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)
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.
After finishing our loop hike, we headed to Arches National Park to enjoy the sunset at the Windows Arch Trail.
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.
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.
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!
Well new hiking friend, I just know our paths will cross again. You make me laugh and bring out the crazy in me. Just remember to say, “Not yet!” and all things will be right with the world.
The colors and photos are outstanding.
Thank you Janet. Some on the photos were taken with a gopro. I think the wide angle is a new twist.
Great photos!!!
🙂
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.
I know. Right? Seriously, we were amongst the famous. 🙂 You my dear hiker friend was the big treat. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, enthusiasm, and light. I look forward to hiking with you again, indeed.
You had quite the after trip. Nice.
I’m still trippin’ LOL I’m with Will and Janet in Durango now. How lucky am I?
Wow, absolutely amazing photos. The sky is so blue and the rocks contrasting the sky. Awesome.
Hard to go wrong in such interesting terrain. There is lots more to explore and enjoy. Canyonlands is a huge gem.
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.
Will and his wife Janet are so knowledgable about the land, routes, and of course gear. It was fun getting to know them. We were very lucky to have such an organized trip leader.
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. 🙂
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!!!
Sony went down in Scotland with all the moisture. It cost almost as much to buy a new camera. I have been using my Lumix LX5 that has issues from multiple drops. Yes I took the photos with it on Auto. So frustrating!
Miss you also. Hope to hike with you soon!
Dang!! Im looking at a lumix as well!! Will let tou know.. Will be in your area soon!
Would love to see you.
Rockin!!! Yes! Whats your schedule?
What are the dates you think you will be in DV?
Eureka dunes monday nite… Its all we know!!!!
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
Oh that looks FUN !!! Glad you are out and about
ARRRRROWWWWWW! Glad you are here on the comments. We need to backpack Canyonlands. Open, remote, and breathtaking! Two drawbacks: must camp in designated campsites and use a WAG bag to poop.
Very nice photographs. Well done.
Thank you! Hard to go wrong in such gorgeous territory with beautiful hiker trash.
Wow, awesome photos! Looks like a great time!
Thank you Drew. I want to go back and explore more.
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
It was a great experience hiking with some of the GG ambassadors.
Good observation. I tried to frame the shots without the cairns. Yes, there are cairns spaced out along the sandstone areas.
Looks like such fun!
It was! The company and beauty can’t be beat.
I see familiar faces from other blogs i follow too. Must of been so great! Hopefully one day i’ll join you lot on a beautiful hike! 🙂