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Western Regional Oct 11-15 Activities

avking

SM 2003
Full Member
Joined
Jan 2, 2003
Messages
1,297
Location
Buellton, CA
This first post in the thread is where all planned group activities will be listed. Check it frequently. Now, we need to start coming up with ideas for stuff to do, and when to do it. Post away.
 
Ok, I will start. We have 3 full days and the last day (travel day) to play with. More if you are staying for Moab, but I will start on just the first days.

Sunday the 12th
We could go as a group to Bryce National Park. Once we arrive, we could break down into smaller groups based on what people want to do. Serious hikers, easy hikers, etc.. Head back to the resort at your own speed. No sense in trying to heard everyone at the same time for the return trip.

Sunday the 12th
How about a group dinner. We have several kitchens and BBQs to work with. If the weather is nice, we eat outside around a fire. Instead of a potluck, we get several people to volunteer to cook, and we all kick in $10 or $15 to buy the food. Money can be kicked in once we arrive. Just an idea.

Every Morning
How about group breakfasts? We have done this in my camper club. A different family, or more than one, takes responsibility for a particluar morning. Sets up a little self serve buffet of easy breakfast foods. Everyone kicks in a few $ to cover the food cost. The volunteer for the day just has to get up a few minutes early to start the cooking. Yes, no, maybe?

Monday the 13th
Drive as a group to Zion. Same as Bryce when we arrive. Meet back early enough for ATVs. Paintball, Horses, etc. Small group dinners. Nothing organized in advance, just what we come up with onsite. Maybe everyone who wants goes to the restaurant in the hotel at a certain time. We could reserve onsite.

Now, we can do a trip to Grand Canyon on Tuesday, or it can be done Wednesday, on the way home. Then Tuesday can go to other activities. Those going to Moab head to Moab Wednesday morning. Those going home, stop at Grand Canyon on the way.

So, these are my first thoughts. PLEASE, tell us what you think and what you have in mind. Thanks.
 
I'M GOOD WITH ALL THE IDEAS. ALTHOUGH I THINK ZION, GRAND CANYON, AND BRYCE IN THAT ORDER. BRYCE THE LAST DAY THAT WILL SAVE US THE EXTRA DRIVE BACK PRIOR TO MOVING ON TO MOAB. JUST A THOUGHT.
 
I like all of the ideas. It sounds like a good time for all.

HIKR is right hitting Bryce on the way to Moab will save an the extra drive back. If I remember correctly, and someone please correct me if I'm wrong, Moab is about 2 1/2 - 3 hours from where we are staying. So in adding another 2 hours each way to the Grand Canyon, we'll be a bit tired that night.
 
You are both right. Bryce should be done on the way to Moab. Moab is about 4 to 5 hours from the resort we are staying. That should put it 3 or so hours from Bryce.

So we have two equally good options.

#1 We split into 2 groups on Wednesday. Group 1 going to Moab does Bryce. Group 2 going home does Grand Canyon. We fill the other days with parks closer to the resort. This would work for me. Each group would be missing out on 1 park, but there are plenty of parks to fill the gap.

#2 We do Grand Canyon Tuesday as a group. On Wednesday, those going home just go straight home. Those going to Moab go to Moab via Bryce. This option will mean those going home Wednesday don't do Bryce.

Or, many other options exist. These are just my ideas. What are yours?
 
There are 3 main areas that everyone wants to hit... Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyon, and we have 3 1/2 days or so....

The big draw with Bryce is seeing it either at sun rise or sun set. That is when the colors really come out. If you have never seen it at this time, it's worth getting up early or fighting the mosquitos at dusk to see it.

The big draw with Zion is hiking through there or taking the bus up to the lodge. You can only drive through the park or park at the visitors center. Zion really is not that big. We could see it on the way to the hotel on the 11th.

That would give 3 days to hit Bryce, the Grand Canyon, and anything else we want to do.

I'll see if I can find some shots of all 3 areas.
 
Who else would be interested in some pay for activities. Cindy is letting me borrow all the brochures she has, and I see Hummer tours, Rafting, Kayaking, ATVs, Jet Boats, Paint Ball, Horseback riding or Guided Tours. Private tour guides are also available. We could hire a guide and we all follow in our AVs. Some are 2WD some are 4WD. I like the idea of a guided 4WD tour. All 2WD owners could share rides with 4WD owners and the tour guide. 4x4 would not be the purpose of the trip, just needed to get to the cool places we can go. Prices are all over the board for the long list of activities, but expect to pay $75 to $200 per person for most of them.

Speak up. We WANT/NEED your input.
 
avking said:
Who else would be interested in some pay for activities. Cindy is letting me borrow all the brochures she has, and I see Hummer tours, Rafting, Kayaking, ATVs, Jet Boats, Paint Ball, Horseback riding or Guided Tours. Private tour guides are also available. We could hire a guide and we all follow in our AVs. Some are 2WD some are 4WD. I like the idea of a guided 4WD tour. All 2WD owners could share rides with 4WD owners and the tour guide. 4x4 would not be the purpose of the trip, just needed to get to the cool places we can go. Prices are all over the board for the long list of activities, but expect to pay $75 to $200 per person for most of them.

