Canyonlands Maze District planning for spring

[RockyMtRebel]

There is a new reservation system & I was checking it out and reservations are starting to fill up for March!!!

I really want to do a 4 night trip there, go in at Poison Springs canyon and camp at Sunset pass night 1. Drive the Doll House road (rated 3.0, so difficult but not insane) to the Doll House camp (1 of 3 sites) on night 2. Drive back out the next day and camp somewhere night 3 and then take the Maze Overlook road and camp at the overlook night 4. Then we would exit up the switchbacks on the Flint trail and exit at the Hans Flat ranger station and then continue north on Flint trail to exit on Hwy 95 between I70 and Hanksville.

This is the most remote area of Canyonlands and we will likely need to bring extra gas. This would be for the most hardcore wheelers who are prepared for repairs, recovery, etc. I want at least one other vehicle, prefer 2 others for safety and backup. Attached is a map image with the trails in blue.

Anyone interested in an overlanding adventure in the spring? I’m happy to do the reservations but we will need to come up with a plan soon to get the dates we want. I’m open anytime as long as I can plan ahead. Thinking anywhere from early March to early June preferred.

[Jim]

99% certain to just say "COUNT ME IN!!"


As my fall trip to SW Utah with family was rescheduled to the spring, I wish to check with her on scheduling. I should know in 24 to 30 hours.

[Java]

I've been wanting to do those trails for a long time, and I'm also 99% sure I'm in. I've also wanted a reason to buy a tentcot, planning a trip like that would do it. :thumb: Do you have any dates in mind?

[RockyMtRebel]

I don’t have any specific dates in mind, I’m pretty flexible and can make pretty much any dates work at this point. We will just have to check the campsites against the dates to make sure there’s availability. People are definitely reserving already so let’s think of some date options that work for you guys, check campsite availability and see what we can make happen! Super stoked that you two guys are interested ;)

[Java]

I'll check what I have set for the spring, I don't think it's much at this point. I have time off set for March 24-28 and April 21-25; if I can I'd like to leave those dates for other things, but that's not a big deal either way. I'll post up as I know.

[RockyMtRebel]

Once Jim gives us potential dates, I'll go look at our options for campsites and the confirm back with you guys before reserving anything.

[open_circuit]

I'd like to do this sometime. I'm not sure if this spring will be the right time. Following the thread.

[Jim]

Dates that my niece said today (for when she might do a Utah trip): Maybe early June!

My position - I do not need to plan around my niece (though it'd be nice if it worked out).

If a good time for the group is other than early June - that'd be good by me as I would then not have two "vacations" near back to back.

[RockyMtRebel]

It’s going to be really hot in June, I learned that this year when we went. What about somewhere between April 6-10th or March 7-11 or May 11-15

These are just random dates, open to other options also but just trying to narrow this down

[open_circuit]

I've been on Lake Powell the first week of June before. Never again.

[Java]

I'm not going to be able to pick dates yet- the person who watches our pets when were gone said to ask again in Feb, and my wife also wants to go but has some of her own things too. Apparently in the covid spring I said I'd do some stuff "next year", or so I'm told...

[RockyMtRebel]

Well in order to reserve any of the campsites I'll need to reserve well in advance, otherwise they all get reserved (even though I swear most of the reserved parties never show up). Once I have reservations its a lot easier to move them around also, as people cancel. So, I may just need to figure out a good tentative set of dates and reserve the campsites and hope it works out (weather wise, as well as everyone being able to make it as we get closer). If things come up, I can switch the dates around a week or two ahead of time.......

So, with this in mind what do you guys think we should aim for? I'm thinking mid-March or early April...... Jim, any preferences for you?

[Jim]

Put me down as flexible / game for anything.

EDIT: Well, a pref would be night time temps NOT in the 30's. 50F or a bit higher would be appreciated.

[RockyMtRebel]

We should probably look at early May then. I'll look at the availability of campsites and let you know what I see!

[RockyMtRebel]

First week of May looks good, should be able to string together the campsites I was hoping for.

