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ОглавлениеHiking Utah’s Desert Parks
The unique landscapes of rock and sand, canyons and mesas that make up the high desert of the Colorado Plateau offer some of the finest, most remote and most awe-inspiring wilderness hiking in the nation. But to enjoy this magical country to the fullest, and to minimize your impact on the land—and the land’s potential impact on you—pretrip planning and an awareness of the special hazards involved in a desert trek are imperative.
Utah’s high-desert national parks are arid to semiarid, meaning that an average of 15 inches of moisture or less falls upon the landscape annually. Often an entire month’s share of precipitation may fall in a few hours or in a single day. Humidity is very low, and summer heat is intense. Daily temperature fluctuations of 30 to 50 degrees F. between daytime highs and nighttime lows are not uncommon. Surface water is scarce, and much of it is highly mineralized and not potable. Many trails are rugged, and some require the use of hands to scramble over steep slickrock—bare, smooth sandstone.
The trails in Utah’s national parks sample virtually every aspect of the park landscapes, from wooded mesas and forested plateaus to open desert flats, cliffs, and deep, cavernous defiles. Many trails follow canyon bottoms, where the hiker may encounter deep sand or be forced to wade through waist-deep waters or even swim across deep pools. Some trails are accessible only to the adventurous wilderness enthusiast with basic rock-climbing ability, while others can be trod by visitors who have never before set foot on a trail. Still other “trails” are mere routes over slickrock, marked only bycairns—small piles of rocks.
Hiking over slickrock can be a joy, but it is not without its hazards. Loosened sand grains can make slickrock somewhat slippery, but usually even steep slickrock provides good traction, except when wet. However, smooth sandstone when snow-covered is extremely treacherous and should be avoided.
Dedicated backcountry hikers use a park’s trails merely for access to the vast, untracked backcountry, where one reaps the rewards of self-reliance and perseverance, and enjoys solitude and the discovery of the desert’s hidden secrets—as well as self-discovery.
It is in these unfettered hinterlands that introspection is inescapable. A more humbling experience than a trek into the vast, untracked desert is hard to find in our modern world. As modern technology and urban sprawl creep into every corner of our lives, many of us seek the few remaining wild places where nature reigns and our daily troubles seem vastly unimportant.
A trip into Utah’s deserts is not a life-threatening survival situation, but one must be prepared to meet the challenges and to confront emergency situations if they arise. In most areas of the national parks in Utah, help is usually not far away. But in more remote areas, such as the Cathedral and Waterpocket districts in Capitol Reef, the North Fork Road in Zion, and the Maze District in Canyonlands, emergency assistance is distant. Proper planning and recognition of hazards and of one’s abilities are your best insurance for a safe and enjoyable outing.
Above all, hikers should try to minimize their impact on the fragile desert landscape.
Hiking Seasons
One can hike in the national parks in Utah during all seasons except in Bryce Canyon, where winter snowpack renders that park accessible only to the cross-country skier or the snowshoer. Many visitors take their vacations during summer, but summers in the Utah desert are very hot, so it is not the most desirable time to visit here, except in the high country of Bryce Canyon and parts of Zion, where summers are pleasantly warm. Hot summer conditions usually invade the Utah desert by mid-June, although in some years summer may begin earlier. Daily high temperatures of 90 to 100 degrees F. are common, with occasional spells of 110-degree F. heat. Nighttime lows typically dip to 60s or 70s, but areas with abundant slickrock continue to radiate heat long into the night. Usually by late July the thunderstorm, or monsoon, season begins, bringing the threat of heavy downpours, high winds, lightning, and flash floods. Some summers, however, are quite dry, while others are uncommonly wet, but thunderstorms usually begin to abate by mid-September.
Autumn is perhaps the most delightful season to visit the Utah desert. Daily maximum temperatures range from the 70s and 80s in September to the 40s and 50s in late November and December. Overnight lows are typically in the 20 to 50 degree F. range. Storms are possible, but usually of short duration. Autumn typically boasts some of the clearest, most stable weather of the year, but snow may begin to fall in October, and the possibility of snow increases as temperatures drop and Pacific storms become more vigorous by late November and December.
Although the chances of snowfall increase during winter, snow cover is generally light and rarely lasts more than a few days except in sheltered recesses. January and February are often the driest months of the year, with daytime highs ranging from the 20s to the 40s, and overnight lows ranging in the teens and 20s, rarely dipping below zero. But above 7000 feet, and particularly in the high country of Zion and Bryce, temperatures are much colder and snow-pack is often heavy.