Speak up. We WANT/NEED your input.

It all sound great, with 1 exception. I do not ride horses. I have an agreement with the species in general:

I will look at them, compliment them, pet them, give them sugar cubes or even carrots, but I will not ride them. For their part of the agreement is the will not throw me in the mud. ;D

I am open for just about anything else though.
 
avking said:
Who else would be interested in some pay for activities. Cindy is letting me borrow all the brochures she has, and I see Hummer tours, Rafting, Kayaking, ATVs, Jet Boats, Paint Ball, Horseback riding or Guided Tours. Private tour guides are also available. We could hire a guide and we all follow in our AVs. Some are 2WD some are 4WD. I like the idea of a guided 4WD tour. All 2WD owners could share rides with 4WD owners and the tour guide. 4x4 would not be the purpose of the trip, just needed to get to the cool places we can go. Prices are all over the board for the long list of activities, but expect to pay $75 to $200 per person for most of them.

EVERYTHING! Woo Hoo! I'm particularily interested in Paint Ball, ATVs,4WD,Hummer and kayaking.

One thing... If we carpool, then the number of 4WD may be limited. (And I'd like to learn more about 4WD, so perhaps I should drive instead of carpool, but I'm flexible.)

Not to toot my own interests- but here goes- who wants to go mountain biking in Moab? There are plenty of rental places... Com'mon! MTBJoe is coming, and I think we should get Robert and other active people to go! It'll be fun!

-Ed
 
I will bike downhill only, and not the famous "Slick Rock." I will probably bring my Trek MB, so I don't have to rent.

I agree about car pooling. If you don't mind the drive, you should do it. I only brought it up as an option to save some people some short term and long term $$$. Also, for drivers who are solo, like me, the drive would be more bearable with a companion. BUT, if you want to 4x4 and be a driver, you should bring your own rig for sure.

I will find and lead a minimum of 1 offoad trail. I will be looking on maps and the www for a good fireroad we can do. The offroading in Moab is VERY hard core, and not usually the kind I like. It is a lot of rock climbing, off camber, steep approach and departure stuff. A little to hard core for me and the AV, mostly because it is so far from home. Give me a TJ trail vehicle, no problem, but not the AV. To high $$$ risk for me. BUT, I am doing "Lions Back" for sure. Might even have t-shirts made for the occasion. Or a pressure bandage. Not sure which yet. >:D

Paint ball sounds fun for me. I am somewhat of a "ringer" and will show the other team what "Airborne & Air Assualt" means. ;)

teksavy said:
EVERYTHING! Woo Hoo! I'm particularily interested in Paint Ball, ATVs,4WD,Hummer and kayaking.

One thing... If we carpool, then the number of 4WD may be limited. (And I'd like to learn more about 4WD, so perhaps I should drive instead of carpool, but I'm flexible.)

Not to toot my own interests- but here goes- who wants to go mountain biking in Moab? There are plenty of rental places... Com'mon! MTBJoe is coming, and I think we should get Robert and other active people to go! It'll be fun!

-Ed
 
Since a couple people expressed interest in paint balling, I want to get a count of who is willing to play? Usually, to take over a field you are going to need 12 to 16 players.

Avking- Do you have a number for the field? I'll give them a call and get pricing, and find the info needed to get this going.

Hopefully we'll get enough interest to take over the field. For those that have never played paint ball.... It is a blast. Running around ambushing and shooting your friends. all while you are trying to not get shot. It's kind of like tag on steriods. >:D
 
Lockout said:
Since a couple people expressed interest in paint balling, I want to get a count of who is willing to play? Usually, to take over a field you are going to need 12 to 16 players.

Avking- Do you have a number for the field? I'll give them a call and get pricing, and find the info needed to get this going.

Hopefully we'll get enough interest to take over the field. For those that have never played paint ball.... It is a blast. Running around ambushing and shooting your friends. all while you are trying to not get shot. It's kind of like tag on steriods. >:D

I think it is just paintball in the forest behind the resort. You can call the resort for details. The number is in the lodging thread. Thanks.
 
avking said:
You are both right. Bryce should be done on the way to Moab. Moab is about 4 to 5 hours from the resort we are staying. That should put it 3 or so hours from Bryce.

So we have two equally good options.

#1 We split into 2 groups on Wednesday. Group 1 going to Moab does Bryce. Group 2 going home does Grand Canyon. We fill the other days with parks closer to the resort. This would work for me. Each group would be missing out on 1 park, but there are plenty of parks to fill the gap.

#2 We do Grand Canyon Tuesday as a group. On Wednesday, those going home just go straight home. Those going to Moab go to Moab via Bryce. This option will mean those going home Wednesday don't do Bryce.

Or, many other options exist. These are just my ideas. What are yours?





