Month long trip through Utah and N Arizona

Rivers2run

Observer
In September and October I did a month long trip through southern Utah and northern Arizona. I managed to get a permit for a 4 night trip for the White Rim trail in Canyonlands then travelled to SW Utah and N Arizona and did a trip into White pocket. Trip began with a drive on the Burr Trail not difficult but very scenic. There is great back country camping along the Burr trail. Great for family adventures. From there I spent a little time in valley of the Gods.20190926-P1120507.jpg20190926-P1120513.jpg20190926-P1120515.jpg20190926-P1120503.jpg
 

Rivers2run

Observer
Shafer trail down to the white rim. Shafer trail is 2 wheel drive but it leads to the White Rim trail which is a moderate 4x4 trail. 2 extremely steep pitches up the Hog back and Hardscrabble hill. The road deteriorates as you move from the entry and exit points. You need high clearance for the trail its doubtful that an all wheel vehicle could make it because you need those low gears and clearance to complete the trip. lots of Mountain bikers on the trail this time of year. This trail goes through island in the Sky in Canyonlands National Park. You must get a permit 4 months in advance.20191002-P1120658.jpg20191003-P1120674.jpg20191004-P1120700-HDR.jpg20191004-P1120715.jpg20191004-P1120721.jpg
 

Rivers2run

Observer
I did some hiking in the Bluff area near Bears Ears there are some amazing ruins and Petroglyphs. The amazing house on fire ruin and the very detailed Wolf man panel. Worth spending time in the Butler wash area if you like Native American ruins and panels. I then moved on to the amazing White Pocket. Forget the difficult to get wave permits and visit White pocket instead. 20191011-P1120990.jpg20191011-P1120993.jpg20191012-P1130017.jpg20191012-P1130027.jpg
 

Rivers2run

Observer
White Pocket is in the Vermillon Cliffs. The road leading to it has deep sand, it is likely a bit easier if they have had some some moisture. In fall after an extended dry period the sand is deep. All wheel drive vehicles were getting stuck both due to traction and not having enough clearance I could see where they were pushing sand. 4x4 vehicles with less clearance were also getting stuck passengers jumping out and pushing in the toughest areas. I aired down to 20 psi and have a 3 inch lift on my Tacoma, it made it through there were a couple spots where I bogged down but it broke through without incident. A 4x4 van with low clearance also had issue. If you do decide try with all wheel drive or lower clearance 4x4 in the fall take some recovery boards or have some passengers willing to push. White Pocket, unlike the wave, has no permits and is a much larger area than just 1 formation. It is lovely camping, but stay away from the area where the vehicles park. There are people going in and out it can be noisy and busy. I did on a full moon and there were plenty of photographers. The road is used enough that you would not be stranded for a long time. This is one of my favorite places in the SW. 20191013-P1130096.jpg20191013-P1130102.jpg20191013-P1130111.jpg20191013-P1130128.jpg20191013-P1130138.jpg20191013-P1130151.jpg20191014-P1130157.jpg20191014-P1130167.jpg20191014-P1130171.jpg20191014-P1130176.jpg
 

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