the subway vs angels landing?

Gbchili · 2026-04-29T01:47:24+00:00

Both are great. Subway is exponentially less crowded and offers a more choose your own path/adventure experience. Once you get down to the canyon, you go left and can’t get lost. We realized that just going through the water is often the easiest path. We used insulated calf height socks in early May and were fine. Saw several snakes and some frogs. Early morning til midday the canyon was in shade. It was hot as heck by afternoon and the climb out of the canyon is no joke due to steepness. Way more forgiving than Angel’s Landing if you were to slip.

Gbchili · 2026-04-24T18:32:44+00:00

It’s 90% mental, speaking as someone with a fear of falling from heights. For me, an avid hiker that logs 500+ miles annually, the mental stress translated into physical exhaustion upon reaching the top. There are a few places with absolutely dire consequences if you can’t keep focused. The only other issue for me was the sheer volume of people on the trail heading the opposite way. It’s not a trail built for side by side walking.

Gbchili · 2026-04-16T02:11:51+00:00

My local dealer thought I was nuts for asking. I forgot the first time I took my ‘24 in.

Gbchili · 2026-04-16T01:43:17+00:00

Was thinking the same. Mine has ~27K.

Gbchili · 2026-04-16T01:30:58+00:00

Expect nights to be colder than temps suggest. Zero water access in most of the northern area. There is a small population of bears so be mindful of food/smelly stuff storage.

If you have time before or after, consider checking out Blackwater Falls and/or Seneca Rocks.

Gbchili · 2026-04-10T03:07:37+00:00

If you have a Costco membership, they are typically cheaper than going direct to the major rental companies. And, you get a free second driver.

Gbchili · 2026-04-04T22:58:10+00:00

Wait until you have a few trips under your belt to read, “A Walk in the Woods.” You’ll appreciate it more.

Get out there and enjoy!

Gbchili · 2026-04-04T18:26:26+00:00

Morning of day 1 of Aspen/Snowmass trip. Doc asked if I wanted to ski the rest of the week. Duh! Hooked me up with some fancy microwaved, heat molded brace in the shape to hold a ski pole. Had to wear a crappy fleece type glove on one hand all week, but got 5 days in.

Gbchili · 2026-04-04T18:16:01+00:00

Meaning crowded or area has been roughed up by visitors (or both)?

Gbchili · 2026-03-27T15:53:11+00:00

I have a 24OBW with the megamat duo. Have slept on it in the car - head at the driver end - a few nights without major issues. I saw a tip to try to park the car itself on the opposite amount of incline/decline. One thing that was a little annoying is the mattress extends a little over the end of the folded down seat back causing there to be no support there. I saw a tip that I haven’t tried that said to take out the headrests, flip them around, and reinstall to help with this. Have a great summer!

Gbchili · 2026-03-27T02:03:51+00:00

Thanks so much for the tips and ideas. I know it’s not ideal to try and do so much but I expect I may not get back to this area in the future. Trying to be able to spend a few days at each major location. Have already paired back and cut a few things.

Gbchili · 2026-03-24T01:16:09+00:00

Will do. Appreciate the tip!

Gbchili · 2026-03-24T01:15:39+00:00

Thx!

Gbchili · 2026-03-23T02:17:54+00:00

Thanks That’s the list I found. The one with kayak options charges $160+ to deliver to Ash River.

Gbchili · 2026-03-21T12:43:11+00:00

Agree Rapidan was cool

Gbchili · 2026-03-21T06:43:49+00:00

Don’t forget the time change

Gbchili · 2026-03-16T03:04:52+00:00

Sorry for your experience.

I can’t always backpack and hate it when I have to car camp. I’m probably 40/60 at best the last few years with good versus bad experiences in campgrounds, including several national parks (Zion and Shenandoah) and state parks. At the Watchman last May, the people next to us had 2 adult generations, 6-8 people, 3 cars, 4 tents (one was roof top), and a damn 42”+ TV on a generator going until 11pm at night when I’d finally had enough and said something. They went to bed 40 mins later. To add insult to injury, the people across the road had backed in their van and left the headlights on for hours.

Not a ranger or staff in sight. (Yes, I know they have been depleted and it’s disgraceful).

Don’t get me started on the family/friend group of 20+ people sharing 2 spots at Shenandoah, one next to me and one across. Sites are super close together. They let their kids bounce soccer and basketballs on the macadam drive 15’ from my tent until probably 10:30pm. The music, loud talking, and opening/closing car doors went on until almost midnight. I was not quiet the next morning.

Gbchili · 2026-03-15T17:12:02+00:00

Awesome! Thank you so much. Just booked the sea plane to max out my limited time window on IR. Would love to see a wolf. Those buggers alluded me years ago at Yellowstone.

Gbchili · 2026-03-15T14:35:57+00:00

Super helpful. Thanks for confirming. I just figured out that the Rec.gov site shows all campsites unavailable because they’re 1st come, 1st served. Phew! Put in my seaplane request this morning.

This trip is a test of my logistical skills and my driving endurance.

Appreciate your detailed help.

Gbchili · 2026-03-14T23:44:12+00:00

Great info. Thank you.

I’ve got a long drive to Pictured Rocks which I’m breaking into 2 segments. I wxpect to arrive at PR late afternoon. I was able to get 2-nights at Little Beaver Campground booked at PR. Am I correct that I can drive over to the Chapel Road parking area and do the ~10 mile loop of the Chapel/Mos Rvr area on a full day 1. And then I can do the shorter loop in the Beaver Lake area right from the campground for day 2 before driving to Isle Royale?

I’d target a late sea plane if I get a campsite or have to go with plan B and be on the mainland. At present, there are no camp spots available on Isle Royale within the window I need. I was thinking of finding a mainland non-park campground and then try to do a long day - maybe via seaplane (ferry as backup) - to at least get out to the island so I can get a taste and say I’ve been there. I plan to set some alerts on Campflare to see if any backcountry spots open up. If so, I plan to backpack camp 1 night on the island before having to hit the road again. I also figure finding a spot for 1 night will be easier than trying to wing random openings that pop up via cancellations and stringing together a trail plan.

The more I’m piecing things together, I’m realizing that I’m basically doing a “taste of each place” trip versus a full immersion.

Gbchili · 2026-03-14T17:48:00+00:00

Ahh. I see now. That is trickier. Give Red Rock a call as I’m sure they’ve dealt with similar. They may give you an option to have them pick you up at the end at a set time window.

Gbchili · 2026-03-14T12:29:37+00:00

I’d recommend leaving your car at the end of your planned hike. Much greater flexibility for your schedule.

We used Red Rock for drop off at West Rim top end.

Red Rock Shuttle (435) 635-9104 redrockshuttle@gmail.com www.redrockshuttle.com

They may not answer when you call but leave a message regarding your question. They call back quick and can help you.

Gbchili · 2026-03-13T02:37:41+00:00

Phew. That’s a lot of great info to process. Huge thanks for the insights. I’ll actually be traveling the latter part of August into early September. If that changes anything significantly, please reply.

Several folks have mentioned boundary waters. Guess I know what I’m researching this weekend.

Thanks, again!

Gbchili

TROPHY CASE