Here is my opinion on the Swell. After doing several trips where we have base camped and run trails out and back and then last year where we moved camp from night to night I've felt that the trip where we moved location night to night was much more enjoyable. That area is so huge that no matter where you base a camp, it's hard to get out to a place, enjoy your time there and then get back. Last year, even though the weather sucked I felt we saw a lot more and did a lot more than we could have if we were going back and forth to the same camp.
That being said...if you base camp close to town somewhere you might get more of the Holiday Inn guys to show up. It's easier logistically to get fuel, food and other provisions.
You might consider asking the group as a whole what kind of trip they are interested in.
Either way, this trip has spiked my interest. If you guys want help let me know. As you know I know the area pretty well and especially if you plan on base camping and running trails every day I wouldn't mind leading a trail or two.
The PET run in August sounds fun too but I think your nuts to do a desert run in Aug. I'm going to Colorado instead....where the smart people hang in the summer