However, considering it will be a 7-9 hour drive to the trailhead, we will probably need to meet there and camp in the first few miles the first night. If we count this as night 1, how many more nights are you guys comfortable with. Ideally I would like to spend 4 more nights in the Park at reserved campsites. However, that makes it 5 nights minimum, maybe even a 6th if the exit takes a while. That might be too long, perhaps an additional 3 nights in the park is better to keep it manageable. I’ll put a draft proposal together later to see what you guys might think. If you like it I’ll reserve the sites!

[open_circuit]

I'm talking myself into this more and more every day.

[Jim]

I'm flexible as to number of days. Eight or 9 to 10 I could swing.

[Java]

http://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/upload/MAZEmap-web.pdf

http://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/mazeroads.htm

[Java]

This is looking very possible for me, but still won't know for a bit. If you come up with dates I'll be happy to pay for my reservation based on optimism. :thumb:

Just some thoughts, the north part of the Flint Trail looks kinda long and dull to me compared to the rest of it if you're trying to cut days, except for this http://www.gjhikes.com/2010/06/horseshoe-barrier-canyon.html in which he says he got to the trailhead in an hour, averaging 40mph. Seems slow...

"Horseshoe Canyon is located in east central Utah within an annex of Canyonlands National Park between Moab and Hanksville. The last 30 miles to the trailhead is on a dirt road that is normally accessible to passenger cars. The trailhead can be found by driving west on Interstate 70 from Green River, Utah, to exit 149. Turn left after exiting the interstate on UT-24 W toward Hanksville. Continue on UT-24 W for 24.8 miles and then turned left again. This turn is just past the turn for Goblin Valley State Park. This is where the 30 miles of dirt road begins. There is a sign that mentions Horseshoe Canyon so that you know you are on the right road. Follow this road for about 23 miles before coming to a kiosk at a fork in the road. Take the left fork and follow it for 5.8 miles to the turn off for Horseshoe Canyon. There is another sign at this turn to let you know you are still on the right road. Follow this road for 1.7 miles to the trailhead.
Note: I was able to average about 40 MPH on most of the dirt road. The entire drive, once I left UT-24 W took just under 1 hour. The last mile of the road was the roughest and was blown in with sand in a few spots. If you click on the Google Map link, above, and click on the trailhead, you can select 'Get Directions' and make your own map that begins wherever you like."

It's also where 127 Hours was filmed / happenned http://www.movie-locations.com/movies/0/127-Hours.php#:~:text=The%20rock%20cleft%20in%20which, of%20Moab%20in%20southeast%20Utah.&text=And%20remember%20that%20there%20are%20cycling %20restrictions%20in%20the%20park.

The Flint switchbacks look like a slightly rougher version of Thompson Canyon / Onion Creek, no big deal at all. Poison Spring and the south part of Flint to Hite look more interesting to me, especially Poison Spring. those two trails and Land of Standing Rocks / Dollhouse call me the most.

The bulk of what I'd like to see there is accessible from the Land of Standing Rocks / Dollhouse trail. The Granary Hike from the Dollhouse area and an in / out to the Harvest Scene from Chimney rock are at the top of my list. Especially the Granary, I could leave the other for another trip.

[open_circuit]

My wife says I should go, so count me as a yes. I have little preference for particular days if we can get out before mid-May while it is still cool. I think temps down to ~40 at night are just about ideal if I'm sleeping in the Jeep again. Warm nights less so, but I'll be better prepared for those after the last trip I hope.

[RockyMtRebel]

I’ll actually start working on this here this week. I am stoked Trent is in now, This is looking to be a great group

[open_circuit]

I’ll actually start working on this here this week. I am stoked Trent is in now, This is looking to be a great group

I'm excited. New hard top, new chromoly axles, and new roof-mount awning are all getting prepped for this. I'll have to pick up some spare fuel cans for this trip for sure. I don't yet have a good understanding of our distances, but my maximum range for this type of driving is around 200 miles with my fuel tank.

[RockyMtRebel]

I just looked and campsites are filling up. We gotta make some reservations today or very soon. What do you guys think about sometime between Sunday May 2nd and Saturday May 8th? I need to book right away, spots are disappearing fast!