Spring weather is typically more unstable than winter, with wide variations in temperatures and precipitation. March usually brings an onset of spring weather, but occasional Pacific storms bring winds, clouds, rain, and possibly snow as late as April. Most often, spring storms are characterized by showers, sometimes with sunny periods in between. But the weather is generally delightful during spring, with daytime highs averaging from the 50s to the 70s, and nighttime lows ranging from 30 to 50 degrees F.
In general, visitation to Utah’s national parks increases during spring, often reaching a peak around Memorial Day, slackening slightly during summer, and then increasing again around Labor Day. Bryce and Zion, however, continue to experience heavy use through the summer months.
Heat and Safety
Summer is a challenging season in which to hike in the Utah desert, and special precautions must be taken to avoid heat and water-related injuries. Any time of the year, however, the consumption of adequate water and electrolytes is crucial for a safe and enjoyable backcountry excursion.
Park literature tells visitors they must drink one gallon of water per day, regardless of the season. But seasoned desert rats know that summer hiking increases that requirement, and they drink at least six quarts of water per day to avoid dehydration. Remember the maxim, “Ration sweat, not water” when hiking in the desert, and drink often, not just when you feel thirsty, and particularly during meals and during the cooler hours.
During hot weather, rest 10 minutes every hour, and hike only in the morning hours before noon and in the late afternoon, after about 5 or 6 o’clock. During midday, find a shady niche, perhaps in an alcove or beneath an overhanging ledge, and rest until the heat begins to abate and the shadows fall.
As one exercises during the heat of a summer day, one increases the chance that the body may not effectively be able to maintain cooling and circulation. Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and in the worst case heat stroke may result. Your body expends an enormous amount of energy keeping you cool while hiking in hot weather. You will sweat about one-half to one quart or more of water and electrolytes every hour while hiking in the heat, but since desert air is so dry sweat may evaporate almost instantly, making its loss nearly imperceptible. Do not wait until you feel thirsty to start replacing these fluids and electrolytes; by the time you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated.
Your body can absorb only about one quart of fluid per hour, so drink one-half to one quart of water mixed with an electrolyte replacement every hour while hiking in the heat. Drinking too much liquid and not replacing electrolytes, however, can lead to a dangerous medical condition known as hyponatremia, or water intoxication, which, if left untreated, can result in seizures and possibly death. To help replace electrolytes, and to supply your body with adequate energy to keep you cool, it is critical that hikers eat well. During a long hike through desert heat you must eat a lot more food than you normally do (at least double your normal intake of calories), since you will be expending enormous amounts of energy. While hiking, eat small amounts of foods containing complex carbohydrates (breads, fruits, crackers, grains, no-fat energy bars, etc.). Avoid foods high in fats and proteins since these take longer to digest and may unsettle your stomach in the heat.
A moderate level of dehydration (fluid and electrolyte loss) can lead to heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Heat cramps usually develop in the arms and legs after exertion, causing painful muscle spasm. Heat exhaustion is more serious, and occurs as the body diverts blood away from internal organs to the skin so it can be cooled. Symptoms include cool and clammy skin, perhaps nausea and weakness, and rapid, shallow breathing. If you heed the warning signs, heat exhaustion need not be dangerous. As with heat cramps, immediately cease activity, rest or lie in the shade, loosen clothing, and drink water. If one must resume activity, one should begin slowly.
Heat stroke can result from a moderate to large loss of fluids and electrolytes, and is a serious medical emergency that can be fatal if not recognized and treated immediately. Heat stroke involves the temporary shutdown of sweat glands, so the body is unable to cool itself through evaporation. Though heat stroke is uncommon, learn to recognize the symptoms, which initially include hot, dry, flushed skin, dry mouth, headache, dizziness and nausea, followed by rapid, shallow breathing, muscular twitching, convulsions, and unconsciousness.
If heat stroke is suspected, one must rapidly cool the victim and seek medical attention immediately. Remove the victim’s clothing, and cool by immersion in water or by covering with wet cloths, while fanning continuously to help dissipate body heat. Massage the extremities gently to help increase blood flow and heat loss. These methods should be continued until medical assistance arrives or, if unavailable, until the victim begins to recover. Rest and care should be provided until the victim is feeling better, and physical activity should be resumed slowly.
