Utah - Arches or Canyonlands - Mid Sept - Need Advice

**hang em' high** · 08-10-2015, 08:30

My girlfriend and I are headed out to UT to visit some friends, we are planning to visit a few national parks while we are out there and we think it would be nice to spend a night in Arches or Canyonlands. I am looking for information from those that have camped there, specifically in hammocks. Are there any special requirements that we should look into before we get out there (permits and such) or will we be good to go and just string up in the campgrounds? Do they allow back country camping, are there trees or should I bring some rock anchors? We won't be backpacking since we don't have the capacity to take our packs out with us but we have enough room for the hammocks and quilts. Thanks!

~HEH

**pgibson** · 08-10-2015, 11:49

There are some scrub trees along the river in some of the campgrounds closer to Moab, but in the parks that only likely options are shade shelters + vehicle. Arches sits up on a plato above the river by several hundred feet and there are not a lot of trees....some here and there but by no means a forest. Canyon lands is even more sparse, the only trees I remember are in the bottoms of the washes which you really do not want to camp in...flash flood is a real danger. Portable stands would be the best bet in the parks but it sounds like your flying out so probably not a real option. Being national parks I don't think the rangers would take to well to using rock anchors to hang hammocks. I would not count on hanging in the parks but you could get creative at some of the campgrounds down river and pul off a couple hammocks.

**COMikeM** · 08-10-2015, 12:03

The Oak Grove hike in (sites 5-7 and about a 20ft 'hike') and Hal Canyon have trees on their camp sites. We were tent camping in Oak Grove on our honeymoon but pitched our DN without issue right next to it. All of the BLM sites on Hwy 128 are first come first served but if you get there in the early afternoon you should be able to snag one.

You can possibly find 2 trees to suit you at Granstaff but it doesn't have nearly the cover of Oak Grove.

**OutandBack** · 08-10-2015, 12:15

I take my tent what I visit Utah. I do have the hammock kit in the truck just in case but I never get my hopes up YMMV.

**sloanie** · 08-10-2015, 12:48

Also, if you don't already have a reservation, you may have trouble getting a site in the parks anyways-- should probably check their web site for availability quickly. (I've never done Canyonlands, so I'm not 100% sure if it's all reservation or not, but I believe Arches in-park campground is reservation only). As has been mentioned, though, there are other places around Moab you may be able to camp.

Whether you hang or not, enjoy the parks-- some great landscapes there!

(Just got into hanging this year, so I haven't been to Arches to even look for solutions lately.)

**webhanger** · 08-10-2015, 12:57

Like stated before the main park areas are pretty hard to hang in. Arches is not that big and back country isn't very back there. A marathoner cuold do most of Arches in a day. Creativity would be required with extra rope if you don't have stands.

Canyonlands about the same in island in the sky section. The needles and maze sections are much more remote. Plenty of backcountry with more options. Avoid being below the highwater mark no matter the season and weather. In slot canyons high water mark is not always assertainable. Camping in the parks are more restricted but the backcountry gives you options. Creativity in the desert really counts. I've managed to tie off over boulders and around trees and boulders anchoring in weird ways to make it work. Look up one tree options using a pole and extra line. The other thing that will give you problems is staking in sand. Natural anchor points tend to work best. Again creativity is key. Extra rope and nonpermanent climbing gear can come in handy. If it leaves no evidence that it was there you will be ok with it.

Whatever happens don't be deterred from making the trip it will be well worth it. Do some map and satellite studies plan ahead where you think hanging options exist and go for it. I seem to almost always find a way to hang when I go down that way. Some of my creative hanging techniques and troubles are mentioned in my trip report riding the storm out at goblin valley. If not helpful it will likely be entertaining.

Good luck take some great pictures and have fun

**hang em' high** · 08-11-2015, 06:35

That is about what I expected. I really appreciate the info from everyone. We are flying out and just spending a couple days in the parks before we head back up to SLC to hang out with some friends. We may not be able to camp but we are certainly going to get in a few days of day hikes in Arches, Canyonlands, and Moab.

~HEH

**cataraftgirl** · 08-11-2015, 07:07

You might also try Dead Horse Point. It's a state park with wonderful hikes & vistas. Same road as Canyonlands, but a different turnoff. The campsites have covered tables that might work for hammocks????? Getting a campsite at DHP or any of the parks will be tough, as most are reserved in advance.

**hang em' high** · 08-11-2015, 11:08

Originally Posted by cataraftgirl

You might also try Dead Horse Point. It's a state park with wonderful hikes & vistas. Same road as Canyonlands, but a different turnoff. The campsites have covered tables that might work for hammocks????? Getting a campsite at DHP or any of the parks will be tough, as most are reserved in advance.

I see you are in Sandy, that is actually our ultimate destination. We are flying in for a friends surprise birthday party and taking advantage of being out there anyways to get some hikes in.