[open_circuit]

Any of those work for me, but it's better if I am home the evening of Friday May 7. I'm not sure that works out with the length of our trip, so pick the best days for the trip and I'll be there.

May 2 - 5 sounds good since it gives Sat May 1 to get out there if needed. It's a long drive to Hanksville.

[RockyMtRebel]

Ok so the best I could do so far was reserve Friday, Sat, Sunday campsites (May 7, 8 & 9). Looking to also book either Thursday the 5th or the Monday the 9th also. This work so far? Gotta book in the next 10 minutes or I’ll lose the reservations

[RockyMtRebel]

I purchased the campsite reservations - there was limited availability and I had to work around that to get the areas I really wanted. Here it is:

Thursday May 6 - Sunset Pass
Friday May 7 - Dollhouse 2
Saturday May 8 - Standing Rock
Sunday May 9 - Maze Overlook 2

* 3 vehicles and 9 person limit per permit - I wasn’t sure if we could have more vehicles but it appears 3 is the limit. Although Jim and Paul were first to jump in, Paul wasn’t able to commit for sure and Trent jumped in. I don’t wanna cut anyone out but at the same time, the permit rules allow only 3 vehicles. I paid $36 for 2 reservations (they must limit 3 nights/permit). I’m covering these permits, anyone else who wants to join will have to secure their own permits.

[open_circuit]

Whatever days your get will be fine. We wanted 4 days on the trail in the park area, right? I'd vote Thursday instead of Monday.

[open_circuit]

I purchased the campsite reservations - there was limited availability and I had to work around that to get the areas I really wanted. Here it is:

Thursday May 6 - Sunset Pass
Friday May 7 - Dollhouse 2
Saturday May 8 - Standing Rock
Sunday May 9 - Maze Overlook 2

* 3 vehicles and 9 person limit per permit - I wasn’t sure if we could have more vehicles but it appears 3 is the limit. Although Jim and Paul were first to jump in, Paul wasn’t able to commit for sure and Trent jumped in. I don’t wanna cut anyone out but at the same time, the permit rules allow only 3 vehicles. I paid $36 for 2 reservations (they must limit 3 nights/permit). I’m covering these permits, anyone else who wants to join will have to secure their own permits.

I think you are saying we have permits to cover 6 vehicles and up to 18 people? We have four people interested right now. I wouldn't be surprised if Shane or Ty jumps in. Ty hasn't been checking forums lately, but I mentioned this run to him via SMS yesterday. Let me know where/how to send some money to cover my part and I'll pitch in.

[RockyMtRebel]

I just have one permit per campsite so only 3 vehicles. I don’t need anyone to pitch in, I got it covered.

[open_circuit]

I just have one permit per campsite so only 3 vehicles. I don’t need anyone to pitch in, I got it covered.

I see. I misunderstood the comment about two reservations. You were saying you had to split the reservations for 4 nights into two sets because of how the website works! I guess Paul and I need to have a cage match to see who gets to go or get another permit.

Edit: It looks like all Doll House sites are now booked May 6-10. I don't think we can match the itinerary with a second permit, and I don't yet know where the other campsites are well enough to know if there's a compatible second set of sites to get a second permit. I'd guess a second permit means we would have two completely separate groups on different routes?

[Jim]

Thursday May 6 - Sunset Pass
Friday May 7 - Dollhouse 2
Saturday May 8 - Standing Rock
Sunday May 9 - Maze Overlook 2

:2thumbup:

[RockyMtRebel]

I see. I misunderstood the comment about two reservations. You were saying you had to split the reservations for 4 nights into two sets because of how the website works! I guess Paul and I need to have a cage match to see who gets to go or get another permit.

