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Keet Seel - 5/31/13 - 6/2/13
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PostPosted: 2/7/2013, 3:15 pm    Post subject: Keet Seel - 5/31/13 - 6/2/13 Reply with quote

Keet Seel - May 31st - June 2nd

(Optional June 2nd hike to Betatakin and/or a side-trip to a "Special" place)



This is an overnight 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. We have a permit for 10 people. We hike out as a group Saturday morning, and visit the ruins with 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, May 31st.
* Pick a campsite in Sunset View campground (this one has a bathroom & water, but no showers)
* Form up as a group on Saturday morning, 8:00AM sharp to hear the mandatory instructions from one of the park Rangers.
* 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 the ruins. They take small groups of 5-7 people at a time. The trip lasts bout 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 to our vehicles.

I suggest that participants get there Friday night and camp in one of the two FREE campgrounds. I have obtained the permit for 10 people for the hike to the ruins on Saturday morning. We must all hike as a group. Please sign up early and be assured of a permit slot.

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. Heavy metals are also present in the stream.

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

There are 2 campgrounds in the park (Sunset view-has a bathroom and water, Canyon View is primitive); both of which are FREE!

Since we should be back relatively early Sunday, there's a Ranger-led hike down to Betatakin that you may enjoy That's also an option for anyone that wants to come up, but not go on the overnight to Keet Seel. Navajo National Monument isn't too far from Monument Valley, so that's another possible side-trip.

In addition, for anyone that would like to stop by one of the most interesting (and by interesting I mean a place unlike any you've likely seen anywhere else!) and beautiful places in Arizona, we can take a side-trip on the way back. (It's not the place that I took some of you on the previous Keet Seel excursion, although we can stop there also!!!)

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





Joined: 15 Feb 2006
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PostPosted: 5/29/2013, 5:56 am    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

There is always room for a cooler (or two) Very Happy
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desertgirl





Joined: 19 Jan 2003
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PostPosted: 5/29/2013, 7:28 am    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

Saturday night is backpacking -- we will camp at Keet Seel. WAter in stream is bad so plan on carrying your own water. Also there is a rumor of spring a short distance (1/2 mile or so) from camp .....but I do not know where that is
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chihiggs





Joined: 03 Jan 2003
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Location: Gilbert, AZ

PostPosted: 5/29/2013, 8:26 am    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

Thanks Hank! Thanks Ambika Very Happy
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wanderingsoul





Joined: 19 Jul 2004
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Location: Gilbert AZ

PostPosted: 5/29/2013, 8:57 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

Sounds like the plans came together nicely, I know it is early but waiting for the Trip report and pictures....

Weather looked good for the weekend, I'm sure you all had a great time.
Nice to see Mike able to join in Wink
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desertgirl





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PostPosted: 5/30/2013, 9:28 am    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

Folks -- remember we will be crossing the creek many times so come prepared with appropriate foot wear -- I think we will have wet feet...

Also: The park is on MST -- make sure you take that into account...

Hike start time 7:00 am MST ( Navajo Time) -- 1 hr ahead of AZ time Rolling Eyes
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chihiggs





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Location: Gilbert, AZ

PostPosted: 5/30/2013, 12:31 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

Just got back from getting things for trail mix and breakfast burritos!! Laughing

Can't wait!
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tibber





Joined: 16 Feb 2004
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Location: Phoenix

PostPosted: 5/30/2013, 2:14 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

have a fun and safe trip. I'm sure you will all have a great time.

Be sure not to dawdle once you get to camp keeping in mind the time change or you'll miss the 3PM cut off... we almost did. In fact, Clyde had to run over there, and yes you have to cross water again (at least we did) to let the ranger know we were coming Embarassed .

Don't forget, there's awesome food at one of my favorite places, Cameron Trading Post. The 1/2 Indian Taco is wonderful and even 1/2 is too big.

Drive careful. I will look forward to the stories and pictures.
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beckett





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PostPosted: 5/30/2013, 5:40 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

Looks like there's a good crew going! Have fun...be safe...take pictures!
Linda
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Hikngrl
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Joined: 27 May 2003
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PostPosted: 5/30/2013, 5:45 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

Anyone know if it will be appropriate to tip the guide who hikes us into the ruins?
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bigfoot





Joined: 19 Oct 2005
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PostPosted: 5/30/2013, 6:12 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

The "guide" is a NPS Ranger - I thought. Are we allowed to tip a government employee? Question Question

I am all set - I think - been a long time since I did a good hike!. I even have my backpack ready! fingers crossed that everything else goes well.
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Hikngrl
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Joined: 27 May 2003
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PostPosted: 5/30/2013, 6:47 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

Yeah, thats true Guru. Just trying to cover all my bases! I think I am about ready. Gotta make some hummus for Friday night. Is every one taking a tent? Anyone out there that has done this hike before would you recommend carrying a tent or can we sleep under the stars? It doesn't look like rain..... Is everyone taking rain jackets or are we trusting the weather? What are the surroundings like? Any trees? Lots of rodents?

AHHHH! Tracy, my usual co packing partner is not with us this time. She is the one I usually bounce all these questions at!
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tibber





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PostPosted: 5/30/2013, 7:40 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

I was there in Aug 2010. You have a very nice campsite with composting toilets and tall trees. Not sure about rodents but I don't recall any. I don't think you'll need a tent either except to keep the chill off and bugs if any. You could check out photosets on hikearizona.com to see some pics of the area. Hope this helps.
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diamondbacks





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PostPosted: 5/30/2013, 8:41 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

I'm taking a bivy to sleep in. Weather is looking good with no mention of rain though. I will also have a large ratsack with some extra room if there are rodents around, we can also hang stuff sacks from trees. How much water is everyone planning on carrying?

David
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Hikngrl
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PostPosted: 5/30/2013, 8:55 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

I have a rat sack as well. I am taking a 4 L and a 3L of water. Which is why I am highly interested in leaving the tent behind! I am afraid the minute I do though it will rain on me the place will be over run with rodents and I will need it.....
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chihiggs





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PostPosted: 5/31/2013, 5:40 am    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

I have 8 liters of water, a tent but may leave it after checking the surroundings and hearing what is said at the visitors center regarding bugs and rodents...

Leaving this side of town in 5 minutes Very Happy
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