Keet Seel

[Cynhikr]

[oliverr99]

Ok, please tell me again, where we can camp on Friday night?
And what time we need to meet in the morning? And if they have daylight savings time, or are they on the same time, just curious. Thanks!
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Anne
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" -- Dr. Seuss

[thesuperstitions]

Here's the info from Page 1, with some annotations:

Keet Seel - May 22nd - 24th (optional 25th & 26th for hike to Betatakin)

This is a weekend backpacking trip to one of the most pristine ruin sites in the desert Southwest. Only 20 visitors per day are allowed to visit the ruins and must be led there by the ranger that stays on-site.

The hike down from Navajo National Monument NP is about 8 miles through some of the most beautiful country you'll find in Arizona.

The trail looks to be of "moderate" difficulty which, of course depends upon your ability.

You'll lose about 800 feet in elevation in the first 3/4 mile, which is good news on the way there, bad news on the way back! The rest of the hike out has about 400 feet of gain in one area, followed by a 300 foot descent and a slow incline of 400 feet the rest of the way to the site.

Here's the plan:

* Arrive Friday night.
* Pick a campsite in Sunset View campground (this one has a bathroom & water)
* Form up as a group on Saturday morning, 9:00AM sharp (Navajo Time - the Navajo Nation, as well as Navajo
National Monument, is on Mountain Daylight Savings Time, one hour ahead of other Arizona
locations).
* Hike as a group to Keet Seel. We are all on 1 permit. We must hike together.
* Set up camp at the Keet Seel camping area.
* Take Ranger-led hike to ruins. They take small groups of 5-7 people at a time. It lasts for over an hour.
* Explore the area.
* Have our evening feast and improvised campfire (no actual fires permitted!).
* Breakfast feast Sunday morning.
* Form up as a group at 9:00AM for the hike back out. (We may want to leave earlier to beat the heat and to get back in time for Betatakin)

For those staying Sunday night...
* When we return from Keet Seel Sunday, grab a campsite for the night.
* Sunday afternoon or Monday morning, go to the Visitor's center and sign up for the Ranger-led hike to Betatakin.
* Hike to the ruins.
* Have lunch on the way back.
* Hike out and drive home.

I suggest that participants get there Friday night and camp in one of the two FREE campgrounds. I have obtained the permit for 15 people for the hike to the ruins on Saturday morning. We must all hike with the group as we are all listed on the one permit.

You'll need to take all water with you that you'll require for the hike down, camping, and the hike out. There is a stream that runs through the valley but it's fouled by the cattle and sheep that roam the area. If you don't want to carry all of that water, you'll need to bring a good filter and some method of water purification.

There's a 15-person maximum for the May 23rd backpack and visit to the ruins. Please sign up early and be assured of a permit slot.

The only cost for the trip are your expenses to and from Navajo National Monument (carpooling strongly suggested) and your food.

There are 2 campgrounds in the park (sunset view-has bathroom/water, Canyon View-primitive); both of which are FREE! Since this is a 3-day weekend, why not stay over Sunday night and see Betatakin Monday?

Here's a link to the NP website for general information about the park : http://www.nps.gov/nava/index.htm

[maryphyl]

It has been lots of years ago that my mom and i went but i remember it as easy but hot and long--walking in the creek bed--it had ankle deep water and then up on the south side to a good trail.
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Shikekeh hozhoogo naasha.
I walk in beauty.

[oliverr99]

Thank you for the information again!
_________________
Anne
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" -- Dr. Seuss

[wanderingsoul]

I'm getting excited Ken.... thanks for putting this together. Starting to gather my things together today... It has been so long that I've done anything like this need an early start to put my things together. And the scenery I'm sure will be spectacular
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Wanderingsoul (Michelle)

Positive Thinking Is the Spark that Makes Dreams Happen~~~Unknown

[Deborah]

I haven't been doing well this past month, fighting several viruses. So I think I am going to pass this time. I did an easy hike today, but not up to the milage and the hauling water. I was looking forward to this trip too, so it's disappointing that I won't be able to go. On the other hand, I have an alternative trip to Sedona with a couple of nights sharing a Condo so it's not all bad!
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Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. - Rachel Carson

[thesuperstitions]

I was just looking at the weather forecast and we may get WET!!!! Possible thunder storms starting tomorrow, lasting the next 7 days!!!

Please prepare accordingly...

[PageRob]

Oh wow, that could make the quicksand interesting.
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Anywhere is within walking distance if you spend the time.

[Hikngrl]

[Hnak]

I'm really hoping for rain (or at least threatening clouds...)
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The world is older and bigger than we are. This is a hard truth for some folks to swallow. —EDWARD ABBEY

[thesuperstitions]

Oh, I'm not backing out of this one!!! Just wanted to let everyone know that the weather may be rainy and to prepare just in case.

I called out to Navajo National Monument last week to re-confirm the permit reservation and to ask about the parking for the Keet Seel trailhead. To be honest, I'm less than confident that the person I talked to actually confirmed the reservation. The question about the trailhead parking was never really answered even though I asked about it in different ways several times. I've called out there several times over the past few days and haven't been lucky enough to actually speak to a human. I've left messages but they haven't returned my calls.

I'm sure that all of this is because of the fact that they are getting ready for the 100th Anniversary celebration that will also be going on this weekend. I will persist in trying to make contact and let you know when I do.

As for the quicksand, well... if we make it out alive, we'll have cool stories to tell our grand kids!!!

[oliverr99]

Well I don't really want to bring my tent, any suggestions if it rains?
_________________
Anne
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" -- Dr. Seuss

[thesuperstitions]

Run between the raindrops?

A tarp would help, depending upon how windy it gets. I personally haven't been there yet, so I can't tell you if there are any alcoves or overhangs in which to seek shelter. The general area, however, has many such alcoves.

If I ever get a Park person on the phone (still not answering!), I'll ask the question, but I doubt that an answer will be forthcoming.

There are a couple of folks on the site that have been there. Any advice or insight??

[Randal Schulhauser]

Apologize for the last minute change in plans but a work deadline is slipping and I need to make myself available over the long weekend. I was REALLY looking forward to finally visiting this site…


RANDAL