Canyonlands in winter?

[skrivan]

Anybody been to the Canyonlands National Park in February? I was thinking about driving the white rim trail if it's open. thanks....joe

 

[saline]

It can be hit or miss in Feb. As long as it is cold(below freezing) and not wet enough to be muddy the area would be fine. The soil around here and Canyonlands area is like buttered duck poo when wet and is not conducive to travel of any sorts. We regularly make day trips over to the Moab/Canyonlands area during nice spells this time of year and it's beautiful with no crowds at all.
More weather expected in the next few days there.

 

[pjpvi]

Sort of on-topic ....

I put in a reservation request for first week of May that spaced out three nights in a counter clockwise direction and was shocked when I got the call saying none of my campsites were available and I should have made the reservation 4-6 months ago. I didn't have a clue it would book up so far in advance. The campgrounds are all by reservation and my understanding is that you have to stay in a campground (no just pulling off anywhere and camping).

The guy that called was very nice and spent quite a bit of time on the phone coming up with the best itinerary he could. He recommended checking the day before we show up and when we check in to see if there are cancellations we can grab. Should be a great trip anyway, but we may be doing the mad dash around the bulk of the loop in one day.

I'm so ready to go now! I'm overdue for a walkabout!

Phil

 

[daveb-SMB]

We regularly make day trips over to the Moab/Canyonlands area during nice spells this time of year and it's beautiful with no crowds at all.
More weather expected in the next few days there.

What's the earliest time to visit where the temperature is in the 70’s or less but still dry enough to get around? I don’t mind mid 80’s during the day but I really hate hot days and prefer it to be cool. I was there in June and it got really hot.
Dave

 

[neeemo]

I have reservations for the first week in March. If the weather holds, it should be fun. Right now, I understand, the road is closed to "full-size" rigs due to a boulder blocking the road. Since my '02 EB makes my house look small, I assume full size means me. Hopefully they'll get it cleared in time. If it rains however, I won't even try.

Tom

 

[daveb-SMB]

Tom how long did it take you to get your reservations?

 

[saline]

daveb,
Spring is a crapshoot, some incredible days but it does get windy when fronts come through. Late March, April,May is usually very nice but there are more people around. I have been in a foot of fresh snow in the La Sal mtns in May. Can be quite interesting.

 

[neeemo]

Tom how long did it take you to get your reservations?

I made them in early December. I got my first choice of campsites.
Just download the application form and send it in with $30. http://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/reservations.htm

Tom

 

[bitburger]

Don't forget the many BLM campgrounds. There isn't dumping or water but they are a place to stay.
Personally, I like them more than the commercial RV places within Moab but that is an individual choice issue.

Of the BLM campgrounds we went through, most were small and rudimentary (and inexpensive).

http://www.discovermoab.com/campgrounds_blm.htm