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Hello from Iowa -- seeking suggestions for Zion (Utah) backpacking trip


BrianM
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Hi there. New to this forum. I get out pretty regularly on hiking, biking and canoe trips around Iowa, and once or twice a year on extended backpacking trips elsewhere in the country. I love geeking out researching new gear, and also writing about and photographing the outdoors. I teach some outdoor classes for the local University and write a column for the local newspaper called Iowa Explorer. Check it out: https://twitter.com/hashtag/iowaexplorer

I'm also here looking for suggestions for a multiday backpacking trip at Zion NP in March. I'm organizing a group trip for 8-11 mostly beginning level backpackers. Ideally we'd find a 20-30 mile loop over 3 or 4 days (8-10 miles per day), including a rest day where we could do a scenic day hike. Seeking suggestions/advice about trails and loops to check out, camping options, water supply in spring, and terrain. I'd also welcome other suggestions in the area. I was rejected for a permit request at Grand Canyon and went to Canyonlands a few years ago, so wanted to try something different. 

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  • 3 weeks later...

Use the reliable NPS individual NP sites to gather a better feel for    trails and loops to check out, camping options, water supply in spring, and terrain, etc.

 http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/weather-and-climate.htm

I've only done three hikes in Zion and never in March but I do like this hike for your party IF the weather is cooperating in March and you can arrange a shuttle: Main CG/Canyon Junction TH to Angels Landing to Lava Pt Overlook via the West Rim Tr to Wild Cat canyon TH. Upper elevations near 8k ft  has a profound affect on weather (SNOW) on that hike near Kolob Reservoir though. IF recent warmer weather stretches occur melting ice/snow accumulated at the highest elev result in high water/high H2O volume flows and/or flash flood risks.  Same IF  precipitation is in the forcast

http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/upload/Zion-Park-Map-Website.pdf

 

I would also consider  a Under The Rim Tr thru-hike at Bryce Canyon NP for your party with that shortened day eating a meal at the lodge and doing day hikes on Navajo/Peekaboo/ Fairyland Loops, and Queens Garden and  Rim Trails.  

http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/parkfees.htm

http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/upload/backcountrybrochure2009.pdf

http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/index.htm

Spring sunsets and a bit of shallow depth snow, perhaps even some light ice formations,  at both Bryce Canyon and Zion in cool temps and no crowds CAN BE ideal times for both these NPs in March. 

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