San Juan newbie needs advice about campsites, hikes, etc.

[shoenfeld13]

Hi All,

I just got a San Juan permit for May 28th and would love any info on campsites, hikes, and anything else that made your trip great.

Thanks to an awesome online community

[BarryDingle]

There's probablyy 50 threads on which Slickhorn is best and the favorite campsite/hike Honaker. Or just buy the guidebook like most.

Better start paddling now if you want Honaker. People are retarded about that spot...

Just go and float,if you see a spot that looks good,pullover. So many rafters have become preoccupied with the "perfect campspot"

[shoenfeld13]

I am buying the guidebook, it is in the mail, but I love the personal advice I get from 10000 boaters as opposed to just 1 author.

[rbrain]

For the upper stretch the river house camps and the lime ridge/chinle wash area all have good camps. Like was said above, the San Juan is all about floating through amazing country. Enjoy the ride and go with the flow.

San Juan River - Sand Island to Mexican Hat - River Brain

[rbrain]

Also make sure to do the river house hike if you haven't been there before. Big Horn sheep in the canyons will be out when you are floating it as well. The rangers at the put-in can tell you where they'll be.

[gbmaz]

Originally Posted by shoenfeld13

Hi All,

I just got a San Juan permit for May 28th and would love any info on campsites, hikes, and anything else that made your trip great.

Thanks to an awesome online community

Where are you putting in/taking out?

That has a big effect on the advice we would give....

[shoenfeld13]

Good point. Sand Island to Clay Hills.

[WillYates]

I have a sand island to clay hills may 26th, to the 30th. See you guys there!!

[gbmaz]

Originally Posted by shoenfeld13

Good point. Sand Island to Clay Hills.

I am jealous, always wanted to do the whole thing. I have done SI to MH twice and MH top CH twice, but never the whole enchilada.

I will be doing Sand Island to Mexican Hat starting on June 1st with my sister and her family. Can't wait to get my nieces out on the river for the first time. They live just north of Bluff on the Navajo rez and I think it will be a cool experience for them.

I will try to chime in with my $.02 in a day or so when I have my guidebook in front of me. My personal experience is limited, but much of what I know comes from my sister-in-law who guide the Juan for 10 years for Wild Rivers.

How many days will you be on the river?

[shoenfeld13]

I have never done any of it and was hoping to decide how long to take after looking at the guidebook and getting feedback from here. It sounds like 5-6 days is pretty typical.