Moab/Canyonlands Nat'l. Park scenic flights
Jul 29th, 2010, 08:05 AM
#3
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StantonHyde - not quite sure by your comment if you oppose scenic flights in general, over Canyonlands NP, or if you have had a bad experience and want to warn others off.
We have hiked in Arches and Canyonlands and my husband has had several backpacking trips in the area. I am thinking he would enjoy seeing these places from the air.
We have hiked in Arches and Canyonlands and my husband has had several backpacking trips in the area. I am thinking he would enjoy seeing these places from the air.
Jul 29th, 2010, 05:20 PM
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Both. I have never been on a flight because I know too many people who have all sorts of not so great things to say about the level of aviation competency/outcomes in uncontrolled airspace--specifically in the Southern Utah/Northern Arizona area.
I would also say, as a backpacker, that I would never inflict a scenic flight on somebody's backpack. Those planes are just obnoxious.
I would also say, as a backpacker, that I would never inflict a scenic flight on somebody's backpack. Those planes are just obnoxious.
Jul 29th, 2010, 06:01 PM
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If you use Slickrock Air. Ask for Larry. He is a retired Ranger and was the Chief Ranger for Canyonlands for several years before retiring. We did a tour with him and it was great. Fairly inexpensive for what we got, in my opinion. We saw a ton of things in our hour. We saw Angel Arch, The Chocolate Drops, Upheaval Dome, The Confluence of Colorado and Green Rivers. Very nice, and I don't think that a retired ranger of 30 years of several National Parks considered himself invading backpackers space. We just did the tour over Canyonlands, but they do offer longer tours as well. I am glad we did it, and would definately do it again.
One other thing I must recommend in Moab is www.deserthighlights.com Very good tour and really safe. The first little bit is scary and then you realize how fun it is.
Moab Adventure Companies Hummer Tour scared the crap out of me, and I personally don't think it is safe. That said, it was a nice tour.
If you can make it to Goblin Valley and Little Wildhorse(right near GV) don't miss them. They are really interesting.
One other thing I must recommend in Moab is www.deserthighlights.com Very good tour and really safe. The first little bit is scary and then you realize how fun it is.
Moab Adventure Companies Hummer Tour scared the crap out of me, and I personally don't think it is safe. That said, it was a nice tour.
If you can make it to Goblin Valley and Little Wildhorse(right near GV) don't miss them. They are really interesting.
Jul 29th, 2010, 06:19 PM
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http://www.photoworks.com/slideshow/...CS_003=4433951
Click for our photos from 4 years ago. The air photos begin with the Choc drops. There is some of desert highlights canyoneering at the end.
Click for our photos from 4 years ago. The air photos begin with the Choc drops. There is some of desert highlights canyoneering at the end.
Jul 31st, 2010, 07:10 PM
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StantonHyde,
For most of my backpacking/hiking life, I've been against the helicopter/plane tours too. BUT - you don't know until you've tried it! I went out a few times with the uber outdoorsman who owns Slickrock Air in Moab and one time he took me up in his smallest 4 seater. We did the flight described above and WOW! What a treat, what scenery. Sights I haven't been able to see on my own power because I usually hike solo and am very cautious about where and how I go.
As far as the level of competency, he's a certified commercial level instructor and hand picks his employees and mechanics.
So, my viewpoint has mellowed somewhat on fly overs.
PJ - I would highly recommend this trip!
For most of my backpacking/hiking life, I've been against the helicopter/plane tours too. BUT - you don't know until you've tried it! I went out a few times with the uber outdoorsman who owns Slickrock Air in Moab and one time he took me up in his smallest 4 seater. We did the flight described above and WOW! What a treat, what scenery. Sights I haven't been able to see on my own power because I usually hike solo and am very cautious about where and how I go.
As far as the level of competency, he's a certified commercial level instructor and hand picks his employees and mechanics.
So, my viewpoint has mellowed somewhat on fly overs.
PJ - I would highly recommend this trip!
Aug 1st, 2010, 02:49 PM
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If you want to try something a bit different, I can't recommend Canyonlands Ballooning (http://www.canyonlandsballooning.com/) highly enough! A hot air balloon ride is an unforgettable experience (and doesn't generate nearly the noise pollution that airplanes and helicopters do). For obvious reasons, though, you can't go directly over the canyons the way the airplane scenic rides do, but you still get some great views of the red rock country around Moab. Balloon flights are weather-dependent, so you need to be in the area for a few days to be reasonably certain of a chance to go. But that's the only drawback!
Aug 2nd, 2010, 07:15 AM
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I can't get the ballooning link to work
http://www.canyonlandsballooning.com/ ... there was an extra ) at the end of the link MG posted that needs to be removed ...
http://www.canyonlandsballooning.com/ ... there was an extra ) at the end of the link MG posted that needs to be removed ...
