Cottonwood Marble loop question

[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.