Island in the Sky

The name "Island in the sky" is not merely a poetic description; it is more a realistic metaphor about a large high mesa that practically floats among the clouds. It is one of the higher "steps" in the geologic formation that is part of the "Grand Staircase". This spacious land mass in the north part of Canyonlands Nat'l park is more of a playground for hawks and ravens linked only by a thin corridor of highway known as "the neck". As one explores this ethereal and secluded area, the most spectacular views introduce themselves in an ever changing cloak of weather. Mesa Arch literally hangs on the edge of a shear 1,500ft cliff as it frames an uninterrupted view of over 50 miles to the south west. Bordered by the LaSal, Abahoe, and Henry Mountains, this magnificent vista includes 

          Hosted by:

Sept 21st - 23rd  2001

This is the last car camping trip of the season and as always, will be our annual Awards Banquet with a potluck dinner on Saturday night.  This is for sure to be full of Randyisms and fun antics. Who will get that coveted QueasenArt with myriad attachments!

Directions - (see map)

We will leave notice at the Island in the Sky Visitor's center explaining which campsite we are occupying.  Rainbow wind socks will mark our site.

CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK is wild, remote, inhospitable, and terribly beautiful. It is home to an immense expanse of deep orange-red canyons and a wonderful array of superlative red rock formations. In addition to being a feast for the eyes, it provides great opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, 4wd adventuring, and white water rafting.

Canyonlands is effectively split into three distinct "districts" by the Colorado and Green rivers. Since there are no bridges across the rivers in the park, one must drive great distances to visit more than one area. Canyonlands should therefore be thought of as three distinct parks -- the Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze. Each offers the visitor something a bit different. View Area Map

The Confluence of the Green and Colorado rivers, Arches Nat'l Park, The Maze district of Canyonlands, The Needles of Canyonlands, Horseshoes Canyon, and distant points beyond. Luckily there are railings to keep the visitor from gazing too far into the vastness of this unique place. At night, The white Rim formation skirts the entire mesa in a fringe of moonlit lace marking the boundary of yet another thousand foot drop off farther below. Silent sentinels of stone pillars guard the lower canyons in places that only the boldest of raptures dare to fly. The Mesa is high enough to file off the lower edge of winter storms and summer squalls. But when the days are clear, a person finds themselves awe struck as nature demands of them the silent attention necessary to comprehend one of the greatest geologic and scenic wonders of the world. These words fall far short of the mark in describing this cumulous friendly environment. A person must see this palace of red and blue to understand; they must feel this rock fortress to gain knowledge, they must walk its paths -but not too far- to enjoy its spirit. We invite you to come with us as we once again travel to one of Utah's' most beautiful "southern gardens".
         

Canyonlands has two frontcountry campgrounds. Both campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Vault toilets, picnic tables, and grills are provided. Campgrounds typically fill up daily from late March through June and again from early September to mid October.

  12 sites
  No water
  Although the campsite is $5 per night per site, the LHC treasurer will collect  $5 per person for both nights.  This fee ensures we get the sites we need and helps cover other club costs throughout the year. 
  Group size limit of 10 people and 2 vehicles per site
  First come first served

Regulations 

Willow Flat Campground, 7.5 mi/ 12 km south of the visitor center, provides twelve sites and is open year round. The 1 mi/1.6 km access road is unpaved. Sites are primitive, offering tables, fire grills and vault toilets. No water is available in the district and visitors must bring all their own wood as collecting wood in the park is prohibited. Sites are first come, first sewed, and accommodate vehicles up to 35 feet long. Maximum group size is ten people, with a limit of two vehicles per group. Maximum length of stay is seven days.

http://www.utahparks.com/national/canyonlands/island.html

http://www.desertusa.com/canyon/du_can_todosky.html

http://www.so-utah.com/archcany/deadisle/homepage.html

Register for this trip online or call Randy at (801) 532-8447 to register over the phone.

Benefits of registering:

1. We know who and how many people to expect at our site.

2. We know how many sites to reserve.

3. We can help with carpooling and/or gear sharing.

4. We can contact you if there are any changes to the plans.

5. We can solicit your help if someone else needs a ride or gear.

Please read our code of conduct to ensure everyone has the same idea of what the LHC is about and how we all are expected to behave as a group..