<Hoodoos, Slots, Arches, And Buttes: Hiking In Southern Utah>
<Erik Madsen>/<Carson Tang>
< April 28- May 8, 2006>
APPLICATION TO LEAD AN AMC MAJOR EXCURSION
(Use the F1 key to summon help for most fields)
(Forms and General Information: http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/ )
1. SUMMARY INFORMATION
A) Trip Title:
<Hoodoos, Slots, Arches, And Buttes: Hiking In Southern Utah>
B)
C)
D)
E)
<Erik Madsen>
<Carson Tang>
< April 28- May 8, 2006>
<hiking.>
Leader:
Co-Leader(s):
Dates:
Type of Trip:
F) Participants: (not counting leaders) Minimum: 10
Total # of days:
11
Maximum: 16
G) Advertised Cost: <$1,845 Trip cost, $520 Airfare>
Revised 04/09/03
Pg. 1 of 10
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
<Hoodoos, Slots, Arches, And Buttes: Hiking In Southern Utah>
<Erik Madsen>/<Carson Tang>
< April 28- May 8, 2006>
2. TRIP DETAILS
A) Executive Summary: Brief outline of trip and trip activities.
<The trip will include what leaders perceive as the premier day hikes in Zion, Bryce, Capital
Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands National Parks as well as on BLM land at Escalante. We will
also drive to scenic points and do short hikes in some of the National Parks. This spring trip offers
the beauty of the region without the heat and summer crowds. Spring hiking affords more solitude
along with the potential for some beautiful light snows at the higher elevations. The majority of
the hikes will be quite strenuous with potential challenges that may include 14 mile distances,
2500 foot changes in elevation, steep slopes, slippery rock surfaces, stream crossings, snow, ice or
other slippery conditions. A few of the hikes will be relatively short with little elevation gain.
Specific hikes will not be promised in advance due to the variability of spring weather which will
influence the selection of optimal hikes for any given day.
While the trip is tailored to the demands of the strong hiker and offers ample challenge it
does have some leniency for the weary. Participants can opt out of the hiking on any given day.
At leader discretion a long and short hike may be offered on the same day. The trip will be open
only to individuals deemed capable of meeting the toughest challenges of the excursion. Potential
participants will be advised of the potential experiences inherent in spring hiking in Southern
Utah which include high elevations, snow, ice, steep terrain, thunder and lightening, slippery
rocks, stream crossings, cold temperatures, and constricted spaces.
The group will stay in comfortable motel units (2 to a room) furnished with mini-fridges
and coffee makers so participants can prepare simple breakfasts (coffee, juice, cereal, rolls) and
trail lunches (fruit, sandwich, cookies). Leaders will shop for groceries with rotating assistance of
participants. Dinners will be at local restaurants (included in trip price). Local travel will be by
vans driven by leaders (or volunteer participant if group is large enough to require a 3rd van).
This is a fast-paced trip geared for people who do not mind staying 2 nights here, 1 night there, 3
nights somewhere else….in order to see as much as possible of the parks in Southern Utah.>
B) Accommodations: Please describe your plans for accommodation(s).
<We will be staying in mid range motels with mini fridges, double occupancy.>
C) Permits: Does the trip require special permits (required on all U.S. federal lands
No
<Not for national parks - standard access paid per vehicle. For BLM land group registration
is required in Escalante which we will do on day prior to hike.>
D) Equipment: Does the trip require special/technical equipment?
<.>
No
E) Conservation/Education/Recreation:: Given that the AMC Mission Statement is as follows
Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club is America's oldest conservation and recreation
organization. We promote the protection, enjoyment, and wise use of the mountains, rivers, and trails
of the Appalachian region. We believe that the mountains and rivers have an intrinsic worth and also
provide recreational opportunity, spiritual renewal, and ecological and economic health for the
region. We encourage people to enjoy and appreciate the natural world because we believe that
successful conservation depends on this experience. We fulfill our mission through the three
interconnecting pillars of the AMC: conservation, education, and recreation
Revised 04/09/03
Pg. 2 of 10
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
<Hoodoos, Slots, Arches, And Buttes: Hiking In Southern Utah>
<Erik Madsen>/<Carson Tang>
< April 28- May 8, 2006>
How will this major excursion meet this mission of conservation, education, and recreation?