Edit: It looks like all Doll House sites are now booked May 6-10. I don't think we can match the itinerary with a second permit, and I don't yet know where the other campsites are well enough to know if there's a compatible second set of sites to get a second permit. I'd guess a second permit means we would have two completely separate groups on different routes?

yep, the campsites got booked up faster than I thought so that’s why I scrambled to book this morning before we were SOL. A second group would definitely have to find other available sites. There are very limited if any still available along the Dollhouse road so a second group would be difficult to coordinate with. Now, as the dates get closer I bet 75% of the currently reserved sites may come up as available due to people cancelling or changing reservations...... so it’s possible but hard to coordinate two groups at this time

[Java]

Sounds like my choice has been made for me, have fun Trent! :thumb: That's my wife's birthday week, I think we may be on a beach anyway...

[open_circuit]

Sounds like my choice has been made for me, have fun Trent! :thumb: That's my wife's birthday week, I think we may be on a beach anyway...

Thanks Paul. I'm really looking forward to this one especially with all the new mods I've got in work for the Jeep.

[Java]

It's all good, my vision for the Maze is more of a hiking trip than a wheeling one, I was just jumping in because it came up. Looking forward to the trip report! :thumb:

[Jim]

From the listing of campsites, this is the route it looks like Matt has in mind (start and end is Hanksville for fuel - traveling counter-clockwise):

Google Map (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/38.3728295,-110.7043615/38.0783007,-110.3930969/38.0615162,-110.1478744/38.1588924,-109.9451973/38.1765431,-109.9910342/38.2333235,-110.0033096/38.2552771,-110.1796579/38.3736097,-110.7053383/@38.267296,-110.5548254,120477m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!4m1!3e0)

Miles: 206




Hanksville UT Sinclair
38.37293541575698, -110.70444270136409



58 Miles



Thursday May 6
Sunset Pass
38.06148996882482, -110.14784015167385



21 Miles



Friday May 7
Dollhouse 2
38.15889362814059, -109.94518909577978



5 Miles



Saturday May 8
Standing Rock
38.17658932080763, -109.99108432720165



34 Miles



Sunday May 9
Maze Overlook 2
38.23268434877427, -110.00408605749047



88 Miles




Hanksville UT Sinclair
38.37293541575698, -110.70444270136409



At the end of the trip, where we will decide (38.588217385599265, -110.55629001183539) what direction for fuel, it's either 20 miles south to Hanksville or 36 miles north to just west of Green River.

[RockyMtRebel]

Dollhouse -#2 — 38.158822, -109.945044

Maze Overlook #2 — 38.232841, -110.005068

Jim, yes looks very close to the above what I got. I’m bringing at least 10 gallons of extra gas just in case - if you guys each bring 5 we should be more than fine!

[Jim]

Matt, what's your general thought for the trip?

1) Drive from site to site, sure!
2) Any short / long sites or attractions to be seen?
3) Take it easy and kick about the campsite and in general relax?

[open_circuit]

From the listing of campsites (which I do not have certain GPS coordinates for a couple), this is the route it looks like Matt has in mind (start and end is Hanksville for fuel - traveling counter-clockwise):

Google Map (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/38.3728295,-110.7043615/38.0783007,-110.3930969/38.0615162,-110.1478744/38.1588924,-109.9451973/38.1765431,-109.9910342/38.2333235,-110.0033096/38.2552771,-110.1796579/38.3736097,-110.7053383/@38.267296,-110.5548254,120477m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!4m1!3e0)

Miles: 206




Hanksville UT Sinclair
38.37293541575698, -110.70444270136409



58 Miles



Thursday May 6
Sunset Pass
38.06148996882482, -110.14784015167385



21 Miles



Friday May 7
Dollhouse 2
38.15889362814059, -109.94518909577978



5 Miles



Saturday May 8
Standing Rock
38.17658932080763, -109.99108432720165



34 Miles



Sunday May 9
Maze Overlook 2
38.23268434877427, -110.00408605749047



88 Miles




Hanksville UT Sinclair
38.37293541575698, -110.70444270136409



At the end of the trip, where we will decide (38.588217385599265, -110.55629001183539) what direction for fuel, it's either 20 miles south to Hanksville or 36 miles north to just west of Green River.

Am I reading this correctly as 206 miles round trip from Hanksville back to Hanksville?