Sunburn is possible at any time of the year, and hikers should take the appropriate precautions. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing that will reflect the heat. Though long pants and long-sleeved shirts are preferable and help reduce dehydration, many hikers wear shorts. Sunscreen is then a must. Wear a hat that will shade the eyes and ears, and use sunglasses to avoid the intense glare reflecting from slickrock. Avoid licking your lips if they are dry, as this will cause splitting, and instead apply lip balm.
Equipment for Desert Hiking
Many hikers are unsure of what type of footwear to use in the desert. Some hikers wear jogging shoes, and these offer no ankle support or protection from thorny plants. Rigid lug-sole boots don’t provide adequate traction on slickrock. Instead, consider wearing lightweight, breathable hiking boots. These offer ankle support and have a softer, more flexible sole for better traction. Carry lightweight shoes for wear around camp, giving your boots the opportunity to air out. For hikes that require much wading or frequent stream crossings where your feet will be constantly wet (such as in Zion Narrows, or along the lower Salt Creek Trail in the Needles District of Canyonlands), running shoes or sandals may seem like the best choice for footwear, but they are not. To provide adequate support and protection for your feet while hiking in wet conditions, consider wearing an older pair of boots, a pair you are willing to sacrifice to get you safely and comfortably through your trip.
Backpack stoves are a necessity on backcountry outings, as open fires are not allowed in Utah’s national parks. Even in the desert, it is advisable to carry raingear, as storms can happen at any time, and often develop unexpectedly. Most hikers carry a tent, for protection not only from storms but also from carnivorous insects. Sand flies, mosquitoes, and especially the tiny, black, gnatlike flies called midges constantly harass hikers from early spring through midsummer. Strong insect repellents, preferably a natural product, are effective against mosquitoes, and to a lesser extent provide protection against flesh-eating sand flies, but these products seem to have little effect on midges. The only product that deters midges for most people is a bath oil spray from Avon called Skin-so-Soft.
Most soils are shallow in Utah’s national parks, and sometimes backpackers have to pitch their tents on solid rock. Obviously, tent stakes are of little value on rocky sites; hence, free-standing tents are the answer.
Flash Floods
Many hiking routes are restricted to canyon bottoms, and whether one is simply hiking through a canyon or searching for a campsite, keep in mind the possibility of flash floods. Always camp above the high-water mark, indicated by water stains on canyon walls and debris washed from previous floods. Whenever hiking in a canyon, keep an eye out for escape routes to higher ground. Many canyons in the national parks gather their waters beyond park boundaries, so even during sunny weather in your location, a vigorous, isolated thunderstorm miles away could send a roiling wall of water down your canyon. If you hear an increasing roar up-canyon, signaling oncoming floodwaters, seek higher ground immediately, and do not attempt to outrun rushing waters; it cannot be done. Another rule of thumb in desert country is that one should never camp in a wash, regardless of the weather; heavy rains can develop suddenly and unexpectedly. Floodwaters in many washes typically subside in a few hours to 24 hours.
Backcountry Camping
When choosing a campsite, observe the regulations of the particular park you’re hiking in, maintaining minimum distances from roads, trails, and particularly water sources. Desert wildlife depends upon the few springs and streams for its survival, and if backpackers camp too close, some animals, particularly the shy bighorn sheep, will avoid the water sources. Choose a durable campsite, preferably on bare ground, or on needles and duff in a pinyon-and-juniper woodland. For various reasons this guide doesn’t attempt to direct hikers to specific campsites, except where backpackers are restricted to staying in designated sites; one reason is that potential camping areas are far too numerous to mention. Campsites are everywhere, on benches in the canyons, on mesa tops, or hidden in slickrock niches; just look for them and camp far away from others so as not to disrupt their solitude. Don’t camp near water, but instead tank up at a spring or a waterhole and move on to a dry camp.
Water Safety
In all Utah national parks, rangers and park literature recommend treatment of backcountry water sources. If you’re out for two or three days, you can carry water from a developed, potable source. Hikers who wish to avoid the added weight of extra water (one gallon = 8.33 pounds) and hikers planning a longer trek where water sources are known to exist along the route must treat their water. The old standby is to boil it for at least one minute. But then it takes a while for the water to cool enough to drink, and one must carry the extra weight of fuel. Iodine or disinfectant tablets may be used, but these are less effective than boiling, and they impart an unpleasant taste to water that usually already has a high mineral content and its own distinct flavor.
