HDT Day 8: Rustler Canyon to Needles Outpost

Daily Miles: 18.8, Total Miles: 101.6

Just as I was getting up for an early start, more snow flurries. Laid my head down for another 30 minutes, then off and running. Well, actually trudging down Rustler Canyon. Got to the big 50′ pouroff into Indian Canyon and looked on the south side for the way down.

I think I found it, the giveaway being stacked rocks at the bottom of a ledge drop off. The guidebook advises two people should be able to handle this one, maybe without ropes. I was uncomfortable by myself here. If I hit the loosely stacked rocks wrong and dropped and rolled, it could be all the way to the bottom of the canyon. Disappointed, I headed back out Rustler Canyon to Lockhart Road.

At the time it looked like it may be clearing up – this proved to be short-lived. By the afternoon, cold wind, rain and more snow flurries.

Searching the maps, I found I could continue down Lockhart Road. Found some potholes with water in a side canyon and replaced the yucky alkaline water that I used for dinner last night.

I eventually reached BLM’s Indian Creek Falls camping area and then Hwy 211 to Needles Outpost. In a rain squall, I got a quick ride to Needles Outpost where I got a campsite. Picked up my resupply box and tried to dry out a bit.

Day of rest for me tomorrow and what appears to be warming trend!