Also, I recommend Stan's Burger Shack for fuel and food. We stopped there the last time we were at Lake Powell and got some food. I don't recall many other options for a hot meal out there (but I could be forgetting something!)

[RockyMtRebel]

Matt, what's your general thought for the trip?

1) Drive from site to site, sure!
2) Any short / long sites or attractions to be seen?
3) Take it easy and kick about the campsite and in general relax?


Jim,

I think we'll find some attractions along the drives to the campsites. Poison Springs wash has a water crossing at 16 miles and could have some washed out road areas we'll need to navigate. We'll probably get to Sunset Pass campsite fairly quickly since we are all pretty capable and in capable rigs but I'm up for taking our time and soaking in the surroundings, maybe taking a side road to explore, etc. From Sunset Pass to the Doll House will be a 20+ mile challenging road that will take us at least 4 hours with many hiking trails and rock formations on the way. No side-roads to explore but the main road should be fun enough. There are many hiking trails and rock formations to see and explore around at the Dollhouse camp area. One hiking trail descends to the Colorado river, others go into "the Maze". I would like to do some hiking, but I'm not planning on anything hardcore. The next day we travel back on the road we took out but only about half way back and our campsite is at Standing Rock, which we'll pass the prior day. There are numerous hiking trails that lead out from this area into the Maze, to the "Chocolate Drops", other attractions. Not sure if I'll do one of these trails or not, they are on the longer side (4 miles one way to Chocolate drops). We could decide to drive out and explore some roads we won't otherwise be driving down and then go back for the night. The next day we'll drive to the Maze Overlook, which is supposed to be a fun road that's not as challenging as Dollhouse but with great views. We could potentially explore some of the roads north of here this day also, I'm game for anything. I just love to explore and experience this stuff!!! The next day will be a long drive out and home so we'll want a good nights rest and perhaps an early morning start ;)

[Jim]

When (what time of day) do you wish to meet at Hanksville?

I'm debating a day in Moab (Moab to Hanksville 1h45m drive) or possibly overnighting at Goblin Valley State Park (Google Map (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Goblin+Valley+State+Park/@38.5623787,-110.6815059,13.5z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x8749bd7d8ede2169:0x3895cdf0b7d38 cf9!8m2!3d38.5737027!4d-110.7071257)) north of Hanksville.

[RockyMtRebel]

I'm not sure, I'm thinking we will likely all get there in the late afternoon (6-7 hour drive for me). We could plan to meet in Hanksville around 5pm-ish and then fuel up and head to Poison Springs road, start heading up the canyon and looking for a spot to camp somewhere before the water crossing. Sunset in early May is around almost 830pm so we'd have 3.5 hours from getting gas in Hanksville to finding a camp spot on Poisons Springs for the night.... I think that's totally doable.

Goblin Valley SP is very close to where we exit... in fact the turnoff from Hwy 24 is almost directly across the street from the turnoff for the Flint trail (leads to The Maze), our exit spot.

[Jim]

Am I reading this correctly as 206 miles round trip from Hanksville back to Hanksville?

Yes. That's what Google Maps calculates for distance based on the campsite locations and route Matt is looking to travel.

I'll bring extra fuel (2.5gal cans - one or two will be with me). I'll likely try to run in fuel conserve mode (2-high [vs 4-low] where I can get away with it). There's a reasonable calculation that I can do the run w/o extra fuel.

[RockyMtRebel]

I believe we will be in 2wd most of the time to be honest, but we will definitely have sections of 4hi and 4Lo for sure! I’ll bring 10 gallons of extra gas and my truck has a 31 or 34 gallon tank so I probably won’t need the gas but I like to be over prepared ;)

[open_circuit]

I made it 190 miles on the tank of gas that took us through Needles district (from Monticello to Moab). I'll definitely need extra fuel since that tank was about 90-100 miles of pavement along with the dirt roads and 4-low time.

[RockyMtRebel]

I’m starting to get pretty excited about this! You guys are still in right???

[open_circuit]

I’m starting to get pretty excited about this! You guys are still in right???

Absolutely. My wife intends to join me.

