Fatpacking

In the remote Utah backcountry, lies a magical world of canyons, mesas, and buttes called Canyonlands National Park We will be backpacking one of the finest and most prisine sections of this colorful park called The Maze. The Maze is challenging, so this trip is not for the sedentary. However with the challenge comes great rewards like the Chocolate Drops, the Nature Scene, the Doll House, the Beehive Arch, and various other natural arches and natural bridges, not to mention some desert cottontails, mule deer and bighorn sheep.

As the winter dies down, why not celebrate the arrival of spring and get a jump on your summer fitness by joining this trip?

The Canyonlands National Park Fatpacking Trip will be from April 10-18, 2010. Here is the proposed itinerary.

Our trek begins and ends with a Jet Boat ride on the Green River to Spanish Bottom. From there, we'll hike along beautiful canyons and the occasional four wheel drive road.

The trails through Canyonlands National Park can be both steep and difficult to maneuver. Many of the trails are sandy and after rains, the rocks can be very slick. Despite these challenges, our mileage will be kept below 10 miles per day, often on well marked trails and occasionally 4x4 roads. In April, the days are rapidly getting longer, which means longer days to enjoy the deserts and the sunsets. Still, this trip is rated 4 stars difficulty, but it's also 4 stars of views and enjoyment.

Weather is always an important concern when hiking. Expect daytime hiking temperatures in the 70s and nighttime temperatures in the 40s. However, be prepared for the possibility of day temperatures as high as 90 and as low as 30, with an occasional chance of rainfall and on rare occasion, snowfall. Here is the historical April weather Be prepared with lots of sun protection and water containers that add up to 6 liters of capacity.

Steve Silberberg, who lives in Hull, MA has many years of backpacking experience over a variety of terrains and guides most Fatpacking trips. He is a SOLO certified Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Trainer, and Certified Food Handler.

2nd Guide TBD

Here is a list of equipment we suggest you bring. The list is extensive and can seem daunting, but please don't let this deter you from the trip. You can rent top notch quality gear for reasonable prices from Lower Gear. It may also be possible for us to provide some gear for you at a nominal fee if you let us know far ahead of the trip. Unfortunately, we're not in the gear business so the selection of our available inventory is unpredictable. Please feel free to discuss any gear with us before the trip.

We don't believe in austere eating regimens. Backpacking is a rigorous, rewarding activity. You must feed your body in order for it perform. Your body will dictate that you eat often, so it's important to have fuel to feed it. Please check out the sample menus. This list is not comprehensive and may be altered or augmented. If you want to bring personal food, say a 5 pound chocolate cake, go for it. You'll not only hate carrying it over 40 miles through the Utah wilderness, your body will reject the empty calories and prefer nutritious food.

$1150 per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a room with another participant during the 2 hotel nights. You will also be responsible for transportation to and from Moab (CNY), personal equipment and any restaurant meals eaten off the trail.

Covered expenses include 2 hotel nights, Round Trip Jet Boat Rides, campground fees, 7 days of trail meals, ground transportation, National Park permits, insurance, and 2 awesome guides.

Important Note