Southwest X-mas Break

imported
#1

Hey, So I am headed to the southwest over my x-mas break from school. Planning on doing some canyons such as the blue john, and buckskin gulch. I will be out in the area if the AZ/UT border. Anyone have any reccomendations for side trips, hikes, or canyons. I am leaving friday!

Luke

#2

Goblin Valley State Park is a neat place with thousands of Hoodoos. It can be a base for hikes through Little Wild Horse/Bell Canyon slots and Crack slot.
Have Fun!

Turtle Walking

#3

I know Aravaipa and Sabino canyons got pretty well washed out by the monsoon floods, but i haven’t heard anything about Paria/Buckskin. I hope they’re ok. Apparently all the vegetation was totally stripped away in major parts of some of these canyons. Do all the obsessive nagging of the rangers at Lee’s Ferry, and have a backup in case the forecast is bad. Buckskin Gulch is NOT a place to be with rain in the forecast. And expect the water to be cold. All that sounds like “don’t go,” but the truth is that was one of my favorite trips ever. It’s amazing there.

This time of year might be perfect and not overcrowded for being in the Grand Canyon itself, but you have to check about permits for anything overnight. Humphreys Peak has some snow on it, but not enough to need snowshoes yet. Everything is dry and cool around Tucson, so if you get that far south you should do Finger Rock or something. Have a blast!

markv