Canyonlands National Park.

[splitshot]

With my limited vacation time off, the wife and I are planning on hitting the one section of Southern Utah that we always drive by but never explored. Any must see's?
When I was a kid, Dad and his friends used to drag me along on fishing trips to Hall's crossing and we would load the boats and camp on the west side of Hall's bay. I remember taking the 261 from Mexican Hat and then hwy 95 to Lake Powell. That route as I recall is awesome.
Early October (1 week), Mildly modded 3rd gen 4Runner. Some overnight, and eventually some motel time in Moab. Any .02 would be greatly appreciated.

 

[tls3601]

Following this. Never been either but Canyonlands has been on my hit list for quite some time. Longer trip would be in the 4Runner. Blue

 

[tls3601]

Also wondering if primitive camping is allowed in Canyonlands.

 

[splitshot]

From my limited research, yes it is if you pack a loo.

Reliance Luggable Loo Camping Toilet Seat and Bucket | Cabela's

An economically priced portable toilet, the Reliance Luggable Loo Camping Toilet Seat and Bucket makes a great toilet solution for campsites and other outdoor adventures. This easy-to-use combo

www.cabelas.com

 

[tls3601]

Funny as I have driven past it numerous times on Mtn bike trips to Moab. Time to check it out, some hiking in would be cool.

 

[splitshot]

Agreed, that and early am photography..

 

[tls3601]

Yes. Have seen some gorgeous photography from that area.

 

[ryanCA]

Stunning blue 4runner!

 

[tls3601]

Stunning blue 4runner!

Thanks @ryanCA Saved up for what seemed like forever for it. I am a sucker for the Voodoo Blue. Needed a new ride. The Tundra has 406K and the 40’s are NOT great for long trips without AC, PS, 90 inch wheelbase. Old and new:

 

[subzali]

Try to get a permit to camp in Devils Kitchen in the Needles District. Will involve negotiating Elephant Hill and you can get to the confluence overlook and the golden staircase. Build your trip around that.

 

[ryanCA]

With the Tr4 pro, who meeds porn!


I should not trade my fj
I should not trade my fj
I Should not trade my fj

Thanks @ryanCA Saved up for what seemed like forever for it. I am a sucker for the Voodoo Blue. Needed a new ride. The Tundra has 406K and the 40’s are NOT great for long trips without AC, PS, 90 inch wheelbase. Old and new:

View attachment 2018304

 

[GWcruiser]

Needles looks interesting from a get way out there perspective. I enjoyed Island in the Sky - the views are one of the nicest canyon vistas I've experienced. Much better than GC, imho. White Rim Road is on my bucket list. Lots of remote camps along the way. Permits needed for driving the road, and for camping. Currently flooding has closed sections, so a full loop may not be possible. But did I mention the views?

Needles has interesting geology, and also worth a trip, not on my bucket list, but I'd like to explore the region someday.

 

[splitshot]

More of my research showed up today.

 

[DSRTRDR]

high water in the Colorado/Green River/s is good news - notwithstanding that it might impact travel routes

on our recent Yellowstone trip, we encountered snow that closed half of the park down for a day, especially the exit we had planned to take . . . actually, the rest of the park was also compromised

so yeah, we didn't feel like waiting in long lines for lunch

 

[desmocruiser]

Try to get a permit to camp in Devils Kitchen in the Needles District. Will involve negotiating Elephant Hill and you can get to the confluence overlook and the golden staircase. Build your trip around that.

Follow this advice! It is an amazing lesser traveled destination in the area!

Have fun!

 

[splitshot]

Checked out some videos of Elephant Hill and DK 1-4.

 

[splitshot]

Permits go fast, just reserved #4.

 

[DSRTRDR]

also worth considering:

Moki Dugway
Valley of the Gods
Lockhart Basin Road