Hello,

Spring break is coming up, and I need some time alone in the wilderness, and am not trying to do any mountaineering, most likely. Anyone know any good extended multi-day backpacking trips in the SW? I've done a few of the common ones. I've been to Dark Canyon, have walked the Arizona Trail, Canyonlands, Bryce, Zion, Painted Desert, and Bisti. Can anyone suggest anything awesome outside of those places?

I like Coyote Gulch in southern Utah. It's not super long, you can shoot through it in a day, but it can be extended if you want to head up some side canyons and explore. I've done it a few times and I've never regretted it. Gorgeous, just gorgeous scenery.

As mentioned above, the Escalante area is spectacular. Coyote Gulch will be crowded spring break, but if you don't mind that, it's highly scenic. There are many other great backpacks in the area too.

Outside Escalante, Robbers Roost Canyon and the surrounding canyons (i.e. Larry), Twin Corral Box Canyon or Sams Mesa Box Canyon are all great ones in the Robbers Roost Country.

Navajo Mountain area, Cedar Mesa, etc. area all great areas as well.

Try the Non-Technical Canyon Hiking Guide to the Colorado Plateau book for many other ideas.

Will do. I'll look for that book at the library. I'm trying to avoid permits, as many of them may already be gone, I dislike paying extra money for wilderness, or setting defined dates. I'm definitely looking for few people rather than many. But I don't want to go back to Dark Canyon.

Oh, and if anyone did want to do some mountaineering while I make my way to Utah, that would be cool too. Short stuff though, I need some extended wilderness in my spring break that is relatively warm.

Have you ever tried Sedona? It's pretty cool to get in step with the New Age phenomenon this time of the year ..

Rainbow Bridge via N and S Rainbow trails. Leave your car down near Rainbow Lodge ruins with a Navajo and see if they can shuttle you to Cha Canyon TH for a few $. I out and back the South Rainbow trail over 3 days one March. I seriously doubt you'll see anyone. Get a permit from the Navajo Tribal office. See Kelseys book mentioned by Scott. Wonderful place and remote.