Staircase Rapids — Monday, Feb. 6, 2023

The gravel road to Staircase was in great condition compared to other times I’ve driven it. Only a few small potholes with the exception of one large one that is easy to avoid, helpfully marked with a stick in it. Set off from the parking lot outside the National park gate at about 10:30 and was the only car in the lot. Bathroom there was in good shape and stocked with toilet paper. It’s a nice one mile walk into the park, and nice to pause and notice the things you wouldn’t if you were driving in. The trail is in good shape mostly, no mud puddles to speak of. Maybe about 10 downed trees along the Rapids loop trail, most very very easy to get past. One down tree past the log bridge requires you to squeeze between a couple branches, but very doable. Lots of mushrooms to admire and I love the background sound of the River. This was my first time hiking this trail in winter and I’ll be sure to be back. There was a bit of snow off trail but I have a feeling it will be melting soon, and it didn’t impact my travel. Wrapped up about 12:30 and there were two other cars in the lot.