Summer road trip to Zion!

Discussion in 'Trips & Events' started by Aimbot9000, Jun 14, 2017.

  1. Aimbot9000

    Aimbot9000 New Member

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    I managed to finagle 10 days off starting July 16. I'll be starting off from Charlotte with stops at Pikes Peak Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon and the north rim of the Grand Canyon. Any can't miss stops/ roads in the area or local insight would be appreciated.

    If any of you camping enthusiasts can recommend a good sleeping pad for a heavy guy that doesn't cost more then my bike I'm all ears.
     
  2. Gator

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    I have done that exact trip, you will have a great time. For a sleeping pad, REI sells the Thermarest Luxury model for about 100.00 and it is very comfortable. Used one for many years of back country use.
     
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  3. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    I highly suggest to do the 2 day hike on the Virgin river, aka the Narrows. Rent water shoes as the entire hike is in the slot canyon river. Amazing.
     
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  4. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    Mys kids and me.
     

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  5. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    Silo of my daughter
     

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  6. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    Lots of amazing easy trails in Bryce.
     

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  7. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    You can hike Bryce at night to.
     

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  8. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    There is a secret camp site on the north rim of the Grand canyon, a rock precipice that stick out where you can pitch a tent, but be careful for that middle of the night pee..... LOL
     
  9. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    Here is that spot.
     
  10. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    Try it again.
     

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  11. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    Also check out Sea to Summit for their pads, supposedly very light weight and comfortable.
     
  12. Aimbot9000

    Aimbot9000 New Member

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    Thanks for the tips and teaser photos Gator. Not sure on a two day hike I don't think I could stand to leave the bike unattended for that long.
    How obnoxious is the Thermarest Luxury to carry around?
     
  13. proper

    proper New Member

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    Hi. I was just through S.Utah last week of May (from Tucson). Weather was great: leather in the mornings and mesh in the afternoons. I presume July will be hot. West of Bryce is Brian Head ski area at 10,400' elevation if you need to cool down. If you head NE of Bryce, up the 12, just above Escalante Staircase at Boulder, be sure to take the Burr Trail. This is a 10 mile out and back that nobody knows of - first couple miles aren't much, but then you hairpin down into a canyon that is very pretty. Zion was pretty but unbelievably crowded with international visitors. This was my first time seeing the North Rim - not as commercialized as the South. If you get near Page, AZ, you can see Horseshoe Bend, but bring water for the 15 minute hike. If possible, try to stay a night in Sedona AZ and get there to enjoy sunset and sunrise.
    You will wish you had more time!!!!
     
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  14. derstuka

    derstuka Lord of the Wankers Staff Member

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    If I were you, one of my main concerns would be the heat. AZ and Utah in July is very toasty and camping in a tent feels like a greenhouse. Once the needle passes 95F, those Hotel signs with AC and Cold Beer get VERY tempting.

    Mesh gear, proper hydration, and tinted helmet face shield can help tremendously.
     
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  15. duccmann

    duccmann Member

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    I heard that--- sounds like my trip in 85


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  16. Aimbot9000

    Aimbot9000 New Member

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    Made it to Gatlinburg so far. So much freaking rain

    Sent from my SM-S903VL using Tapatalk
     
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  17. Aimbot9000

    Aimbot9000 New Member

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    I don't think Missouri will ever end. And what's with the road "names"?[​IMG]

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  18. A.M

    A.M Moderator Staff Member

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    And what do you think about Kansas? ;)


    Mount Evans, CO

    Scenic 7 and 72 (to or from Mount Evans)


    All-American Road Scenic 12 in Utah


    Angel's Landing is a day hike! :)


    Hope you get out of here quickly!

    But if you feel like looking around here, go check out Castle and Monument Rocks. They are on your way to CO, just south of I-70. :)

    [​IMG]

    And highest point in Kansas, Mount Sunflower! Whopper of a mount at 4,039 feet above sea level!
     
  19. derstuka

    derstuka Lord of the Wankers Staff Member

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    But make sure you have expert climbing equipment along with plenty of rope if you are gonna summit it! ;)
     
  20. Aimbot9000

    Aimbot9000 New Member

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    I miss how smooth the roads are in Kansas and not being rained on every freaking day.

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