For examples, please see <http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/mission/>
<Appreciation of the different forces that created the natural features in the various parks and the
history of the settlement of the area. We will do this by hiking in each of the parks mentioned
above and taking time to review the displays at each of the park visitor centers. Participating in
Ranger-led activities may also be an option.
>
F) Outfitters: Will this trip require an outfitter?
No
Name: <The leaders are making all necessary arrangements without guide help and have been
advised considerably by Merri Fox who lead a trip here in the fall of 2004 without outfitter
assistance. >
Safety record: <Provide information about their safety record>
Liability insurance: <Provide information about the oufitter's liability insurance>
Emergency response: <Describe the outfitters SOP in case of emergencies>
3. LEADER INFORMATION
A) Contact Information:
Leader:
<Erik Madsen>
<70 Oak Hill Drive>
<Bristol, CT 06010>
(home) <860-314-0125>
(work) <860-418-6012>
(e-mail) <emadsen2004@yahoo.com>
Co-Leader:
Revised 04/09/03
<Carson Tang>
<1653 11th Avenue, 2nd FL >
<Park Slope, NY 11215-6018 >
(home) <212.203.4374 >
(work) <212.203.4374>
(e-mail) <carsonoutdoors@earthlink.net >
Pg. 3 of 10
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
<Hoodoos, Slots, Arches, And Buttes: Hiking In Southern Utah>
<Erik Madsen>/<Carson Tang>
< April 28- May 8, 2006>
B) First Aid Training
To lead a Major Excursion, you must have current CPR and Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or
its equivalent at the time of your trip.
Leader:
CPR: <02/06>
WFA: <NA>
Other: <AWFA, 02/06>
Co-Leader:
CPR: <will complete prior to trip>
WFA: <Taking 2/05>
Other: <Describe course; expiration date>
If CPR and/or WFA certifications will expire before your trip starts, describe your plans
for re-certification:
<Will get re-certifications as needed prior to start of trip>
C) Leader Experience and Training
New Leaders: If you are a new leader or co-leader, you must have submitted the form
“Application to Become a Major Excursions Leader”.
Experienced Major Excursions Leaders: Please list below the last three trips you have led for
the AMC including destination, type of trip (backpacking, skiing, etc.), dates, and number of
participants. Feel free to list additional trips you have led, particularly if they demonstrate
experience related to the trip you are proposing.
1. <Trip description>
2. <Trip description>
3. <Trip description>
Others: <Please refer to the leader Erik Madsen’s application on file.
The coleader Carson Tang is a Major Excursions Leader who is leading a trip to Yosemite in
6/05. He has also lead in the Canadian Rockies, August Camp (Mt Rainier, Mt St Helens,
Goat Rocks Wilderness, Gifford Pinchot, and Rangely Lakes Maine, and Inter Chapter
Excursions mostly in the Presidentials. Within the NY Chapter he is a Committee Chair and
leads hiking workshops and many hikes where rock scrambles, wildlife encounters, alpine
gardens and geology are most welcome.>
D) Scouting:
Have you or your co-leader led this trip before or traveled in the area?
Yes
H) <Erik Madsen traveled in the region in the past and did sight seeing at several of the National
Parks. Carson Tang has been to the Southern Utah and Grand Canyon area once>
E) Special Experience:
Are any special skills or experience on the part of the participants required? No
< The only special requirement for this trip is a lack of any sense of claustrophobia as we will
be traveling through some narrow canyons. We will screen participants for this. In the event
someone experiences problems unexpectedly however, we will be prepared to deal with them
by taking them back out of that particular trail. Only certain trails will have this potential so
Revised 04/09/03
Pg. 4 of 10
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
<Hoodoos, Slots, Arches, And Buttes: Hiking In Southern Utah>
<Erik Madsen>/<Carson Tang>
< April 28- May 8, 2006>
we will not have to be concerned for the entire trip. However, since narrow canyons are an
important and common feature of this area we would be limiting the experience for the rest of
the group by avoiding them entirely.>
F) Couples:
Do the Leader and Co-leader have a significant personal relationship?
