articulate
Expedition Leader
I've got an adventure in the works for March 11 through 14 (or so) to go see this sandstone wonder on the Navajo Nation. And I'm open to enjoying this with some friends, old and new.
Facts: Rainbow Bridge is the Earth's largest free-standing rock arch at 290 feet tall - almost the size of the Statue of Liberty. She spans the river by 275 feet, and makes her home on the Navajo Indian Reservation as a sacred site to Native Americans. Backcountry permits from the Navajo Nation are required, and as a sacred site there is no camping at the Bridge. This region hosts several incredible canyons that are worth the hike alone, so we'll take in much more than Rainbow Bridge.
Plan A: 2 nights on the trail. Drive to Rainbow Lodge (requiring 4wd) on Friday, hike to a camping spot a few miles from the Sandstone Wonder. Day trip to the bridge early Saturday morning, and explore some canyons on the way back to camp. Hike out on Sunday and make our weary way back to civilization. The hike is about 13 miles one way with an elevation gain of about 2600 feet. Since Friday would likely be a short day of hiking, I don't see any sense to getting all the way to the Bridge in one push. The camping is reportedly better in the canyons before the Bridge anyway.
Con to Plan A: Due to the remoteness of Rainbow Lodge, cars get broken into with serious frequency. This is a major consideration, so I'm also formulating Plan B...
Plan B: Axed.....
- Advantage to Plan A is a higher level of adventure
- Advantages to Plan B are safety of vehicles and two opportunites at Rainbow Bridge, rather than one.
- I'm going to entertain the idea of renting a vehicle large enough for the group in case of a break-in. Reports say not to leave valueables in the car at the trailhead because they will get stolen. It's a good measure to bring a car that is not one of our precious expedition/adventure means of travel.
So, who is interested? Here is an arial view as well:
Cheers!
Mark
Available to 10 harebrained adventurers:
- Mark (that's me...)
- Brooke (mi esposa)
- Brian (goodtimes)
- Meredith
- Byron
- Josh
- Chuck (Ursidae69)
- Brian (wolfsoul)
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