Cottonwood Marble loop question

[MojaveGeek]

Do you know the story behind the lynching?

Yes. I've done years of research into it. The life, death and aftermath of Joe Simpson is a complex and lengthy story. Much published history is based on legend and sensationalism.

Care to elaborate?

[DAW89446]

I used to have a large page on the life, death and aftermath of Simpson with lots of images on my former website. I still have the website files. I’ll create a thread and put the info there. Give me some time. I’ll link the page here when I complete it.

[DAW89446]

All that I've found to date on Joe Simpson.

Skidoo - Joe Simpson (netllama.us)

[Bluegreen kayak]

Well, we had most everything all planned out for the boys to hike Cottonwood-Marble (jeep rented, maps, Steve Hall's trip report printed) and then the rains came back and the road is closed again. Drat. NPS e-mail said only a maybe that it will be open by early March, so I was looking for a plan B. What I'm favoring now is having the boys hike up Titanothere Canyon to the Titus Canyon road and then proceeding west on the road.

It's about the same 26ish miles but no water. Titus Canyon road is closed to vehicle traffic, so no cars to dodge. If they want, they could take in Thimble Peak. Finally, Alex's mom and I could park at the Titus Canyon road end on the third day and hike up a bit to meet them.

Any outstanding flaws to this idea that I have missed? As always, I appreciate everyone's help and experience. This is the best forum in the world!

[TacoLand]

Dang, that kicks rocks! Really sorry to hear that for them after all the research and planning that went into attempting that loop. I did want to do a little sidebar and confirm they were going to have some sort of water filtration with them for the (potential) springs in that loop. My first ever solo backpacking trip I drank some unfiltered water without a care in the world and I'm eternally grateful I never picked up Giardia.

No useful insight on the Titus route, but 26 miles of jeep trail would be about as easy of an intro into backpacking in DV as possible. No wayfinding concerns, miles of stupid wash to cross, or sketchy dryfalls. If you're sure that starting from pavement in Nevada to the Titus & Fall Canyon parking area is 26 miles, I would consider that a two-day hike (clocking in at a leisurely 30 minutes per mile). One day if I was on my own or looking for a divorce. Going to need to bring extra water for cooking as well.

Anyone have any more useful insight and thoughts than my insipid rambling?

[Bluegreen kayak]

Dang, that kicks rocks! Really sorry to hear that for them after all the research and planning that went into attempting that loop. I did want to do a little sidebar and confirm they were going to have some sort of water filtration with them for the (potential) springs in that loop. My first ever solo backpacking trip I drank some unfiltered water without a care in the world and I'm eternally grateful I never picked up Giardia.

No useful insight on the Titus route, but 26 miles of jeep trail would be about as easy of an intro into backpacking in DV as possible. No wayfinding concerns, miles of stupid wash to cross, or sketchy dryfalls. If you're sure that starting from pavement in Nevada to the Titus & Fall Canyon parking area is 26 miles, I would consider that a two-day hike (clocking in at a leisurely 30 minutes per mile). One day if I was on my own or looking for a divorce. Going to need to bring extra water for cooking as well.

Anyone have any more useful insight and thoughts than my insipid rambling?

I really like your phrase for expressing exasperation; I may have to purloin that. Small clarification: I'm not sending them on the whole Titus Canyon road; the first eight miles would be up Titanothere Canyon to the spot where it meets the jeep trail. Hopefully they can't miss the road if they just keep heading up canyon.

[Beardilocks]

I’m pretty sure Brice has hiked all of that. Maybe he’ll chime in.

On the phone yesterday they implied Cottonwood would be open in a matter of days. But communication is not great within NPS right now as far as I can see.

If you’re on the hook for the Jeep I’d be looking at loop routes in Racetrack/Hidden Valley area.

Sheep Canyon from Greenwater Valley to Badwater Road would be fun too. Maybe not long enough tho.

Crappy to have to pivot late.

[GowerGulch42]

Here's a wild idea – do the Cottonwood/Marble loop but start from Emigrant Canyon and go up the north fork of Lemoigne Canyon. There's a historic trail across the bajada to the entrance of Lemoigne, so that would make life easier. That will add some serious distance, though.

[Brice]

I haven't hiked up Titanothere canyon but it looks like an easy canyon to navigate so there should be no problems. They will have no trouble hooking up with the Titus road where it connects.

No water though.   There's a spring in the canyon but 100% assume it is dry.  If you've got a bicycle you could bike up Titus road from the east and cache water on the road in advance. Just an idea to lighten the load.  But it's not a short bike ride and may be more trouble than it's worth.

[TacoLand]

Bicycles not permitted on Titus currently ... le sigh.

GG's backpacking idea sounds righteous, but might be a little ambitious for a first backpacking trip in DV.