Utah Backpacking: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

Coyote Gulch: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

About Coyote Gulch

Overview

Get a glimpse of what Glen Canyon was like before being flooded by Lake Powell. Highlights include beautiful, naturally carved stream beds, impressive waterfalls, deep overhangs, alcoves and naturally formed bridges and arches. This hike offers incredible diversity and breathtaking sights as you ascend out of the canyon and across stretches of iconic Utah slick rock. With nights spent under the stars in the gorgeous Utah backcountry, it will be one for the books! This trip is operated by the Wildland Trekking Company, an authorized guide company in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

 

For Camping Itineraries, please note, this is a participatory camping trip, where all travelers will assist in setting up camp and cooking meals. Guides will teach you the best methods for quick set up and take down of tents and will lead the cooking, providing clear instructions and oversight. If you’ve never set up camp or cooked outdoors before, this is the perfect opportunity to learn under expert supervision!

 

Closest Major City: St. George, Utah

Trail Mileage: 26 miles, 42 km

Pack Weight: 25-35 pounds

Time Zone: Mountain Daylight Time (GMT -6)

Emergency Number: 911

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Packing List

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Training Ideas

If you have access to hiking trails and a schedule to accommodate it begin walking and hiking in hilly/steep terrain. Nothing prepares you for a backpacking trip better than the activity itself!

Try to get out at least 3 days a week. Start with short hikes (1-hour in length) with a light daypack. From week to week build the length and difficulty of your hikes and gradually increase your pack weight until you’re comfortably able to hike 6-8 hours a day carrying the weight you’ll have on your trip (refer to your trip packet for exact pack weight).

It is ideal to begin your training at least 12 weeks prior to your trip. Also, be sure to use the boots you’ll have on your trip to break them in. The following is how a moderate program may look:

  • First week of training
     
    • Tuesday: one-hour hike with a daypack
    • Thursday: one-hour hike with a daypack
    • Sunday: 2-hour hike with a daypack
  • Two weeks before the trip
     
    • Monday: 3.5-hour hike with a 20-pound pack
    • Wednesday: 2-hour hike with a 20- pound daypack
    • Thursday: 3.5-hour hike with a 20-pound pack
    • Sunday: 7-hour hike with the weight you’ll have on your trip

 

There are many other activities that are easily incorporated into your daily life to build your overall fitness. Cross-training is also important to strengthen opposing muscle groups and it helps to avoid over-use injuries.

 

Supplemental training ideas include:

 

  • Climb the stairs at your office, house, park, or neighborhood with a backpack. Stair climbing is a fantastic way to simulate backpacking in hilly or steep terrain.
  • Bike to work or when running errands. Bike around town or on country roads outside of your town/city. Cycling is a great way to build endurance and strength in your legs.
  • Gym activities include step aerobics, treadmill, bicycling, or elliptical trainers to name a few. A modest weight training program focusing on the muscles that support the ankles, knees, back, and shoulders is also beneficial.
  • Swimming is a great way to build endurance and cardiovascular fitness and is easy on the joints.
  • Walk to work instead of driving. Run your errands by walking and carrying your groceries home in a backpack.
  • Yoga and/or Pilates classes can build strength throughout your body while also improving your flexibility.
  • Intramural sports.
  • Jogging is another option, however, if you are not a regular runner it can easily lead to injuries that backpacking may then exacerbate. Undertake a jogging routine with care.

Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

Guides USD $20-25 per person/per day
Drivers USD $3-4 per person/per day

 

FAQ

Will I get access to water that is safe to drink? Water sources for this backpacking trip will include filtering water from perennial streams along the route. The Wildland Trekking guide carries the resources to properly and safely filter natural water sources for the group. Guests must bring capacity for water, either in hydration bladders (recommended) or water bottles that equal up to 3-4 liters.

 

What is the disposal process for waste? All trash and solid waste will be packed out, including human waste. Wildland Trekking Guides will supply the resources and training for this on day one. Solid human waste will be carried out by way of wag bags.

 

Do you recommend travel insurance? While not required, we highly recommend all Travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, worldnomads.com or from a provider of your choice.

 

Do you provide any gear? We provide top-of-the-line backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, trekking poles, stoves, cookware, bowls, cups and utensils. All our guides carry company-issued first aid kits, satellite phones (for emergencies only) and epinephrine kits (for allergic emergencies).

 

What about food? We provide a diversity of foods containing the necessary nutrition for sustained energy output. Meals are made from staples that travel well in the backcountry - rice, pasta, lentils, beans, couscous, oatmeal, granola, etc. Meals are also supplemented with trail foods such as crackers, cheese, granola, energy bars, fresh and/or dried fruit, and energy drink mixes.

We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher, and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. In addition to your personal belongings, you will be responsible for carrying a portion of the food.

 

Important note: It’s critical that you include your dietary needs in your Traveler form - it’s too late once you’ve arrived!

 

What tents will we be using? Typically, tents will be 1 or 2-person camping tents, single occupancy. 

 

Will I have access to Wifi? No, take this time to unplug and enjoy nature and the adventure with your fellow Travelers. 

 

What facilities are available? Please be aware that not all campsites have shower facilities. If that is the case, your Guide will take the group to a place to shower. Please have cash or spare change on hand as you may need to purchase shower tokens.

Luggage Restrictions

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