ZappBranigan
New Member
- Location
- Englewood, CO
Hi, everyone. I'm going to be heading to the Canyonlands in March (looks like the week after the EJS) and have a few questions...
First off, I haven't been able to get through to anyone at Canyonlands regarding getting a backcountry permit for White Rim. My understanding is that these permits go pretty fast, so I think I'm going to have to plan that for another trip. It's now looking like I'll be heading to the Maze district instead. So, first question, should I try to reserve a campsite now, or are they pretty much available there? My understanding is that the Maze is the least-visited part of Canyonlands so the competition for campsites isn't as fierce. If possible, just because I may make some last-minute changes to my itinerary, I'd like to wait until I get to the Hans Flat ranger station before I get my campsite.
Second question, what is the condition of the road that runs into the Maze itself, say between Teapot Rock and Standing Rock? The NPS brochure describes this as the "worst" road in the Maze district and essentially says that trail damage is almost a certainty. How accurate is this? I'm just wondering if it was put in there to scare off casual "day trippers" from trying it. My vehicle is a 2004 Toyota Tacoma Extended cab, 5 speed, V6, running 235/85x16's (about 31.7") and is otherwise stock. I'll be taking this trip solo, so I'm not looking for anything really hardcore or likely to leave me with a damaged vehicle.
Final question, is there a gas station near the Hite bridge crossing? My Taco has roughly a 300-325 mile range under normal driving circumstances, but of course when driving slowly on rough dirt roads it's much less than that.
Thanks for any input! Hopefully I may see some of you guys out there that week (23-28 March.)
First off, I haven't been able to get through to anyone at Canyonlands regarding getting a backcountry permit for White Rim. My understanding is that these permits go pretty fast, so I think I'm going to have to plan that for another trip. It's now looking like I'll be heading to the Maze district instead. So, first question, should I try to reserve a campsite now, or are they pretty much available there? My understanding is that the Maze is the least-visited part of Canyonlands so the competition for campsites isn't as fierce. If possible, just because I may make some last-minute changes to my itinerary, I'd like to wait until I get to the Hans Flat ranger station before I get my campsite.
Second question, what is the condition of the road that runs into the Maze itself, say between Teapot Rock and Standing Rock? The NPS brochure describes this as the "worst" road in the Maze district and essentially says that trail damage is almost a certainty. How accurate is this? I'm just wondering if it was put in there to scare off casual "day trippers" from trying it. My vehicle is a 2004 Toyota Tacoma Extended cab, 5 speed, V6, running 235/85x16's (about 31.7") and is otherwise stock. I'll be taking this trip solo, so I'm not looking for anything really hardcore or likely to leave me with a damaged vehicle.
Final question, is there a gas station near the Hite bridge crossing? My Taco has roughly a 300-325 mile range under normal driving circumstances, but of course when driving slowly on rough dirt roads it's much less than that.
Thanks for any input! Hopefully I may see some of you guys out there that week (23-28 March.)