cobblecrazy
Adventurer
Well, we finally got to take the new Sportsmobile out for our fall trip. A late night cruise from Reno to Las Vegas started the trip. After completing some work related tasks it was time to move on to Zion National park.
Fall Trip Nevada/Utah/Arizona
- Thread starter cobblecrazy
- Start date
cobblecrazy
Adventurer
First stop was Zion N.P. We decided to stay at Watchmans campground and use the shuttle system during our stay. Our main goal was to do the Narrows. We had been to Zion in the last year and did a majority of the other hikes, but we weren't able to get up the narrows very far on that occasion.
cobblecrazy
Adventurer
ujointclothing said:
Already home... Going through some of the pictures right now to post.
cobblecrazy
Adventurer
Here are a few more pics of the narrows
cobblecrazy
Adventurer
We left Zion through the east gate on Highway 9, on our way to Lake Powell/Page, Arizona. Highway 9 intersects with Highway 89, and basically follows a small canyon down to Kanab. Just prior to the intersection of 89 and Alt 89, on the left, is a cool little mountaineering/backcountry shop. It has an espresso/coffee portion that kept my wife occupied while I looked around. A good collection of books on the area and backcountry.
We found a book called "Backcountry Adventures: Utah" (ISBN-10: 1-930193-27-0) which is kind of like the Milepost, but deals with all the backcountry roads. It has the routes broken down in sections along with GPS coordinates. There was one for Arizona as well.
We drove into Wahweap campground and found a nice spot overlooking Lake Powell. The next morning proved to have some good views.
We found a book called "Backcountry Adventures: Utah" (ISBN-10: 1-930193-27-0) which is kind of like the Milepost, but deals with all the backcountry roads. It has the routes broken down in sections along with GPS coordinates. There was one for Arizona as well.
We drove into Wahweap campground and found a nice spot overlooking Lake Powell. The next morning proved to have some good views.
cobblecrazy
Adventurer
Well, after a few days of taramac, it was finally time to get the van a little dirty. We had several choices out of Wahweap. Neither of us had been to Grand Staircase/Escalante N.M. so any way would be an experience. The closest were Cottonwood Canyon Road, Hole in the Rock, or Smoky Mountain Road. We decided to go out Cottonwood.
About 17 miles west of Wahweap is the turnoff.
Some of the landscape in the initial portion was a little barren, but the rock formations were interesting as the road went on.
The road makes its way along the rolling terrain for several miles, then it goes into a canyon, and eventually travels along a river, before climing onto the plateau. The road is wide in most spots, with some short portions of washboard, but, overall, a great road through the backcountry.
About 17 miles west of Wahweap is the turnoff.
Some of the landscape in the initial portion was a little barren, but the rock formations were interesting as the road went on.
The road makes its way along the rolling terrain for several miles, then it goes into a canyon, and eventually travels along a river, before climing onto the plateau. The road is wide in most spots, with some short portions of washboard, but, overall, a great road through the backcountry.
Last edited:
cobblecrazy
Adventurer
We stopped off at Grosvenor Arch. It was about a mile off of Cottonwood Canyon road. I was a little suprised to find the concrete walkway to the arch, but it was nice and quiet, and I always like the look of the high desert.
benedmonson
Disabled Adventurer
cobblecrazy said:
Great shots and sounds like you guys covered some ground. I'm dyeing to order our sportsmobile, we travel with several in mexico every year! As for Escalante Natl. monument my wife and I are heading there for a 4 day trip this week any information is appreciated. We have never been there and need another shake down cruise before leaving for 6 weeks on Baja.
Cheers,
cobblecrazy
Adventurer
benedmonson said:
That book I referenced earlier is a great addition (Backcountry Adventures: Utah). I forgot to put the link to the website that sells it. www.4wdbooks.com I didn't get a chance to look through the Arizona one, but I'm sure its just as good. There are a few pictures of each road under each description, a mile to mile breakdown (w/scenic info), then a narrative description of the roadway.
I thought the Wahweap campground was a great basecamp. If you get back late and don't feel like firing up the stove, there were several restaurants at the main lodge, and Page, Arizona, is only a few minutes away. The campground didn't have very many people, but we were there Sunday through Thursday so I don't know about the weekend.
There were so many things to do around there those few days only wetted our appetite to go back.
cobblecrazy
Adventurer
Sorry for the delay in finishing this trip off, but work seems to get in the way.
After spending some time at the arch, we bounced down the road a few more miles. Just where the pavement begins, is the turnoff to Kodachrome Basin State Park. Unfortunately our National Parks Pass didn't cover the fee to get in the park, but it wasn't that expensive, and the views were worthwile (sorry, I can't find the pics at this point). I can see the reason for the name. The campground is nestled away in the canyon, with quite a few nice spots, and, most important to my wife, showers...
We epxlored some of the trails around the area. Once again the Sportsmobile became an object of conversation. We met a couple who were lamenting getting rid of their camper van which apparently logged quite a few miles before going off to a new owner.
A few miles past the State Park was the intersection of Cottonwood Canyon Road and Utah Highway 12. Not much there, other than a gas station and mini mart. A short jaunt down the road to Escalante found us at a RV park/Restaurant/Backcountry supply store (I forgot to write down the name). The store had some good supplies, but mostly clothing for the backcountry. After a GREAT pizza, it was time to cruise on down the road once again.
After spending some time at the arch, we bounced down the road a few more miles. Just where the pavement begins, is the turnoff to Kodachrome Basin State Park. Unfortunately our National Parks Pass didn't cover the fee to get in the park, but it wasn't that expensive, and the views were worthwile (sorry, I can't find the pics at this point). I can see the reason for the name. The campground is nestled away in the canyon, with quite a few nice spots, and, most important to my wife, showers...
We epxlored some of the trails around the area. Once again the Sportsmobile became an object of conversation. We met a couple who were lamenting getting rid of their camper van which apparently logged quite a few miles before going off to a new owner.
A few miles past the State Park was the intersection of Cottonwood Canyon Road and Utah Highway 12. Not much there, other than a gas station and mini mart. A short jaunt down the road to Escalante found us at a RV park/Restaurant/Backcountry supply store (I forgot to write down the name). The store had some good supplies, but mostly clothing for the backcountry. After a GREAT pizza, it was time to cruise on down the road once again.
Last edited: