Back to S. Utah - camping/hiking advice
 

We're really ready for another Utah trip - likely this fall. We want to do some camping this time. Plan to arrive in LV by noon, rent an SUV and be on our way. Since we want to end our trip in Springdale, we're thinking of heading from LV to Bryce, camping a few nights in the park. Then one night camping somwhere near Escalante. We want to further explore some of the backroads in Grand Staircase. Camping tips for this area would be great.

Next - 2 nights in Torrey to see more of Capitol Reef. Then 1 night camping somewhere (maybe Goblins) to be close to the drive and hike into the Grand Gallery at Horseshoe Canyon. We couldn't do it on our last trip due to rain.

We're thinking we'd head back to Boulder (and dinner at Hell's Backbone Grill) for a night, then our last 2 nights at Zion.

No reservations made yet and we're pretty flexible - but would love all your great advice on good camping spots (from primitive to sites w/services), and great day hikes - especially in G.Staircase area & Capitol Reef. Thanks for your help.








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back to the top hoping Dayle sees it!

Hi, sharondi....I would recommend Kodachrome Basin, southeast of Bryce. Great developed campground (State Park) and good jumping in point to Grand Staircase. Have a ball!

Hi Sharondi,

Escalante is the one place I haven't spent that much time - yet! I've had the hike to Horseshoe Canyon on my list for years but haven't made it yet partly due to the same reasons as you.

There is a state campground at Goblin Valley. However it's about 27 mi. on a graded road in the opposite direction of the Horseshoe Canyon trailhead. See Goblin Valley, but you might want to camp primitively closer to the Horseshoe Trailhead. I understand the hike has a lot of sand along the canyon floor and can get pretty hot. Fall should be a good time!

The land just outside the park boundary is BLM land and you can camp (primitive) anywhere on BLM land. The road, as you know, is dirt and 4x4 recommended. Impassible during or after rain. 30 miles in. Are you experienced campers?

Park rangers lead a hike in on weekends, but I don't know how late in the year.

Bryce will be cold camping at that time of the year - but very beautiful!

I love the campground at Capitol Reef and would recommend camping there if you never have.

One hike I've done in Escalante is Calf Creek Falls. It's 5 miles RT and the falls are some of the most beautiful I've ever seen, including Hawaii. Friends have done Upper Calf Creek Falls - great hike without all the people. You will need to get detailed instructions from someone local to find the trailhead.

Another hike on my list is the Escalante River. Best if you do it as a "through" hike - one way. Some outfitters in Escalante may provide shuttle service.

There is also a ranch just south of Boulder that does trail riding. It looks very good and the riding would be fabulous.

Zion Watchman campground has some new "walk in" tent camping that looked quite nice when it was being built.

Maybe this gives you some ideas! Are you flying out with your camping gear or renting some in LV?

Our favorite hike of all time is a slot canyon just off the road leading to Goblin Valley. Little Wild Horse Canyon seems just as exotic as Antelope Canyon but there's no one else there! Take the road to Goblin Valley and watch for a dirt road to the right about 5 miles before Goblin Valley. Park in the small parking lot there and follow the wash about 20 minutes upstream. When you get to a fork, stay to the right. You'll be in the slot canyon in no time. We followed it about 1 1/2 hours until it started to get dark and met only one other couple coming the other way. Have fun!

I concur in the assessment of Capitol Reef. The geologic lesson that is all around you is rewarding.

I recommend the "Tanks" excursion. It is short, but you can extend it.

The Wash is a good one, with the Cassiday Arch extension if you have the legs for it.

There is a lot to see in that area.

Having enjoyed the area more than once, I hope that you, too, have a very good trip.

Dayle, to answer for sharondi (my wife)
we are experienced campers; mostly canoe camping. My family "car camped" all over the west when I was a kid so it is a familiar thing to me.

We'll be checking the same bag of camping gear that we took on our Colorado/New Mexico trip a couple of years ago. We'll be mixing camping with lodging every couple of days for a shower and a fresh start.

Our gear will be a small tent, 2 thermarest pads and two bags. Both
our bags are rated to -20 so Bryce
will be no problem (until we have to get up that is). We also pack a single burner propane stove and a small propane lantern. We buy disposable propane tanks and give them away at the end of the trip if we don't use it all. The stove is for coffee in the morning but we won't be cooking while camping...we'll have
the same cooler we normally bring and can live on cold cut and such for any dinners we'll need to eat while camping (like at Little Wildhorse for instance). We'll still be dining out when plausable.

I certainly don't want tomiss Cafe Diablo and the Hell's Backbone Grill!

sharondi and peterboy,

You guys gave us great advice for our Southwest trip so I have to contribute something here.

You may already have Laurent Martres book - "Photographing the Southwest Vol 1" - if not I highly recommend it. Has lots of interesting hikes/drives. Many of the well-known ones and others not so common.

One we didn't get to do in Capital Reef due to lack of time, we already have planned for our next trip out that way. Martres talks about camping in Upper Cathedral Valley and being there for the golden hour. I know you guys are avid photographers so this could be right up your alley.

Whatever you decide, have a great trip and I look forward to seeing more of your beautiful photos.

Fran

Thanks so much for all the great info! You've all inspired lots more research on our part.
Jill2, We've been researching Little Wild Horse Canyon - thanks for the info. Do you know if there was any camping available?
We haven't been to Kodachrome yet and it looks pretty awesome. We've done the Calf Creek hike (great spot!) and the Grand Wash, Chimney Rock and a few short ones in Capitol Reef. Looking forward to driving out the Cathedral Valley (and possibly camping - thanks for the tip!)
Dayle, As Peter mentioned, we'll have our own camping gear and will be prepared for the cold. And if it's too nasty or uncomfortable, we'll just get a room somewhere. (I don't want to suffer much on vacation). I've been checking out the Escalante River hike too.
Well, I'm a sponge for information so please send it my way. I greatly appreciate all the help and it inspires lots of fun planning and research (which I love). Sharon

Hi again Sharon and Peter,

Sounds like you guys are well on your way and have lots of good ideas. Thanks too to Florida for reminding me of Little Wild Horse, forgot about that one on the list!! There are just too many.

Also, highly recommend for you to do the Subway, just outside of Zion. I don't remember if you have done it on a previous trip. To do it as a through hike (best way and most beautiful, but technical in a few spots) you need a permit (highly sought after). See about doing it with one of the guide companies in Springdale, as some minimal tech equip and knowledge (or coaching) is needed. This is the best hike I've done in my life.

Happy trails!

A couple miles north of the town of Escalante there are some nice NF campsites. There is a dirt road that goes from Escalante through the Grand Staircase NM to Big Water.