Off-Trail Backpacking at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Details
-Eastern Time Zone-
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This is a 2 nights/3 days backpacking that involves about 70-80% intense off-trail hiking and backcountry camping. I plan on starting around 6 AM on Saturday(Sept 1st) and finishing before 3 PM on Monday(Sept 3rd). We will be exploring the Twin Arches State Natural Area. There are more than 25 features(arches, rock formations and falls combined) that I know of in that area. 20 of these are offtrail and I already checked out 3 off-trail arches when I was there on July 1st. So will focus on the other features both trail and off-trail. Remember that it is nearly impossible to find or get to all these features on this trip but the goal is to locate as many as possible. Day 1 and 2 will be all day hiking and Day 3 will more like half day. Daily mileage may vary anywhere between 10-20 miles and I usually don’t setup camp until 7 PM or later so expect to be on foot for more than 12 hours/day for first two days.
Here is the official map set: The area I plan on exploring during this trip is located in sheet 4 and 6. https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/upload/Map-Set.pdf
Only 3 more spots available to limit the impact on nature. You should have significant off-trail backpacking experience and know how to navigate on your own in case of emergency. We will be hiking in very rugged terrain with lots of steep traverses with some exposed scrambling. To RSVP or to contact me for more information, please message me on meetup. If you haven’t contacted me for approval, you will stay on waitlist for few days before getting removed from waitlist.
Some arches and natural features from my last trip in the area https://photos.app.goo.gl/55hAaq6qGt1uvDGd8
Standard Notice:
Meetup organizers/leaders are not guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being. By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other outdoor activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. The organizers of this group and current and former members can not be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant - including you - at any event. All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests. By signing up for this event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer, and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group.
Please adhere to all LNT principle and general group(hike) etiquette.
No campfires on my trips and here are BSF's backcountry regulations.
https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/backcountry-hiking-and-camping.htm