The best treatment is the use of one of the pump-type filters that are widely available at outdoor equipment stores. These not only filter out microscopic bacteria and protozoans, but they also remove natural and chemical impurities and much of the mineral taste. Remember always to treat suspected water not only for drinking but even for brushing your teeth. A collapsible bucket should be carried and used to allow silty water to settle before filtering. Filtering unsettled silty water will almost instantly clog a filter. Be sure to carry brushes or extra filter cartridges to keep your filter operational. Filters can and do break down, so it is wise to have a backup method of purifying water, such as iodine tablets.
Desert Hiking
Plan your trip in advance, including possible sidetrips, and study topographic maps. Leave your itinerary with a friend or relative, and have them notify the appropriate park office if you don’t return when expected. It is easy to get sidetracked into exploring hidden canyons and mesas in the Utah desert, but try to stick to your planned route. Careful study of the topographic map before and during your trip will keep you oriented and help you to avoid unnecessary confusion.
Hiking alone in the desert is unwise, but many people do it. If you hike alone, you must take great care not to become lost and to avoid situations which might result in injury. When hiking with a group, set the pace according to the slowest member, and stay together. Don’t exceed the limits of your capabilities or those of others in your group. Before climbing steep rock, ask yourself if you are making a wise decision. Don’t climb up anything that you may not be able to get back down, and vice versa.
Many hikers who visit Utah’s national parks return time and again to this wonderful, magical land, and some develop a desire to tread beyond established trails and explore the untracked backcountry. Some cross-country hiking requires rock-climbing skills and great determination, while other routes are simply a matter of reading the topographic map and setting the right course. At times a compass is necessary, but many routes are straightforward and require no special skills other than a good memory of the landscape and the ability to stay oriented. The land can look quite different when you are traveling in the opposite direction, and the seasoned hiker pays careful attention to the landmarks and frequently takes note of the trail behind, so it will be familiar upon returning.
Upper Courthouse Wash, La Sal Mountains
The geology of Utah’s national parks is highly variable, and each rock formation has its own unique characteristics. Hidden within the 40-foot contours of topographic maps are the intricacies of the landscape that one will observe only while on the ground. While knowledge of the geology is not necessary to enjoy the Utah desert, it is important to cross-country hikers when they plan their excursions. Many rock formations form sheer cliffs, overhanging ledges, or other impassable terrain that may not be apparent on a topographic map. Thus, when planning an off-trail route, it is important to incorporate the geology into the map. Knowledge of rock formations and characteristics is gained mostly through experience, but there are several good geology books on the Colorado Plateau region that are helpful. In addition, each national park in Utah except Bryce Canyon has geologic maps, available through visitor centers, that show all the rock formations in the park. These maps are invaluable in planning cross-country routes, and are of great interest to anyone wishing to learn more about the fascinating geology of these parks.
Midget faded rattlesnake
Poisonous Desert Creatures
The Utah desert does have its share of biting and sometimes poisonous creatures. The aforementioned sand flies, or deer flies, are common in sandy washes, but mosquitoes are much less common, usually found only near water. Midges, however, are ubiquitous in all the national parks, and they inflict an itching bite even more irritating than the mosquito’s.
Tarantulas, though large and dangerous-looking, rarely bite unless provoked, but their strong jaws can inflict a painful bite. Their poison is mild, but a bacterial infection can result.
The giant desert hairy scorpion is also threatening in its appearance, but its sting is harmless except for being painful.
Black widow spiders are common but rarely seen due to their secretive nature. Take care when lifting rocks, as these creatures may be lurking underneath, and always empty your boots each morning, as spiders and scorpions are often attracted to them by warmth and moisture.
Finally, poisonous snakes are feared more than any other creature in the desert. The small midget faded rattlesnake occurs in Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands national parks, where the Hopi rattlesnake is also believed to dwell. In Bryce Canyon is the five-foot Great Basin rattlesnake, and in Zion, the western rattlesnake. Hikers are more likely to encounter a rattler in Bryce Canyon than in any other Utah park, and overall, sightings of rattlesnakes are rare. When a hiker approaches, a rattlesnake will either slither away and hide, or coil in defense. Many rattle a warning, but some do not. Pay attention to where you place your hands and feet, especially when hiking in brushy or rocky areas. Don’t panic if you are bitten; remain calm and still. Exercise only serves to transport the venom more rapidly through your body. People rarely succumb to the bite of a rattlesnake, even without the benefit of any first-aid treatment. The traditional cut-and-suck method has been found to have little value, and can actually increase your chances of infection.