<If "Yes" please detail plans if one party cannot go>
Revised 04/09/03
Pg. 5 of 10
No
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
<Hoodoos, Slots, Arches, And Buttes: Hiking In Southern Utah>
<Erik Madsen>/<Carson Tang>
< April 28- May 8, 2006>
4. RISK ASSESSMENT
Please assess the risks/hazards of your trip. Carefully consider each area of risk and how it
may affect your trip with specific potential hazards. Then, devise a plan to attempt to prevent
each hazard and to respond to it if it becomes necessary.
A) Climate/Terrain
Potential Hazards: <.
1. High elevation/altitude sickness
2. Darkness on trail
3. Snow in Bryce
4. Ice
5. Cold temperatures
6. Steep terrain
7. Thunder and lightening
8. Slippery rocks
9. Stream crossings
10. Constricted spaces>
Response:
<
1. First day acclimating, resting, no hiking, screen participants for abilities, observe for signs
of altitude sickness
2. Early departure to maximize available daylight. Participants to bring headlamps.
3. snowshoes are available from the park service
4. Instep crampons will be carried by the leader for isolated instances of ice
5. Appropriate layered clothing, good hydration, eat often, observe for signs of hypothermia
6. Good hiking boots
7. Adjust activities in response to weather report, avoid exposed areas late in day, appropriate
precautions during lightening storm if needed
8. Walk with care and avoid trails made treacherous by wet weather
9. Inquire about clausterphobia, warn participants
10. Hiking in groups only with designated leader and sweep. Provide with phone list/contact
info on person. Participants will be advised on what to do if lost.>
B) Foreign Countries
Potential Hazards: <none>
Response:
<>
C) Transportation
Potential Hazards: <Some gravel roads in good condition>
Response:
<Leaders and volunteer drivers maintain necessary insurance, avoid driving
on poor roads and in poor weather. Avoid driving after dark when possible.>
D) Participants
Potential Hazards: <
1. Different skill levels
2. Possible health problems
3. Personality differences>
Response:
<
Revised 04/09/03
Pg. 6 of 10
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
<Hoodoos, Slots, Arches, And Buttes: Hiking In Southern Utah>
<Erik Madsen>/<Carson Tang>
< April 28- May 8, 2006>
1. May divide group into slow and fast groups on given days. May have long and short hikes
on some days. Participants may also opt of some hikes if desired.
2. Will have phone/locations of local health facilities
3. Mediation, make adjustments in group divisions or roommates if needed. Participants will
be advised of expectations of conduct before embarking. Appropriate Conduct that detracts from
the group experience will not be tolerated.>
E) Other
Potential Hazards: <Conditions unique to this trip>
Response:
<Prevention or response to identified risks>
5. EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
Please describe your plans for dealing with emergencies. Please use as much detail as
possible and attach additional sheets if necessary.
A) Emergency Communication
<We will urge that emergency contacts be given itinerary and list of telephone numbers at
places of lodging. We will have with us at all times a list of emergency contact telephone
numbers as well as insurance information for all participants. We will have telephone cards
and will have a cell phone. Phone contacts, language, documentation, distance from phone on
trail>
B) Evacuation
<We will be equipped with first aid kits including splint materials and know alternative "bailout" routes for access to vans, telephones and/or evacuation from backcountry. >
C) Medical Care
<We will have detailed information on location and level of treatment of medical facilities in
the various parts of Utah where we will stay or pass through. Both St. George (Zion area) and
Moab (Arches and Canyonlands area) have full-care hospital facilities. Emergency treatment
medical care facilities are available at each of the parks we will visit. Will check for largest fullcare facility in “grey area” between Zion and Moab on Utah Rt. 24 which is our primary travel
route between Zion/Bryce and Moab.>
Before you leave for you trip, you will need to provide a list of participants and their
emergency contacts in case something happens to someone in the field as well as an itinerary
with phone numbers (where available) in case something happens at home.
Revised 04/09/03
Pg. 7 of 10
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
<Hoodoos, Slots, Arches, And Buttes: Hiking In Southern Utah>
<Erik Madsen>/<Carson Tang>
< April 28- May 8, 2006>
6. COST INFORMATION
A) What deposits are will be required from airlines, hotels, outfitters, etc. (and when):
<Lodging to be secured with $100 deposits in August 2005 >
B) What is the latest date for you to cancel and get a full refund? :
nonrefundable, 30 days prior for lodging>
<Plane tickets
C) What is the value of the deposit you will require of the participants?
