Canyonlands NP - The Maze (Spring 2012)

“So since I had to postpone this trip until next spring, I figured I would put it up now to give anyone with an interest ample time to consider going. There arent many details yet, but basically:

The dates are flexible, but it would be in early April

6 nights in the Maze district of Canyonlands. About 8-10 miles of packing a day and countless optional miles of dayhikes and exploring in between

We would be dropped off by chartered jetboat at a cost of $100 per person.

Water in the spring should not be too much of an issue - there should be flowing springs all a days hike from one another.

Im thinking that, though the route may change, 6 nights will give us enough time to see a pretty large portion of the Maze.

I have more details for those who are interested... feel free to post here or ask me via email.”

“Looking like the trip's gonna happen at the end of April through the beginning of May. Got the jetboat booked, and the permit request is in the mail. Now to just hope my flakey brother and buddy in the army can make it.”

“Bring us back lots of pictures! I wish I could go.”

“I actually priced the airfare for this one. This is a trip my wife and I have wanted to do for a long time. I don't think I can swing it tho...”

“Permits and jet boat reservations are made. Time off requests approved and wives consoled. Now it's just a matter of making the next two months pass as quickly as possible.

Also, apparently backpacker magazine rated the maze as the most dangerous hike in America (here: http://www.thebackpacker.com/trailtalk/thread/56571.php)

At first this set my heart a-flutter, but the article as a whole seems to be complete crap. Here are the reasons why the Maze is the most dangerous hike:

1: It's easy to get lost (in the maze? I never would've guessed. Maybe I oughta bring those maps and gps after all...)
2: Scarcity of water (shucks, if only I had all the flowing springs mapped out and verified with rangers)
3: It's hot (in July - there may even still be snow in patches when I go)

Having been on several of the other "most dangerous hikes" and found them relatively easy compared to other trails I've been on (Bright Angel trail is on this friggin list - give me a break), I have to dismiss the article as a whole.”

“I'm such a wuss if I don't go on this hike.”

“well, it is the most dangerous hike in America - you'd be safer climbing Denali or tramping through the grizzly fields of Montana apparently.

Nah, actually, if you do indeed want to go, I'll just need a definite yay or nay by, say, the end of February - to get you added to the permit and the boat reservation. So far it's just me, Frank, and my brother going”

“One person couldn't get time off... so it's just me and my brother. Before I cancel the jetboat reservation for the 3rd, anybody interested in the seat?”

“I can't believe I'm turning down this trip and a chance to hike the JMT. I'm such a loser! There's just not enough time.”

“oh, JMT??? Nah, that trumps all. Enjoy!

something tells me, I'll be doing this Maze trip again in the future - if it's half as great as I'm expecting it to be”

“I wish...”

“Get back to me in 18 years...”

“hell, if you can get there (or near there... I could pick up from Burbank, Vegas or Grand Junction), the rest is pretty much covered. You'd need $50 for the boat ride, and your own food/gear”

“so what are the dates for this?”

“4/29 to 5/4. I'm looking to add a day to it (I figure 6 nights is ideal for the route I'm looking at), but that's all gonna depend on the jetboat folks' availability.

It looks like I've got the extra seat filled, but I don't think there'd be a problem adding another if you wanna go. I can send you more details if you're interested.”

“I was considering but can't make it. have a great time!”

“If the dates were pushed back just a little I would so be down for this... perfect graduation gift. Unfortunately it's right around my final exams.”

“yeah, and the permit and reservations have been set up for awhile - so no moving dates. I have a feeling I'll be coming back again in the next year or so...”

“crap crap crap - trip might be in jeopardy. I broke 2 ribs in my hockey game yesterday morning. We'll see how well I mend up in the next couple weeks but there's no way I'd feel okay throwing a pack on and tromping around the desert for a week if these things are still hurting me”

“dude!”

“I flat out asked the doc - she said I should be okay to go if I'm really careful with them until the trip (IE no setbacks). I threw on a pack yesterday and it felt alright - but one of the straps seems to be going right over the area where the breaks are - i can't imagine that will still feel alright after 15 miles of hiking. I wonder if I can do something to tweak the pack and move the strap over some”

“pain's more or less gone, except for a dull ache. I went jogging yesterday and the heavy breathing didn't cause any extra pain. I also got the trip bumped back a week... so at this point, I'm 100% going. Woohoo!!!”

“Sweet. Enjoy. I am jealous.”

“Ditto, jealous. Glad you're feeling better.”

“Pepsi! Are you heading in on this Sunday?

We are going to be in Green River this weekend.”

“Just got out of the maze safe and sound. Pics and tr in the next couple days whenever I get a chance”

“Awright! One of these days I have to talk myself into that trip. Looking forward to the TR.”

“here's the pics (if you haven't seen them on the FB side)... trip report whenever I get to it (probably Monday when I'm back to work)

http://community.webshots.com/album/582751722kRLaza”

“very nice pix peps! thanks for posting them. I luv that country there.”