Gossamer Gear Ambassador Adventure

I want to see what’s on the other side of the hill — then what’s beyond that.
~Emma ‘Grandma’ Gatewood, at age 67 first woman to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail (1955)

Peekaboo Trail - Canyonlands
Peekaboo Trail – Canyonlands

Last weekend I traveled to Moab, Utah to spend the weekend hiking with fellow Gossamer Gear Trail Ambassadors. Initially, I have to say I was just a tad bit nervous meeting up with hikers that I had only read about in magazines and online articles.  Just a few minutes after meeting everyone, I knew it was going to be a fabulous weekend.

Will Rietveld planned and led beautiful and fun off-trail day hikes for the group. The weekend weather was cold at night, but perfect during the day. Excellent hiking conditions.

Day 1: Culvert – Goldbar Canyon Loop/Jeep Arch

Trip Date: January 17, 2015
Distance: 7.5 miles
Elevation gain: 1750 feet
Season: Spring, Fall, and Winter
Difficulty: Moderate with some route finding
Link to Trail Head and Detailed Guide: Hiking and Walking- Culvert Canyon/Jeep Arch

The group headed out sporting a variety of favorite Gossamer Gear packs. We hiked, we talked gear, and shared upcoming trips and experiences.  It was super informative and inspirational.

This weekend I used my Gossamer Gear Type 2 Utility daypack. This all season versatile pack is perfect for all types of day hikes. I especially love the fit, material, and pockets.

The loop trip lead up a scenic slick-rock canyon to a jeep shaped arch, then to expansive views of the La Sal Mountains.

Beginning of Culvert Canyon Trail
Beginning of Culvert Canyon Trail
Culvert Canyon
Culvert Canyon

 

Jeep Arch
Jeep Arch
Sirena, Beekeeper, Bearclaw,Trinity, Allison, Rambling Hemlock, Rockin', and Snorkle
The ladies in Jeep Arch

 

La Sal Mountains
La Sal Mountains

 

After finishing our loop hike, we headed to Arches National Park to enjoy the sunset at the Windows Arch Trail.

 

Guthook, Sirena, and Allison at Windows in Arches National Park
Guthook, Sirena, and Allison at Windows in Arches National Park
Guthook at Turret Arch
Turret Arch

 

Day 2: Peekaboo Trail – Canyonlands National Park

Trip Date: January 18, 2015
Distance: 10 miles
Elevation gain: 1200 feet
Season: Spring and Fall
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous with some rock scrambling and route finding
Link to Trail Head and Detailed Guide: ProTrails Peekaboo Trail

I looked forward to visiting the Needles District of the park and the area did not disappoint. The terrain was gorgeous with expansive views, physically challenging, and very remote. This is a perfect area for a nice spring backpack.

The Peekaboo Trail is well-marked and diverse, but during the winter shaded rocks hold slick ice. After encountering a long icy ledge, the group decided to take an alternate route. The route maneuvered up and around ledges, a small canyon, small water pools, and breathtaking overlooks.

At the day’s end everyone met for a delicious dinner at The Moab Brewery.

Grant and Glen - Peekaboo Trail in Canyonlands National Park
Grant and Glen – Peekaboo Trail in Canyonlands National Park

 

Jabba and Allison Peekaboo Trail
Jabba and Allison Peekaboo Trail
Open views
Open views

 

Guthook and Disco - Detour off Peekaboo
Detouring off the Peekaboo
Bobcat, Jersey, Snorkle, Glen
Slickrock

 

I am so thankful to Gossamer Gear for making this weekend possible and for this hiking community. It is packed full of such interesting, giving, incredibly smart and driven folks.

Look for an upcoming blog post on new gear and food tips I learned from the experts.

Interested in more trip ideas in this area? Check out: Delicate Arch ~ A New Perspective and Destination…Moab, Utah.

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36 Comments

  1. It was wonderful meeting and hiking with you in Moab, Rockin’!!! Sure enjoyed our conversations, and hope to see you again out on the trail someday!

  2. The colors and photos are outstanding.

  3. Great photos!!!

  4. It was indeed such a fantastic opportunity to meet and network with an incredible group of like minded individuals and see some beautiful country. One of my highlights was meeting you! Can’t wait to share some miles and lots of smiles.

  5. Wow, absolutely amazing photos. The sky is so blue and the rocks contrasting the sky. Awesome.

  6. That Wil must have been in heaven on that first hike! Really like that Jeep Arch photo; I’ve got red-rock fever after five visits to Sedona. Can’t get enough.

  7. Hey Rockin’: So glad you got to experience even a little of Canyonlands. The Needles is my soul healing place in March and October… The campground is gorgeous–Usually I eschew the campgrounds, but love the sun in mornings and sunset in evenings from loop A. I hope you can get back there an enjoy immersion… Hike The Joint…. it’s my favorite trail. Maybe we could meet there sometime! Take care, I’m glad that you are representing Gossamer Gear. You are a good example for all of us.

    • Well hello Yellowstone. You confirmed exactly what my impression was!!!! It is magical. I am going back. Thank you for the tips. Winter is definitely not the time to backpack there. It is very dangerous in the shade. The combination of sandstone and thin ice is deadly. Now wouldn’t that be cool if we could meet… Have you already done your Death Valley trip? Did I already miss it? Keep me posted. I would so drive. 🙂

  8. sooooo much fun!!!!! did you take photos? still have your sony??? i miss you my friend and would love to see you and your amazing energy!!!

  9. Drooling! Beautiful photos as always.

    • Why thank you!!! Yep broke down and bought a spankin’ new Lumix LX7 with a Toshiba wifi card and of course the snazzy little automatic lens cover. IT SHOULD BE HERE TOMORROW. Oh that means I had better start planning a trip for this weekend. :0

  10. Oh that looks FUN !!! Glad you are out and about

  11. Very nice photographs. Well done.

  12. Wow, awesome photos! Looks like a great time!

  13. What a beautiful region! The team looked like they were enjoying themselves.
    Question: I saw no cairns or markers when you traveled across the sandstone surfaces how were you able to stay within the trails parameters?
    Always look forward to your posts

  14. Looks like such fun!

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