Planning a Thanksgiving week trip (9dys) to towards Utah

[JoeH]

65F in Sedona today

[GrumpyBadger]

North Rim of Grand Canyon is closed in winter, as is Cedar Breaks National Monument. Bryce and Zion stay open, as do Arches, Canyonlands, Escalante Natl Mon and Capitol Reef NP. I'm pretty sure Goblin Valley State Park stays open too, but you'd need to double check. The roads up high above Lake Powell might be squirrelly if they have snow. Bryce and the Grand Canyon could get snow anytime but that is when they are their most amazing! Same with Canyonlands. The elevations can be deceiving, so be prepared for snow.

Also a caution... if you've not been in the back country (sorry, if you already know) in Utah be VERY CAREFUL of places with bentonite clay on the back / dirt roads - if that stuff gets a little wet from rain or snow you could be stuck for days until it dries out (it gets like grease). Not much around those parts to hook a winch to. Make sure you take the time to inquire about current and local conditions if you get off the pavement.

Hope that's useful info...

[Pschitt]

Originally Posted by REF

Brrr! Our plans to head to Moab/Canyonlands might be squashed by some rather cold temps slated for the area and a sizable storm hitting colorado's higher elevations, they're calling for over a foot of snow with high winds over the mountain passes this sat eve. into sun, does not make for ideal driving conditions. Looks like the temps in Moab are 20 or below at night with daytime temps between 45-50 for the week, with snow forecasted for this sun morn. we'll see....in the meantime, looking at other drive to location options to get into some warmer weather before we start ski season around here. Arizona....Texas?

I'm actually in Moab area and weather is great for mountain biking. A little cold during nights but really pleasant during the day. And trails are empty, it's just great. Would be glad to do some MB if we can meet there.

[Gooseberry]

I'm on the gooseberry about 3/4 of a mile past the white/south rim trail head and parking lot.

[Gooseberry]

Come on up and get away from the campground. I have steaks and veggies along with fresh baked chocolate chip cookies.

You go to the white rim trail head ( stay left at the main parking lot. ) you will need to open a cattle gate and head on in. I have lots I room

[REF]

Not that I think we're going to make it, but just to be clear for others and myself, Gooseberry-I'm assuming you're near Zion on the gooseberry Mesa, not the gooseberry that's in Canyonlands on the white rim in Moab.

[Gooseberry]

Yep did a great few rides and one great one with the trail master Morgan.

[Gooseberry]

Yes on the mesa by Zion