Hey all,
I am planning a trip into the Bluff, Canyonlands, Escalante area. I am bringing a friend with a Cub so range is a bit limited. Since Caveman Ranch is closed for constraction end of April regarding Rod Tangren, I am looking for a good place to set up a basecamp. Access to potable water would be great. Any ideas?
Thanks

Georg

Hey Georg,
Nokai Dome is a very cool spot. No water there, but very close to Halls Crossing, both fuel and water. Lots of firewood there as well.
The RAF shelter at Escalante is also a thought.
Tom

Thanks Tom,
Looked into it and it is realy a good idea!
I think we will do it that way!
Georg

There are a few options, what time of year are you thinking?
You may get some visitors!

I am planning end of April!

I was at happy canyon last April, it rained. The spring weather can change quickly there. Stop by G town on your way up.
Other fuel options for you are: Blanding and Escalante has just got new tanks put in.
I'd love to meet up with you out there somewhere.

I'll keep you posted. Depending on the weather we might postpone it a week or two.
Thanks for the tip!
Georg

The weather really starts to heat up around Moab in May. Most of the strips in the area do not offer any shade or relief from the heat so plan accordingly. The thermal activity can make life interesting late in the day and a rain shower is always a possibility.
April is a better bet if possible.

Georg - Huntington Airport is a good place to consider for a backcountry base camp as well. They are very backcounty pilot friendly and have fuel, pilots lounge with shower, courtesy car and a place to pitch a tent next to a fire ring. Huntington is close to several backountry airstrips including Mexican Mountain, Cedar Mountain and Hidden Splendor.

Thanks for all the tips, guys!
@ Jan, Huntington sounds really like a nice spot for a basecamp but the buddy I am bringing is not used to fly her Cub alone for trips like that. She flies the backcountry here in New Mexico pretty well but does not want to fly more than 4 hrs a day.
With the Bearhawk I can fly much faster but I promised to show her the backcountry in Utah so I have to fly slow too and it would take us two days just to get there! Maybe I'll do it in fall on my own!

Georg

Hey, Georg

1L7 has a nice pilot lounge with a shower, excellent campground and shelter with gas range, running water and electricity, even a microwave and fridge. Fuel tank is in, just waiting on the electrician. RAF is working on a courtesy car for us, but we may be able to work out a spear with some coordination.

Chris

https://www.backcountrypilot.org/forum/ ... -1l7-16156

Link with some pictures/updates

Thank you Chris!