[Jim]

I'm in.

As of now, my passenger seat is empty. B-I-L's schedule came in and he's scheduled for work.

The first night of dispersed camping concerns me - is dispersed camping allowed? If yes, then why are permits even needed?

[open_circuit]

I'm in.

As of now, my passenger seat is empty. B-I-L's schedule came in and he's scheduled for work.

The first night of dispersed camping concerns me - is dispersed camping allowed? If yes, then why are permits even needed?

Permits are for all of the camping within the national park I think. I'm not entirely clear on this, but I think we're camping outside the park the first night?

[RockyMtRebel]

Permits are needed for Canyonlands campsites plus a few that are in the Glen Canyon rec area that borders Canyonlands (Sunset pass for example). But yea on Wednesday the 5th we will camp on BLM land (probably along Poison Springs road). If we could leave home Thursday morning and make it to Sunset pass that night, that would be ideal..... and it’s possible but not practical, which is why I suggested we meet out near Hanksville on Wednesday evening and then get to Poison springs road and start heading east and setup camp whenever we find a good spot before it gets too dark

[RockyMtRebel]

I will need to call the ranger station to get the actual permits since they so t sent them in advance for the Maze district like they do for the rest of Canyonlands. They make you check on a week before the actual trip to make sure you are still going and then send to you (or something like that)

[Jim]

Any thought to stay the first night at the Goblin Valley State Park? Folks would get there an ?hour? earlier than the wash... 0.02

[open_circuit]

Any thought to stay the first night at the Goblin Valley State Park? Folks would get there an ?hour? earlier than the wash... 0.02

Looks like an RV campground with concrete pads from satellite photos. Maybe I'm misjudging it, but it doesn't seem like an attractive place to camp to me. Have you been there before? Have any better information on it than my google map sleuthing?

[Jim]

I recall Goblin Valley S.P. being recommended in some camping (or at least a to-visit) recommendation here.

Camp sites are walk-in / park nearby but not at the site (bummer). Price is $35. I could dispersed camp it for those two issues.


https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/goblin-valley/camping-at-goblin-valley/

The campground at Goblin Valley State Park consists of 25 sites and two yurts. The campsites are divided into ten walk-in tent pads, fourteen RV spaces, and one group site able to accommodate up to 35 people. Showers and flush toilets, as well as communal water and dump stations, are all available free of charge. All sites contain a picnic table, a metal fire ring, and shade shelter.
The camping charge per night is $35.00, which includes the park’s entry fee. An extra vehicle may be brought in for an additional $20.00 per night.

[Tom]

Goblin Valley is worth seeing even if you don't camp there imo.

[speedkills]

I just searched youtube for the maze as I never bothered last year. This came up https://youtu.be/J5pU-fxIeD0

[open_circuit]

I just searched youtube for the maze as I never bothered last year. This came up https://youtu.be/J5pU-fxIeD0

Different place. This video is labelled Sand Hollow State Park. That is out in Hurricane, UT.

[RockyMtRebel]

If you wanted to stay in Goblin Wednesday night, we could just plan to meet early Thursday instead? Might not be a bad idea, then I could leave home late Wednesday (instead of early) and just make camp late and meet you guys in Hanksville Thursday morning and head out?
I am fine either way, just let me know 😎

[speedkills]

Good to know it's a different place, I was thinking you guys had gone nuts from the isolation for a minute there.

[open_circuit]

If you wanted to stay in Goblin Wednesday night, we could just plan to meet early Thursday instead? Might not be a bad idea, then I could leave home late Wednesday (instead of early) and just make camp late and meet you guys in Hanksville Thursday morning and head out?
I am fine either way, just let me know 😎

I'm a little unclear on where we left this. I'm not really interested in Goblin Valley State Park for camping, but I need to stay somewhere nearby close enough to meet up on Thursday morning if we're going to meet on Thurs instead of Wednesday evening. What time are we aiming for Thursday if that's the plan? I'm still fine for finding BLM land Wednesday evening.

[Jim]

I'll catch'ya over in Planned:
https://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?28569