A rattlesnake bite results in immediate pain accompanied by swelling. Tie a constricting band above the bite and the swelling, and remove it for 1 minute during every 15-minute period. Remain calm and quiet, and drink plenty of water. A companion should immediately go to the nearest trailhead or ranger station for help or, if you are alone, you should proceed slowly to the nearest location where people are likely to be.
Reducing Your Impact on the Desert
While the desert appears to be a durable landscape, it is actually delicate and fragile, and plant and animal life can be easily disrupted, even by walking off of established trails for only a short distance. Throughout your travels in the Utah desert, you will surely notice a black, crusty covering on bare ground, primarily on clay soils. This ground cover is an assemblage of lower plants, called a microbiotic or a cryptobiotic crust. The crust, made up of mosses, lichens, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), and fungus in various combinations, is easily destroyed by feet and by vehicle tires, and it may take 25 years to recover. When you walk on this black lumpy crust, you are destroying plants and hastening wind and water erosion. To reduce your impact on this fragile association of crusty plants, stay on the trails or, if you’re hiking cross-country, hike in washes or on slickrock as much as possible, or on soils free of cryptobiotic crusts. If you must hike off-trail through areas of cryptobiotic crust, walk single file, with each member of the group stepping in the footprints ahead of them.
Another important aspect of the nationalpark experience in Utah is the historic sites, such as Ancestral Puebloan structures and rock writing. Encountering a cliff dwelling, a granary or a rock-writing panel left behind by a long-vanished culture hundreds or even thousands of years ago is one of the special joys of hiking in the Utah desert, and these reminders of ancient desert dwellers lend an air of mystery to the enchanting landscape. Yet with each passing year, vandals, and even well-intentioned but misguided hikers, destroy parts of these valuable resources and remove artifacts from archaeological sites.
It is our responsibility to protect these sites, not only for their scientific value but for ourselves and those who come after. Structures are fragile and crumble easily; do not climb on them. Skin oils destroy pigments on pictograph panels, so restrain the urge to touch them. Do not add graffiti to rock-writing panels. Avoid picking up potsherds, bones, or other lithic scatter at cultural sites. Well-intentioned hikers often pick up artifacts from the ground and place them on display on so-called “museum rocks” at cultural sites. Leave archaeological sites as you found them, preserving the sense of discovery for those who follow. Every artifact—a kernel of corn or a potsherd—provides an important link to the past.
Once an artifact is removed or disturbed, it becomes merely an object that cannot be related to its context. Even walking around a dwelling or other site may destroy cultural resources. The Antiquities Act of 1906 and the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 make it unlawful to remove, damage, excavate, deface or alter the material remains of human life and activity over 100 years old. There are also state laws protecting cultural resources. Civil and criminal penalties are enforced, and rewards of up to $500 are provided for information leading to the arrest and conviction of offenders.
There are many ways in which hikers can reduce their impact on the fragile desert. Although techniques of no-trace behavior are now common practice among hikers, we occasionally need reminders. Previously mentioned in this chapter are suggestions to camp on durable sites, to avoid camping near water sources or trampling cryptobiotic crusts, and to allow ample room between backcountry campsites. In addition, hikers should keep noise to a minimum, as sound carries far in the desert and echoes among rocks and canyon walls. Keep group size as small as possible, and consider splitting your group into smaller parties while hiking and camping. When traveling cross-country, spread out instead of walking single file and concentrating your impact (except when travelling across cryptobiotic crusts).
Always carry out your trash or garbage. In the arid desert climate, things like orange and banana peels will not decompose; rather, they become mummified. Respect plant and animal life in the desert. Moving a stone, uprooting a plant, or killing an undesirable creature disrupts the delicate balance that desert life has achieved. Above all, remember that you are a visitor in the home of plants and animals, so behave as you would in someone’s home and act with respect for all desert dwellers.
