Cross Canyon Trail Hike to Mariscal Canyon Float

[Super Dave]

I am considering putiing together a hike and float trip at Mariscal Canyon over spring break.  My tentative plans are to stash a canoe at Talley, drive back to Solis, hike the Cross Canyon trail to Talley and spend the night, then float through the canyon back to Solis.  Besides the theft issues at Solis, what are potential drawbacks to this plan?  I am estimating the hike to be about ten miles and the float to be five. 

[jeffblaylock]

The float is more like 10 miles, and your driving times will be longer than you may expect. The side roads to Talley and Solis are usually among the park's most challenging. I would park away from the river (and away from the designated campsites as they will likey be occupied during spring break). A few folks have done the trail - it's rough but scenic.

[mule ears]

I assume you have found this trip report where DJ did essentially the same thing with a the hike over the top after the float trip.

http://www.bigbendchat.com/portal/forum/your-trip-reports/3-days-in-january-mariscal-canyon-cross-canyon-trail-mariscal-rim-trail-t8963.0.html

[Super Dave]

Yes...I have seen DJ's post.  I am mainly concerned with the hike as my 12 year old son will be with me.  He has done South Rim, Guadalupe Peak, etc. so I am hoping it won't be too much for either of us to hike from Solis to Talley in one day.  The good thing is we won't have our packs on.  I noticed DJ said it took him 6 hours to complete.  I was hoping someone may have some waypoints for the route.  It's always nice to have those in your back pocket when your hiking in the desert.