READERS COMMENTS

Though some of you may have had a safe and generally awesome experience, even the guy without a map, compass, or GPS. But Craig H's comments on the dangers that exist, in any wilderness area, should not be ignored. Inexperienced outdoors men might might be let to believe that it's really not that easy to get lost. Getting lost is easier than most realize. Getting out of it is also easier than most realize; if you know how.

Good luck to everyone.
Posted: Jan 25, 2009 FishrOfGrizz

As a professional guide and outdoor skills instructor, I have at least 150 days of extended treks in the maze to date, both in groups and solo (NOT Recommended!!!).

The Canyonlands Maze area is incredibly beautiful and inspiring, but also extremely challenging...

It is very apparent to me that some who have already commented here have far less experience than confidence with the area. Many people think they are experienced with the Maze, when in fact they have only dabbled on the edges.

It is VERY dangerous to assume you can easily navigate the Maze, and the portions referred to by others are only a tiny piece of the Very Easiest parts. The vast majority of the area is hard rock, and totally trackless.

At the wrong time of the year, water can be virtually impossible to locate, and what is available is little and VERY far between. A very tiny misstep in navigation could well mean that you miss your only chance for water for several days - in an environment that requires 1.5 to 2 gallons daily for survival during much of the year.

On one occasion I have encountered a cougar in Canyonlands, while on three others I have found fresh signs. I have encountered at least twenty to twenty-five rattlesnakes over the years. They are Very common in the western desert backcountry, and if you haven't seen many it only means you have either been sticking to major trails (and been lucky at that), or you are too unobservant to notice them. (A very dangerous state in itself!)

The potential for serious injury (or death) through falls is also extremely real and quite prevalent. It is impossible to navigate the major heart of the Maze without spending a Great deal of time on sand covered slick-rock, either in steep ascents, descents, or traversing ridges and ledges.

In the course of my life I have spent prolonged periods in nearly every possible type of environment to be found in North America, from southern Mexico to Alaska. I approach the Maze every bit as seriously as I do any major mountain ascent or solo in Grizzly country, and I strongly encourage others to do the same!

Have fun, but be safe out there everyone!


Posted: Dec 26, 2008 Craig H.

I hiked the maze in April and had no issues with water; two springs were actually active and I easily collected enough to keep my bottles full. Recommend stashing a bottle at the base of your climb; the climb out can be tough if you run out of water. Flints trail was a blast, but agree on high clearance 4wd!
Posted: Nov 14, 2008 Kevin McCollough

This review doesn't even talk about one of the more difficult aspects of The Maze -- just GETTING there using the infamous Flint Trail. Be sure you have beefed-up suspension and good skid plates before attempting this trip. Or better yet, hire a guide! But if you love desert hiking you won't want to miss The Maze.
Posted: Nov 14, 2008 Firekeeper

I've hiked the Maze. It was a hike to see the Harvest Scene. The hike down in to the Maze was an adventure. You can't be frightened of heights. You're down climbing steep sandstone walls. In a few spots you only holds are holes in the rock. They are there and they are not too far spaced to not easily reach.

I disagree with the writer here. In my opinion, October is the best time to be in Canyonlands and the deserts of the South West. The days are warm and the night cool. The weather is perfect.

In years of hiking in the West. I have seen two rattlesnakes. They minded their own business. Leave them alone. I've seen two tarantulas: one in the Mojave and one east of Sacramento in the foothills. They're ugly but not poisonous. I've never thought to worry about a mountain lion.

There's a secret. Cool nights are snakeless nights. When, the temperature drop, reptiles aren't moving. I guess this is also why I like fall.

Too me, this isn't hat scary. Driving Flint Trail was over rated by the park service. In the Maze you walk mostly in sandy washes. You should have the sense to know how to back track your own trail. I didn't have a compass, map or GPS.

It's a Maze but it has a distinct drainage pastern the grade heads east toward the Colorado River.

The trial drops to the Main drainage. You count, I think it was three canyons to you right. You also have the dark buttes of the Chocolate Drops for reference. They are South, south east. You right right and walk up the wash.

It's common sense, people.
Posted: Nov 14, 2008 Mike Johnson

There may not be any bears in the Maze, but scorpions, tarantulas, rattlesnakes and even mountain lions rate more than a 3 on the danger scale.
Posted: Nov 05, 2008 barack

NPS rangers are awesome!!
Posted: Nov 05, 2008 jane

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