Touring - canyonlands maze district

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jabantik00
09-22-08, 11:43 PM
spent a few days there about 15 years ago. rented a sport ute and drove out to chimney rock and doll house and did day hikes out of the campsites there. freaking unbelievable part of the world. i would like to return someday. i am wondering if anyone has ridden in the maze district as a part of their tours and what their thoughts are about including this area as a part of a trip.

arctos
09-23-08, 12:12 PM
Excellent guide book from early 1990's
Hiking Biking and Exploring Canyonlands NP and vicinity by Michael R. Kelsey ISBN # 944510-08-6
Wasatch Book Distribution 1-800-786-6715 (for orders)- [I do not know if the number is current or working. I took it from my copy of the book.]
eofelis
09-23-08, 09:17 PM
I was in the Maze District in March 2007. I was with a group in 4wd trucks. We drove from the Hite area north to the Golden Stairs and Maze Overlook. (The Flint Trail was still snowed in). Up high, near the Golden Stairs we could see the landscape and roads far below us. I saw a 4wd vehicle following some folks on mtn bikes, heading into the Doll House area.

We hiked into Ernie's Country, and into the Maze to see the Harvest Scene. It was pretty awesome.

In March 2008 I did a 5 day backpack into the Needles District: Salt Creek Canyon, Horse Canyon, Angel Arch. Fantastic.

I did these trips with a college class: Geology of the Canyon Country.

As far a bike touring in these National Park Service areas, you need to secure permits ($) and make sure you get to designated camp spots each night. It might be tricky if you are going self-supported. Easier if sagged with a 4wd truck.

There are many equally spectacular places around there on public lands (BLM, etc). You could ride any roads and camp whereever you wanted, for free.