I like #1, but I don't mind listening to those who have been there before, I doubt I will be disapointed with any of the choices.
 
I am up for paint ball. And other the options sound fun also.
I'm up for the 4by option (I'll leave the wife behind, she kind of panicked on the big falls trip. Thats why we turned back :-X)

I don't mind pitching in for group meals or cooking.

Steve
 
Ok I just spoke with the resort, and they said that they do have a course laid out for paint balling. It's in the forrest where we use trees, and such for cover. The cost of the rental equipment is about $20 each, and they need to know about 1/2 hour before we decide to play to prep the gear. For the cost it includes the safety gear, gun rental, and about 100 paint balls. It's about another $6.00 for another 100 paint balls. If you have your own gear, they said that they can fill your CO2 tanks for you.

If enough of us decide to play, I will run out and get a box (either 500 or 1000) of paint balls. If I remember right it's about $30.00 for a box of paint balls, or at least last time I play that was the cost.
 
I AM INTERESTED IN HIKING THE NARROWS ON THIS TRIP, IS ANYONE ELSE INTERESTED? IS IS A TOUGH 16 MI. HIKE ONE WAY. #5 ON NATIONAL GEOGRAPHICS LIST OF TOP 100 ADVENTURES
 

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ANOTHER HIKE IS ANGELS LANDING, 4.4 MI. 1600 EL. THIS HIKE IS NOT FOR THOSE AFRAID OF HEIGHTS.
 

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ANOTHER POSSIBLE HIKE COULD BE PEAK A BOO CANYON / SPOOKY GULCH, MODERATE 3.5 MI. LOOP NEAR ESCALANTE. THIS WOULD NEED TO BE DONE ON THE WAY TO CANYONLANDS.
 

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CA_HIKR said:
ANOTHER HIKE IS ANGELS LANDING, 4.4 MI. 1600 EL. THIS HIKE IS NOT FOR THOSE AFRAID OF HEIGHTS.

You do need to be in shape for this hike. There are some steep areas, where they provide chains as hand hold. Recommend you wear gloves. I developed callous & a few blisters. If you ever done the climb to Half-Dome. This one is not to bad.
 
This is what the Canyon Country Website says about Angels Landing. I know it's way to strenuous for me.

The website is http://www.canyon-country.com/bryce/Zion_Hiking/zion_hiking.html

Angels Landing: 5 miles round trip. Location: Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Grotto Pinic Area. Strenuous. Long dropoffs and narrow trails. Not for anyone fearful of heights. Ends at summit high above Zion Canyon floor. last .05 mile follows a steep narrow ridge: chains have been added for safety.


It might be a little cold to hike the Narrows. When i was younger (and in better shape), I did this trail. You hike through water most of the time... go out and buy some aqua socks, and good hiking boots, that you don't care about getting soaked. It's a beutiful trail though, and the perfect hike during the summer... In October, I'll wave to you as you leave and welcome you when you get back >:D

Also the Canyon Country website has hikes through Bryce also.
 
RENORCR said:
You do need to be in shape for this hike. There are some steep areas, where they provide chains as hand hold. Recommend you wear gloves. I developed callous & a few blisters. If you ever done the climb to Half-Dome. This one is not to bad.

I HAVE DONE HALF DOME, AND I WANT TO DO ANGELS LANDING. ANY TAKERS? (EDWARD)....
 
Lockout said:
This is what the Canyon Country Website says about Angels Landing. I know it's way to strenuous for me.

The website is http://www.canyon-country.com/bryce/Zion_Hiking/zion_hiking.html

Angels Landing: 5 miles round trip. Location: Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Grotto Pinic Area. Strenuous. Long dropoffs and narrow trails. Not for anyone fearful of heights. Ends at summit high above Zion Canyon floor. last .05 mile follows a steep narrow ridge: chains have been added for safety.


It might be a little cold to hike the Narrows. When i was younger (and in better shape), I did this trail. You hike through water most of the time... go out and buy some aqua socks, and good hiking boots, that you don't care about getting soaked. It's a beutiful trail though, and the perfect hike during the summer... In October, I'll wave to you as you leave and welcome you when you get back >:D

Also the Canyon Country website has hikes through Bryce also.

COME ON JIM! YOU CAN BE MY GUIDE. YOU HAVE BEEN THERE. GET SOME GAITERS AND SHOW ME THE WAY. LOL.
 
When I did it... it was perfect. It was the middle of June... about 90 degrees outside, and the water was freezing.... I'll tell you what... If it's warm out, I'll consider it >:D
 
New member tonite. :D I've been reading forum for about three weeks. :2: O.K. I'm addicted already! I had to get in here and see about signing up for the trip to Utah. I plan to retire in Moab if I can. (about 100 more years of bills to catch up on first). How can I get in on this trip? I have a bone stock red Z71 (when I can get my wife out of it, guess I have to raise it enough so she can't get in). Planning a few clean mods and a lift with tires/wheels. $$$$$$ :7:$$$$$$
 
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