Road trip to the Southwest: We're on!

OK, the trip is on. If you RSVP'd for the "Tentative" trip, you will need to re-RSVP on this Meetup and pay the fee to be registered. Based on the response to the "Tentative" listing, this hike will likely fill up, so please RSVP as soon as you know you will be coming.

For more details, see
http://trampleasure.net/lee/index.php/1090

Hikes:

We will have three full days of hikes, and some shorter ones on travel days. Hikes will probably be in the 5-8 mile range , not too strenuous but not lazy strolls either.

Hikes include:

• Tour of Great Basin National Park in Eastern Nevada (one hour). We have two tours reserved, 20 people each. They are different tours, not just different times. Everyone will be ensured one cave tour, if we get more than 20 participants, those who sign up first will have priority for two tours.

• One day in Canyonlands (near Moab)

• One day in Arches (near Moab)

• One day at the Grand Canyon (some may go down into the canyon if weather/ice on trails permits, but we will not be able to reach the river and return in one day).

The days will generally be split into two hikes with lunch and maybe a short drive between them--if someone isn't up for the second one, they are not required to go. Any 8 mile days will likely be split into two parts, or offer an "easy return" if folks don't want to hike that far. I think the bottom line is that we're not doing death marches, but we're also not just doing short strolls. If eight miles seems a bit long for you, I encourage you to come anyway and know that you'll have a way out if you find you can't make it.

Camping: This is a camping trip. Some of the campsites are rustic, with just pit toilets, where we will need to bring water with us for cooking and washing. That being said, we are driving between campsites, so you won't be carrying all your equipment on your back. The rustic nature and potential low temperatures suggest that if you are not an experienced camper, this is probably not a good trip for you. Everyone is responsible for their own camping and cooking gear, although some folks may share (leave notes in the comment section if you wish to share equipment).

Kids: Kids who are up for the hikes are welcome. There are probably eight-year-olds who can handle it, as well as teenagers who can't. You are responsible for staying with your kids at all times.

Dogs: Sorry, but dogs are not welcome. Some of the parks don't allow them, and I've had bad experiences with dogs on hikes in the past, so please leave Fido/Fifi at home.

Weather: There is no way to know what the weather will be like. Be prepared for nights that may dip down to near/below freezing. In the off-chance that a week or so before we are to leave, there are tremendous storms forecast that are likely to close roads and/or make our camping miserable, the trip may be cancelled.

Contact information: Everyone who attends will be required to provide their cell phone number, an emergency contact person with phone, and the make/model/license of their car.

Carpool/vanpool: Leave a comment below if you would like to carpool with someone. We have a vanpool arranged (https://www.meetup.com/SF-Bay-Area-Geology-Hiking/events/228311342/), but it is filling up. It doesn't look like there is enough demand for a second van, but if it fills up and folks leave comments that they are looking for a vanpool ride, it may be able to be arranged.

Disclaimer: This trip is not being lead by professional trip leaders. We have experience, but the price you are paying clearly demonstrates that your expectations should match the low fee (about $8/day). All standard Meetup liability releases apply to this trip as well. We will do our best to keep you safe and return you in one piece, but we take no financial responsibility.

More details can be found on the linked document.