$ 845
D) What will be your cancellation policy for the participants?
I) < Cancellation must be in writing - Postmarked date below:
J) Prior to January 1- $100 non-refundable fee charged; If your airline ticket has been
purchased, you own it (subject to airline change fees). All other moneys returned
K) After January 1 - All moneys returned except:
L)
M)
a) same as above; and
b) Any moneys paid out to vendors and money necessary to keep the trip cost from
increasing - causing an increase for other trip members.
N) After April 1 - NO REFUNDS for any reason, including accident, illness, or any other type of
emergency. Plane tickets are nonrefundable and the property of the participants.>
E) Will trip run if minimum participant count not met?
Yes
<If we do not have minimum of 10 paying participants we will try to economize on hotels and
still run the trip. Often people try to sign up at last minute so I hate to cancel if we are 1-2
off.>
7. PRIVATE TRIPS
Are you currently (up to and including the time frame of this proposed trip) leading trips that
are “private,” i.e. not sponsored by the AMC?
No
8. AMC OUTDOORS INFORMATION
Please see <http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/info/Trip_Notice_Rules.html> for the current rules
and schedule for submitting notices for AMC Outdoors. E-mail both the long (150 words
maximum) and short form (50 word maximum) trip announcements to goeke@space.mit.edu ,
preferably in plain text format, at the same time you submit the trip application. Although the trip
notices travel a different route to the Committee, it helps to have the notices on the web site when
the trip is reviewed.
It your trip notice is somewhat preliminary at this time, that’s OK. You have plenty of
opportunity to change it before the publication deadline. If you don’t want to have the first (long)
notice appear at the normal time – see the above referenced rules – include your special request
in the body of the e-mail containing the trip notices.
Revised 04/09/03
Pg. 8 of 10
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
<Hoodoos, Slots, Arches, And Buttes: Hiking In Southern Utah>
<Erik Madsen>/<Carson Tang>
< April 28- May 8, 2006>
After you trip is approved, please check your trip announcements as posted on the Major
Excursions web site: http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/ ; we cut-and-paste directly from this site
to AMC Outdoors !
Revised 04/09/03
Pg. 9 of 10
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
<Hoodoos, Slots, Arches, And Buttes: Hiking In Southern Utah>
<Erik Madsen>/<Carson Tang>
< April 28- May 8, 2006>
9. TRIP PROPOSAL AND APPROVAL PROCESS
Trips cannot come before the Major Excursions Committee for approval unless the forms are
completely filled out and received three weeks prior to MEC meetings for review. Please make
sure you have filled out all appropriate sections of this form completely. Note that the following
forms are also required to complete the application; see the Handbook section of the Major
Excursions web site for forms and instructions.

Leader Qualification information

Detailed cost information
 Medical History: Both leader and co-leader need to have a recent copy of the AMC
Confidential Medical Form on file at 5 Joy St. This form can be obtained on the Major
Excursions web site or call Heidi Reilly at 617-523-0655 x356 to receive a hard copy by mail.
 Copies of first aid certifications and medical forms should be submitted in hard copy only.
These can be faxed (marked attn: Heidi Reilly) to 617-367-8878 or mailed to the Major
Excursions, 5 Joy St. address below.
By turning in this proposal, you are agreeing to the following:
I have read the Major Excursions Leader Handbook and I agree to follow all policies and
procedures of the Major Excursions Committee and the Appalachian Mountain Club in
preparing for and conducting my major excursion.

Please save and forward your electronic document in the following format:
Leader’s Last Name, Trip destination-Trip Activity (if applicable), Trip Start date.
For example: Zukroff-New-Zealand-Hiking-12-26-03.doc
Email should be sent to both of the following two addresses:
Stacia Zukroff, Major Excursions Committee Chair at <mecchair@amcboston.org>
Heidi Reilly, AMC Travel Programs Coordinator at <hreilly@amcinfo.org>
Or, if you unable to send electronically, please mail a single hard copy to:
Heidi Reilly
Appalachian Mountain Club
Five Joy Street
Boston, MA 02108
Questions? Contact Stacia Zukroff at <mecchair@amcboston.org> or 617-795-1651.
She can put you in touch with an experienced MEC mentor who can help you with trip planning.
Revised 04/09/03
Pg. 10 of 10
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16