So, as I hinted on a previous post we're still planning a trip into Denver in May, but instead of a Rocky Mt. climb based on advice and warnings given here, our destinations are unknown. However, on the list are possible visits to Island in the Sky, The Needles, and Moab. We would also like to be somewhat free spirited and understand general locations that offer scenic BLM camping.

Our general route will take us from Denver west through Grand Junction, south along 191 to Monticello, and then east on 160 back towards Denver. The route is by no means firm, but seems feasible over the course of 8 days with some time to explore.

We plan to rent a 4WD vehicle so that mild off-road excursions are an option. Mountain biking in Slick Rock, Moab, is also on the tentative list. Backpacking and tent camping is preferred in remote, scenic locations with vistas. We will no doubt do some day hikes, and we'd prefer to avoid the need for permits unless there's a good chance of easily acquiring one the afternoon before the night we plan to use it.

We'd love to hear some tips you might have from places to stay to attractions we must see.

Thanks in advance for the help!

Fred

Hi Fred!
I would tend to agree with Topshot regarding the Lost Creek Wilderness, at least if you're talking late May. But moving on, the Moab area is a great choice! May could be pretty warm depending on when in May you're planning to be there. April and October seem to be the most popular times in Moab.
Have you ever been there before, Fred?

The needles district is pretty awesome. I love canyonlands but it gets a little crowded. The needles is probably one of the prettier parts of Canyonlands. There isnt a lot of great backpacking in Moab because most of the trails allow Mnt bikers. There is one trail that has a pretty arch and only allows hikers. The Spot is called Negro Bill Canyon. You can actually do a loop. You would need to study the maps. There are a few other canyons connecting. If you want to get remote look at The Grandstaircase down Hole in the Rock road. The Neon Canyon/ Choprock Canyon are pretty awesome. You will be hiking down into the Escalante River Canyon which is also impressive. Also the Boulder mail trail to Death Hollow Loop. Super remote and impressive. Trachyte Creek area is pretty and very remote. Look at Lower Maidenwater Canyon. Also on the west side of Canyonlands is Horeshoe Canyon and Blue John canyons. ( where John Ralston cut his arm off) This area doesnt get a lot of people. Mostly serious Canyoneering people. I have spent years exploring southern Utah

Yes, I was there once in what amounted to a flyby. We did a day hike to Druid Arch which was impressive, and we spent a day wandering around Arches NP. I need to spend some serious time there based on our experience, but it wasn't in the cards the week we were out there in 2014.

I'm "Google Earthing" these locations now and will try to find the locations mentioned.

Question: Are any there any remote spots you would recommend that would allow us to get out of the car, set up a tent and build a fire for the night? We plan to lix up our time with some car camping as well as backpack trips into backcountry areas.

Thanks again for your help,

Fred

PS: No Neon or Choprock Canyons on Google Earth. Will search online. Found them online!

What can you tell me about the Cathedral Valley loop? This looks like a prefect truck camping destination, at least from my chair, albeit far at 67 miles from the Rt 24 entrance to the Rt 24 exit farther south.

It's a very different place!
I have not done any remote camping there but have heard a few things about it. Remote can be very remote in Canyonlands. I believe there are campsites like you're looking for but I don't know about a fire. I do know that you'd have to bring the wood, cause there ain't none out there.

When I camped there, it was along the Colorado River, in one of the BLM CGs, NE of Moab. They've all been recently revamped and are pretty nice, but none of them have water.
While there we hiked in Arches, Negro Bill Canyon, as toddfw2003 mentioned, and also Corona Arch. All were good hikes though Arches was very crowded!

Don't know about Capitol Reef, only experience I've had there was a drive-by.

The BLM has lots of CGs scattered about, I'd suggest checking with them and Canyonlands about your specific requirements unless someone here has some better info for you.

Good luck, hope your plan comes together!
Bill

Most of the BLM land you can camp and build a fire anywhere

Neon Canyon 37.607160, -111.167722
Chop rock canyon 37.627647, -111.179866

I have not hiked Catherdral Valley. I think it is in Coral reef or north of it. I think that is where they filmed Westworld. Mualey twist is nice in Coral reef. Most of Utah is BLM land. You can camp and build a fire just about anywheres