Collins Gulf Loop Hike

Rick from Fayetteville, Tennessee asked today: "What is your suggestion please for hiking from Collins West parking area up to Sawmill camp for one night and return on the CG trail--making a loop. Do you have a preference for which direction to take first and second day? Also is there a good water supply at Sawmill? Thanks, Rick"

The way the park map is currently marked, it is a little confusing because you have a CG trail going town the middle of Collins Gulf and another CG trail on part of the rim coming back to Collins East camp from the junction with Stage Road.

My recommendation is to hike down (not up) to Sawmill on the CG trail in the gulf. From Sawmill you will have to take a short diversion to the east on the Connector Trail and come up SRH = Stage Road Historic trail. At the top of the bluff you will join the Collins CG trail that takes you to Collins East, across the top of the gulf on the Boulder Crossing, where you can return to Collins West Camp and then the parking area.

I have not had any recent water reports from the Rangers but things should be fine for the moment, we have had frequent rains the past three weeks. My recommendation is to keep your water supply topped up frequently.

Cheers,
Ron Castle