Driving in Utah’s National Parks
Most trailheads in the national parks of Utah lie along paved park roads and are accessible to any vehicle, but some lie along remote dirt roads. Dirt roads are often impassable to even 4WD vehicles during and shortly after a heavy rain, when clay beds become a sticky, slippery mess. If you return from a hike to find your dirt road wet from heavy rains, be prepared to wait a day or more for the roadbed to dry. Some roads follow canyons that are subject to dangerous flash floods, which can wash out roads, and deposit rocks and other debris on the roadbed. Always check the current road conditions at park visitor centers.
Drivers of 4WD vehicles should be experienced in rough road travel before attempting most of the 4WD roads in Utah’s national parks. Since many 4WD routes follow sandy washes, vehicles should be equipped with wide, deep-lug tires. Traveling with a group is a precaution in case one vehicle gets stuck or damaged. A winch is useful—but it is often difficult to find an anchor point in the desert.
Everyone traveling off main roads should be sure to have a full tank of gas and perhaps some extra, at least 5 gallons of water, a shovel, extra food and clothing, a tow line, and a tire pump. On rough or flood-damaged roads, a little shovel work can save you hours of down-time should your vehicle become stuck or damaged.
Avoid steep downhill grades in sand unless you are certain you can make it back up. If you begin to get stuck in sand, don’t spin the wheels, as you will only dig in deeper. Maintain your speed and forward momentum on sandy roads, and rapidly steer the wheels of your 4WD vehicle back and forth to increase the tires’ “bite” in the sand. You can increase traction by deflating tires to about 20 p.s.i.—but be sure to reinflate them once you’re beyond the obstacle. If deflating tires doesn’t do the trick, use your jack to lift the stuck wheels and place rocks, boards, or brush underneath for added traction. Consider carrying boards, burlap bags, strips of carpet, pieces of chain-link fence—anything that might provide traction in deep, soft sand.
Be sure to check road conditions and weather forecasts before driving off main roads, and when in doubt, stop your vehicle and scout ahead on foot; a few minutes of scouting may save you hours of digging out.
Park Regulations
The mission of the National Park Service is to preserve the natural and historical values within national parks, while providing for the enjoyment of the landscape in a manner that will leave it unimpaired for future generations. We can all assist by following the guidelines established by park managers. Observing these regulations need not hinder our outdoor experiences, and in fact most embody common-sense behavior. Though regulations are the law of the land in our national parks, we should choose to employ techniques of no trace not only in the parks but wherever we travel.
Regulations specific to one national park are listed in the following chapters. Below is a list of regulations that apply to all Utah national parks.
Backcountry use permits are required for all visitors camping in the backcountry or in 4WD campsites. They are available at all visitor centers, and a fee is required in most of the parks. Rangers will explain pertinent regulations when you obtain your permit.
Campfires are prohibited except in frontcountry campgrounds.
Wood gathering is not allowed, so you must bring your own wood for use in campgrounds, and carry a stove in the backcountry.
Motorized vehicles must be licensed and street-legal, even those used on backcountry 4WD roads. All vehicles, including mountain bikes, are restricted to designated vehicle routes; off-route travel is not permitted. Bicycles are not allowed on any single track trail.
Visitors are urged to use toilet facilities where available. Otherwise they must bury human waste in a hole 4–6 inches deep, carefully covering it when finished. All of the parks require that backcountry users pack out their toilet paper, and never burn it. Do not bury it, as it will not readily decompose.
Pets are not permitted in any backcountry roadless area or on hiking trails. They may be transported in vehicles on frontcountry park roads, and may be kept overnight in park campgrounds. Any pet outside of a vehicle must be on a leash less than 6 feet long or otherwise physically constrained at all times. No pet may be left unattended overnight, or left unattended, tied, or physically confined in the frontcountry to facilitate backcountry travel.
All trash and garbage must be packed out of the backcountry. Burial of refuse is not permitted.
Weapons must be unloaded, broken down and cased during transport in national parks. Weapons of any kind are prohibited in the backcountry. Hunting is also prohibited.
Observe camping restrictions in regard to water sources and do not use soaps in or near water sources. In most parks, campsites can be established no closer than 300 feet from nonflowing water sources, such as seeps, springs and potholes, and no closer than 100 feet from free-flowing streams. Swimming in potholes is not allowed unless the pothole is continually recharged by flowing water.
Destruction, defacement, disturbance, or removal of natural and historical objects in national parks is not permitted.
Mesa Arch with ranger, Canyonlands National Park
