My daughter and I are planning to put these three together in a trip leaving September 5. It’s a lot earlier than I like to get out in for SUtah, but we’re constrained by her schedule. I was looking at Kolob for some elevation but we’re not canyoneers. Anybody have feedback? We did do Pariah in mid-June so we can handle a little heat, but…
Would be open to some high elevation ideas in the southwest and south central UT…never been into the Henry’s before…
I’ve been eager for it to cool down a bit as well! We’re planning trips mid-to-end of September when I hope it is a bit cooler with less monsoon storms.
I think Halls Creek MIGHT be do-able, but you’ll have to worry about heat and monsoon rains. The approach to the narrows and exit are hot, the narrows would be lovely and cool. I’ve done it in the summer via the shortcut. The Muley’s don’t have much water, so I would not do them in the heat.
I personally love the Henry mountains. It can be 100 degrees in Hanksville and you will need a jacket on Mt. Ellen. Most people bag peaks there, but car camping and just poking around I think is also fun. Not much water to be had, if you head out there bring plenty! One of my favorite places for solitude.
Cedar Mesa can be reasonable in the higher elevations as well, and often where I’ve ended up for Labor Day weekends over the years. Fable Valley or even Hammond Canyon might have enough elevation to be good temps though the fire may have impacted access and those areas. I haven’t been down since the fire yet.
Brilliant! Thanks, Ryan. Coming through the Vegas area we don’t often go East of the Hole in the Rock Road, but this gives me some really pleasant alternatives since I’m usually haunting the SUtah countryside in April-May and October. And I’ve never heard of either of these canyons; your descriptions are mouthwatering.
By the way, do you have recommendations for canyoneering training? Would enjoy getting back into a harness again after many decades…
Thanks for all you do. This is one of the most deeply satisfying websites I’ve found. It scratches just about every itch!