Bridges is pretty small, but there's a primitive camping area just south of the UT95 & UT261 junction that I'll probably be camping at.

[RedRoxx44]

Best frigging campspot in that area for my .02 is at Muley Point.

[PaleoRob]

Best frigging campspot in that area for my .02 is at Muley Point.

That's my first choice, in fact.

[oliverr99]

I just didn't know what my ride was going to do. I am open to camp or get a hotel. Randal? Are you hiding?

[Vaporman]

Yea, Muley Point would have a sweet view much like off of Moki Dugway. Anyone wanna carpool from the valley? I'm fine driving up solo but wouldn't mind some company or splitting the gas? Rob, how much do we owe you for the permits? $20 cover it?

[PaleoRob]

You could give me $20, but the permits are just $8/person.

[Randal_Schulhauser]

Mike Mattes and I will be staying at the Hat Rock Inn, 120 E. Hwy 163, Mexican Hat, UT 84531 the evening of Friday March 27th. Reservation has been confirmed.

Plan to rendezvous with the other Grand Gulchers at the Kane Ranger Station 8am on Saturday March 28th.

Planning this to be a 4 day weekend. Depart Friday noon-ish. Stop in Flag for quick visit with my daughter. Motel arrival say 9-ish? Back in Phoenix Monday evening. Lot's of adventure planned in between...



oliverr99 - you still have a ride if you want...

Vaporman and Rushthezepplin - you're both driving from the Phoenix area - correct? Friday departure plans declared?



R

[Vaporman]

Yea. I'll be leaving PHX around 3-4ish after work and hopefully pulling into somewhere to camp up there around 9-10ish.

[oliverr99]

Yes I still need a ride, please. I have the day off so I can leave whenever. We can email each other to figure out where and times. I will get online and look to see how much that place is and make reservations. Thanks Randal for letting me know.

[rushthezeppelin]

I guess if you want we can carpool vaporman. I'm just near the intersection of the 10 and 60.

[Vaporman]

Heh, k. I think I ran into you this weekend on that 109 trail north of reavis ranch on sunday late morning. My work is just north of there a bit, when can you leave by?

[rushthezeppelin]

Anytime. I only go to school monday through thursday so I have all friday to pack up and you could swing by w/e. I'll pitch in on gas too if you like or if the trailhead is easily accessible, I could clean my kia out and we could take that for some 40 mpg actions.

[Randal_Schulhauser]

Rob - presume you have a hike description ready to post for "Grand Gulch via Bullet TH to Government TH Shuttle"...

Perhaps you can "educate" us on this loop. Plenty of literature on "Kane to Bullet" shuttle with many maps published showing POI's. I'm familiar with "Big Man Pictographs" along the Government Trail/Polly Canyon plus the Bullet Canyon POI's (Perfect Kiva in particular).

Anything you can tease us with in advance?

RANDAL