Help Needed - Southwest Utah Backpacking

[dejoha]

My wonderful wife has agreed to go on a backpacking trip in March (we would go together more often, but arranging for babysitting kids is tricky). We have family in St. George (southwest Utah) who can help us out during spring break (mid-March).

I've been given a few parameters and I'm in need of help to find a good match.

* Warm(ish) weather (tricky in March)
* Little elevation gain
* Three-day backpacking trip
* Southwest Utah
* Trees (for hammocks!)
* Low crowds (if possible)

I'm shying away from Zions because of possible crowds, but that is a possibility, especially for little-known trails.

I found one hike that I've done portions of -- the Red Mountain Traverse over Snow Canyon.

Please help if you can!

[BillyBob58]

Escalante (sp?) might be relatively warm, and spectacular, but I don't know if trees will be available enough. I don't think crowds will be a problem.

[dejoha]

I've been considering the Grand Staircase/Escalante -- I hear Coyote Gulch is a great canyon for backpacking -- lots of arches and following a stream.

[Sarae]

The Arizona Backpacking Club is heading to Coyote Gulch the last weekend of March. Just letting you know so you can avoid us if you want

[samjaynes]

Kolob Canyon, Cedar Breaks, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Arches for the major areas - March... nights will still be pretty cold, I have been snowed on it June before.

Granted there are hidden ghosttowns, etc, throughout S. Utah.

Enjoy!

[runningfromseptember]

Coyote Gulch is an amazing hike, but be warned, there aren't a lot of trees to hang from. There are some, but i would take a pad with. Bryce's has tons of nice places. Also, quite close to st george (ivins), is snow canyon s.p. And as stated before, it will probably still be cold at night around here. At least down to low 50's more likely mid 30's. Hope i'm not too late!