Comments on: 7 Great Southwest Backpacking Trips for Beginners

By: Michael Lanza

Michael Lanza — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 23:24:26 +0000

Hi Kevin,

Thanks for that really nice comment, I appreciate it and I’m delighted you find my blog so helpful. You’ve certainly ticked off some great hikes so far! Have fun in the Maze.

By: Kevin Tate

Kevin Tate — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 18:51:10 +0000

Thanks for all the helpful articles, gear reviews, and gorgeous photos. They’ve inspired and helped guide me and my daughter on several successful backpacking trips, including the Grand Canyon’s Escalante Route, the Trans-Zion route solo, Joshua Tree, and now heading to the Maze District at the end of March. We’re already plotting ahead for a trip to the Sawtooth Wilderness. I probably never would have explored some of these places or routes without learning about the trips on your site. The well-laid-out e-guides and detailed articles have given us that extra confidence to go for it.

By: John Kelly

John Kelly — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 17:49:34 +0000

For someone from the Great White North discovering the myriad hiking and backpacking opportunities in the Southwest is like stumbling into a really high quality chocolate shop. My wife and four friends recently spent six days backpacking in the Grand Canyon including South Kaibab, Clear Creek and Bright Angel. Except for our group leader it was our first time. To begin knowing and truly appreciating the Canyon requires spending time in the Canyon. But I fear too many people will love it to death.

Over the past three years my wife and I have also explored Bryce, Cedar Breaks, Zion, Coyote Gulch and a few other parts of Grand Staircase Escalante, Canyonlands, and experienced a sublime five day raft trip on the Yampa River.

I love the many hiking and backpacking opportunities we enjoy in British Columbia especially but for most years by mid-October through June the conditions are not the most conducive and enjoyable for backpacking. The US Southwest extends our backpacking opportunities and there is so much to enjoy.

But we must all do everything in our power to protect and preserve these special areas for our children and grandchildren.

By: Michael Lanza

Michael Lanza — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 00:39:12 +0000

In reply to Bret Edge. Thanks, Bret. I know you've explored all over the Southwest. Now you'll have to put Coyote Gulch on your to-do list.

By: Bret Edge

Bret Edge — Wed, 18 Apr 2018 22:16:02 +0000

I’ve hiked in all of these locations except Coyote Gulch and can attest to their immense beauty, ruggedness and solitude. My very first backpacking trip was in the Grand Canyon, and nearly everything that could go wrong, did, but it was a pivotal point in my life. My love for wild places was largely inspired by that Canyon trip. Thanks for sharing these amazing trips!