Spring Break 2016 - March 19 - 25 - Kokopelli's/Canyonlands

[CO_Hunter]

Our family has been doing spring breaks trip for several years. Going different places and exploring somewhere new. Four years ago others started coming with us. That year was an epic trip running Kokopelli's Trail with Eric and his kids (https://forum.ih8mud.com/co-colorado...-spring-break-2012-kokopellis-trail-trip.html).

the San Rafael Swell (https://forum.ih8mud.com/co-colorado...-rafael-swell-spring-break-march-27-31-a.html) ,
New Mexico (Spring Break Trip 2014 March 23 - 27, New Mexico Expo)

Last year Canyonlands Spring Break 2015 - March 21 - 26 - Canyonlands

This year will number 5 so it should be a bit epic and it is looking like Kokopelli's Trail and then into Canyonlands (White Rim). Due to the permits we go no matter the weather. Sounds more adventurous, eh?

So..I'm gauging interest for this trip. The plan is for a multi-night, family friendly, expo type trip. More of finding out what's over that next hill or around the next bend mentality and a new camp every night. We will try to get in some side hikes checking out Indian art, ruins, old mining stuff etc. The departure date can be early Sat. 19. Return can be variable for those interested in different length trips.

Moab can be a jump off or jump in point on 22th. Full trip returns Friday 25th. Could be subject to slight change if other camp sites open.

Right now it is me, Eric, and Travis for sure with Luke a maybe. I have reservation for three rigs so someone else will need to be a trip leader and there is a possibility we may not all camp together while on White Rim.

I have a pretty good idea of the plan I just need to know how many rigs/people will be going so we can get reservations. Filling fast, even this early.

A little, um, big birdy told to me to look into Kane Creek

 

[CO_Hunter]

Updated dates, see above.

White Rim itinerary

 

[black95]

Wow. You got island in the sky permits? Good job.

 

[Fitzgerald]

We ordered Chinese for lunch the other day. Took this as a good omen:

 

[CO_Hunter]

That is awesome

 

[CO_Hunter]

Just got the NPS confirmation email for the revised itinerary.

 

[Spadone]

This really sounds like a blast. My nephew and niece are supposed to come into town to go skiing but they are coming from Mississippi so I don't know if their dates match up. Will check and keep you posted.

 

[Fitzgerald]

Hard to believe this trips only 2 months away. Working like heck in my rental one car garage (in 5 degree weather) to try to get my stuff organized. The trip would be much easier if I don't bring the kiddos, but they want to go sooooooo badly. ???

Really, really, really, really wish I would have bought your trailer Leon. Really.

Cheers!

 

[CO_Hunter]

I was thinking the same thing that it is practically just around the corner.

Wish you would have bought the trailer too!!! It did go to a really nice woman in NM.

 

[Fitzgerald]

Anywhere I can get hosed off on the 22nd?

Those shower rags of mine can only do so much when you've got the surface area I've got.

 

[Pops]

Hard to believe this trips only 2 months away. Working like heck in my rental one car garage (in 5 degree weather) to try to get my stuff organized. The trip would be much easier if I don't bring the kiddos, but they want to go sooooooo badly. ???

Really, really, really, really wish I would have bought your trailer Leon. Really.

Cheers!

Hey Travis, I have an off road trailer you can borrow for the trip But you go to get to Colorado Springs first.

 

[smakee]

Hey guys....any chance you have spots on this trip? I just saw this post and I know its somewhat last minute, but we are looking for a good trip that week.

 

[Fitzgerald]

Well damn....... had some family stuff come up and looks like we're not going to be able to make it this year. Guess I'll have to stick to the every other year spring break trip schedule I've been on for the last few years. Leon, I'll send you a PM with the specifics. Sure going to be bummed to miss this trip.

 

[CO_Hunter]

Travis, are you freaking kidding me?!?!? I have been super busy and was going to reply tonight. If it is about the shower I was going to offer up our place for you all to stay on both ends of the trip.

If Travis can't make it the White Rim reservation goes to a club member first. The Kokopelli's leg of the trip does not require reservations and will be the first part of the trip.

@Smakke, shoot me a pm with your number and lets talk. Remember, this is a family trip, not a guys night out trip.

 

[CO_Hunter]

Got the RTT on

 

[CO_Hunter]

Thought we might be driving by western tomorrow to see you guys but Eric and I decided on southern route taking 50 out.

If anyone is interested will be on aprs, add -9 to my call sign.

 

[CO_Hunter]

Day 1. Mainly traveling to the Kokopelli trail head. Along the trail we found the camp spot we had last year but decided to move on even though there was one spot available. Kids were running up and down the road on ATV and motorcycles. Not exactly the experience we were looking for. We were rewarded by finding a camp spot on a bit of a peninsula with incredible views all the way around, plus nice and quiet.

Day 2. A travel day along the Kokopelli trail, stopping at scenic vistas and sights along the way, including the dino tracks. We found a nice camp spot between Dewey bridge and Top of the World trailhead. The week before we left I realized the week we were out was also Jeep Week in Moab. It was obvious once we got to the Dewey bridge area.

La Sals in distance, our nemesis.

 

[CO_Hunter]

Day 3. Got an early start and went up to Top of the World. We saw some hikers coming down as we went up. It was slow and a few challenges getting up but nothing too bad. It was nice that we were the only ones up at the top. Coming down we encountered a hoard of Jeeps. Some were the Dana sponsored rigs. They were all pretty nice. Most were really built up, we looked pretty puny on 33s. One guy even asked if we made it to the top and we said yes. When he asked if we did it without banging and clanging he seemed more surprised when we said yes again. But I did bang the rear hitch a couple of times. From there we decided to bypass Rose Garden Hill since there was a group of Jeeps that were spending the day going up then back down and we didn’t want to get tangled up in all that. We took Onion Creek road which turned out to be spectacular with lots of water crossings. We camped back on the Kokopelli trail in the same spot where we camped 4 years ago.


Next 2 are TOW

Day 4. We continued along the trail, getting a bit nervous seeing snow lower than we had in the past, and got to the LaSal Mountains. I tried to bust some drifts but didn’t get far before getting good and stuck. After and hour of shoveling and winching we finally got turned around and had to back track all the way back to the highway along Onion Creek Road. Got into Moab, resupplied, and some showered, and headed to Canyonlands. The weather turned really windy and the snow started flying sideways. Once we dropped off the rim, down Schaffer switch backs, we were protected from the wind and made it to camp. The wind really picked up for a while that night as a downdraft from a squall hit us pretty hard.

TOW duplicate, but can't delete it!!

 

[CO_Hunter]

Day 5. Driving along White Rim trail, stopping for pictures and eats along the way. Stopped at the Gooseneck overlook and Musselman Arch. At the Arch it looked like a Jeep dealership had descended upon us, okay it was a small dealership but it was surprising how clean those rigs were. We camped that night at another spectacular site.

Arch

 

[CO_Hunter]

more pics