Hello,

I apologize since I know some of this stuff has already been asked, I'm sure. I have been searching this forum for many days and cannot find the exact answer to some of my questions for the life of me. I was trying not to post another "new here - have questions" post but here we are...

Planning a first-time trip to the Paiute from June 30th-July 9th - I already put the time off request in and I have a baby due in September so my wife doesn't want me going any later than this. Few questions below.

1) I'm a Michigan native and have lived below 2,000' elevation all my life. My buddy and I ride in northern Michigan or sometimes head down to Hatfield McCoy in WV. With the incredible elevation difference, I have heard mixed reports on the temperature during riding. I have searched for info on this and some people say it's 75 degrees and others say it's 40 degrees during July. What can I expect to plan for temperature-wise? Is there really that big of a difference from 6k ft in town to 10k just outside of town? I am horrible with the cold so I tend to layer up quite a bit even though I am from the mid-west. Light jacket okay? Or heavy winter gear? I hear so many people say it's HOT during summer but in the same sentence, they say some paths are closed because of snow?? in JULY?

2) Is it a good idea to camp at high elevations? We were thinking of tent camping and maybe picking some high-elevation scenic spots to settle in at - would this be a good or bad idea knowing we have only ever lived at sea level elevation - is mountain sickness something we should be concerned about? Maybe bring some small oxygen bottles like Boost Oxygen?

3) I have heard the gates close until mid to late July but does someone have the actual map coordinates of where these gates are? I suspect they will still be closed during our early July trip so I want to plan for alternate routes around the area if I have to. I don't plan on going around the gate and getting a fine at all - just an open alternate path.

4) Any other cool points of interest that people have, please share coordinates as I am plotting everything on google earth for the trip and would love to visit some cool places or scenic spots that all the locals know about.

I know this is a long post but I really appreciate everyone's input here as I have never been to Utah and have no idea what to expect.

Thanks, everyone!

I too am from Michigan and run  the H/M Trails.  In all honesty I started coming out to Utah in 2007 for a month at a time., nothing else compares.  I've started off at 70 degrees in Ferron and was in the 30's when I got to the top of the Arapeen Trail system.  So there is wild swings.  I love it hot so I do 3 weeks in the deserts and 1 week on the Paiute.  This year Utah has way more snow at this time than usual.  That could hinder the gate openings.  All depends on the spring melt.  Usually the last gates to open are on PST-01.  To be honest that is a fraction of the trails that will be open.  What type of machines are you riding?

Just my input on the altitude.  Your body needs more water at altitude.  Most people I know that feel sick at altitude just need more water.  Over hydrate before coming and drink lots while here.  Its cool up high and people don't feel thirsty but their body still needs more water.

Lightning48446 wrote on 02/20/23 at 15:03:42:


I generally tent-camp during those times, we're only talking 40s or MAYBE into the 30s, so it's not terribly cold.  Carrying camp with you gives you a lot more options of where you can go, no need to get back to a base camp, no need to worry about schedule - just start driving around the loop, hitting all the side trails that pique your interest.  Still, you know you and the people in your party better than I do, and whether that creates issues or not.  There are a lot of really good options for light, small-packing, and WARM sleeping pads and mats these days.

Another halfway option is to carry camp, but plan one night in the middle to roll into Marysvale, and get a cabin at Rocky Ridge resort, so you can get a shower and a night in a bed.

I’d agree with @DerMouse. You’re not stuck camping above 8,000 ft on the Paiute but I’d include that there are also a lot of lower elevation camping areas that you can easily get to in the event of poor weather. There’s also plenty of towns with campgrounds that have showers that you can visit every second or third day if desired.  I’ve done the 7-10 day camping ride a few times and after the 3rd day, usually throw away my schedule and adjust to conditions on the ground or the desire to eat a meal in a restaurant.
I highly recommend the Trails Illustrated #708 paper map to have with you.

Thank you, everyone! I spoke with BruteForce on the phone and he is helping me with all the finer details.

We'll be drinking lots of water before and during the trip - we carry 2L hydration packs on us.

I'm with you there, utahcruiser. I have had my share of plans get thrown out the window here in Michigan and WV.

I'll post again if I think of something else.

Thanks!