This guide is written for EXPERIENCED, OFF-TRAIL, desert and canyon country hikers. Do not attempt these hikes unless you are qualified. It could be your life.
To be qualified you need survival skills and more. Step off the trail and you are on your own. There will be no trail take you back home. No one will wander past if you are hurt, thirsty or lost. Experienced people carry extra food, water and clothing. Extra gear carried will vary with the individual but should include a knife, compass, waterproof wrapped matches, flashlight, first aid kit, and binoculars. If you do not want to carry the extra weight, do not go off-trail. Know how to use the compass. Know how to orient from visible land marks. Know how to walk. If you laugh at that one you probably do not know how.
Off-trail hiking requires far more energy per mile than does trail hiking. The chances of twisting an ankle or knee are much greater off-trail than on. An off-trail hike listed as EASY may be much harder than a trail labeled as STRENUOUS. Example: The Golden Throne trail is listed as STRENUOUS. The off-trail hike to George is listed as MODERATE. The catch is that the George hike includes all of the Golden Throne trail and much much more.
IMPORTANT Everyone in a group should be keeping track of the route. Certainly, more than one person should keep track. If the leader were injured someone would have to go for help. That someone needs to know how to get back. Recommendation! ALWAYS return the way you came. In many places off trail hikers plan circle trips or loops. The terrain in Capitol Reef National Park does not lend itself to that very often. Many times I have looked at a potential route from above or below and thought - That shouldn't be any problem - then found this little 20' cliff or 10' stretch of slick rock too steep to cross. I would encourage anyone following routes in this book to explore on their own and try different routes, BUT, do so only when you have enough time, water, and energy to retrace your entire described route.
One cardinal rule of off trail hiking is, NEVER jump, slide or in any way go down something you can't get back up. You could end up trapped.
In a similar vein, exposed areas are much more scary (and difficult) coming down than going up. Anytime you are climbing exposed rock be sure you would be able to get back down safely.
Always be in control, know what you are doing and where you are.
Getting to your destination can be incredibly easy. If your destination is to walk up a canyon you just go until you get to the end of the canyon. or choose to turn around. If your destination is a peak, arch, meadow, spring, or such, you may need to be able to follow directions fairly well. Just take your time and read ahead so you will know what to look for. It is a puzzle. Enjoy!
You will find no mention of petroglyphs, petrified wood, rare plants or other protected items in this book. Where ever you find them, observe, enjoy, photograph and leave them just as you found them.
The Red lines try to follow trails if they exist in the routes (within reason due to the limit of the maps they are drawn on.) ATVs are illegal in Capitol Reef National Park. Please do not follow ATV tracks on foot. It will help to perpetuate them.
Please read 'HOW TO USE THIS BOOK'.
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23June2017
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