2007 Hit List

[Iceaxe]

December is the perfect time of year to do some E-canyoneering.

So..... anyone want to mention a canyon that is at or near the top of their current hit list? I'm putting White Roost at the top of my list. I've been heading down to do it several times but I always get side tracked into doing something else. I figure that 2007 will be the year for White Roost.

Just curious what others are aspiring to next year.

:popcorn:

[stefan]

hmmm ... aspire to?

i'd have to say shenanigans, stemming over the 4th narrows, as my chest will likely not fit.

[rockgremlin]

White Roost is a goodie! :2thumbs:


2007's list looks similar to my list for 2006, 2005, 2004, etc...

1. More stuff in Zion, particularly Heaps
2. Neon
3. Choprock
4. Deer Creek
5. Lomatium
6. Lost Spring Canyon
7. Alcatraz
8. Upper Black Box

[Reedus]

1. I have been wanting to do Scotts beta on the Gem Canyon complex for awhile. That will probably be at the top this April or May provide I can get someone else to do it with me. Anyone put a second thought into this one? Shaggy, I KNOW you ain't scared
2. Zions is still new to me. Gotta get Heaps, Imlay, Kolob done.
3. Winter canyons will probably be out in the roost. Maybe Alcatraz and White Roost. I wanted to do Mindbender, but heard it is a bore. Any comments??? NMB is good, but been there done that.
4. The mystery of a few Lake Powell slots intrigues me also, but I will probably have to chum Benny into going and providing beta.
5. Never done any Moab canyons. Are they worth the drive? I am into slot canyons mainly. Spryesque and Behuninesque are alright, but not worth the money and time to do them.

[marc olivares]

stefan... let me know when youre back in town, that's on my hit list too.
(not sure my barrel chest will make it through either...LOL)

i'd like to do more Roost stuff, i never get a chance to spend more than a day there at a time.
yep...more roost for me.

[Scott P]

I have several Dinosaur canyons on my list, but those canyons are tough logistically. The last two took several trips over a few years to finally figure out how to do, and these ones will be the same. I also have several easy to get to ones scouted out and ready to go-whenever or if ever I can find the partners.

I hope to check out the Red Desert of Wyoming as well. My guess is that it could be an untapped area for slots and seems to have the same rocks as SE Utah.

Also, Waterpocket Fold canyons are on my list.

Hopefully some stuff in Forgotten Canyon that look very promising.

Also, I know of some really great canyons (potential for some of the best anywhere) in the greater Powell region, but since they require a multi day approach, I can't find anyone to go with.

I have a canyon I want to do in the greater Trachyte region too that looks excellent.

Also lots of "semi-technical" stuff with my son and easy canyons for daughter.

[stefan]

(not sure my barrel chest will make it through either...LOL)


well the first 3 slots are surely worth doin'. i enjoyed those very much.

i measured my chest, with my back up against a wall, stick across the greatest point and a perpendicular to the wall ... yup 11+ inches. one person has said max 10" ... ram claims 190 lbs. whatever the measurement, nat and tom don't think i'll fit. but i fit through eric's camera lenz ... that was alotta fun ... looks damn TIGHT :eek2:

[Brewhaha]

I'm not much of a slot canyoneer....I prefer wide canyons.

Nevertheless I would love to go through the Black Hole provided:

1) it isn't too technical (I've never rapped) and
2) I could find some appropriate clothing and
3) someone with experience could show me the way.

[rockgremlin]

I'm not much of a slot canyoneer....I prefer wide canyons.

Nevertheless I would love to go through the Black Hole provided:

1) it isn't too technical (I've never rapped) and
2) I could find some appropriate clothing and
3) someone with experience could show me the way.

The Black Hole isn't too technical. A few bouldering/scrambling obstacles here and there, and some swimming, but that shouldn't scare ya away. This is assuming of course that there are no massive logjams that are choking the canyon.

About the only thing you might want in the Hole is some neoprene - a full wetsuit will keep ya nice and toasty throughout. Even in mid-August you can get a little chilled in there. Wetsuits are optional though...I've done the Hole about 4 times, and never had a wetsuit.

[Iceaxe]

Watch this forum.... we had a uutah slot festival last summer and invited noobies. Black Hole was on the to-do list until it flashed on us the night before. But we still did Cheesebox and Leprechaun. The get-to-gether was a lot of fun and it would be nice to do anther one next summer.

:2thumbs:

[Brewhaha]

Cool, I'll watch for it! :five:

[price1869]

2. Zions is still new to me. Gotta get Heaps, Imlay, Kolob done.


Just wondering if you're referring to the bank, or the national park. Zion?

(want to back me on this one shane?) :ne_nau:

[Iceaxe]

(want to back me on this one shane?) :ne_nau:

That's really TJ's pet peeve..... but story goes.... Zions is the bank and Zion is the park.

:five:

[rockgremlin]

Watch this forum.... we had a uutah slot festival last summer and invited noobies. Black Hole was on the to-do list until it flashed on us the night before. But we still did Cheesebox and Leprechaun. The get-to-gether was a lot of fun and it would be nice to do anther one next summer.

:2thumbs:


I agree. I think we should do it again this next summer. I really had a good time, and it was good to show others with less experience the ropes (so to speak).

[Scott P]

I have been wanting to do Scotts beta on the Gem Canyon complex for awhile. That will probably be at the top this April or May provide I can get someone else to do it with me. Anyone put a second thought into this one?

I'll take you through (seriously), but you have to say 10 things good about SUWA. :naughty:

[rockgremlin]

I have been wanting to do Scotts beta on the Gem Canyon complex for awhile. That will probably be at the top this April or May provide I can get someone else to do it with me. Anyone put a second thought into this one?

I'll take you through (seriously), but you have to say 10 things good about SUWA. :naughty:

Hey I've always loved SUWA!! :naughty:

[Scott P]

Hey I've always loved SUWA!!

Sounds like I'm taking you through some canyons. :2thumbs:

[Iceaxe]

I'll take you through (seriously), but you have to say 10 things good about SUWA. :naughty:

So you want people to lie?????

:nono:

[Scott P]

So you want people to lie?????

No. I'll make an exception for some. You only have to list five. :hippy:

[Iceaxe]

My current top of the hit list also includes 2 canyons in Robbers Roost that I have never seen betaed yet...... :2thumbs:

I'd tell you what slots they are but they don't have names yet :lol8:

At least no names that I know of or have ever heard anyone reference to. Maybe these are some of those super secret slots everyone is always talking about :ne_nau:

:five:

[rockgremlin]

My current top of the hit list also includes 2 canyons in Robbers Roost that I have never seen betaed yet...... :2thumbs:

I'd tell you what slots they are but they don't have names yet :lol8:

At least no names that I know of or have ever heard anyone reference to. Maybe these are some of those super secret slots everyone is always talking about :ne_nau:

:five:


I've heard rumors and legends told about "those two" canyons in the Roost. I understand they are considered to be the best Roost canyons yet, and even better than the classics (NMB, Alcatraz).

[Iceaxe]

I've heard rumors and legends told about "those two" canyons in the Roost. I understand they are considered to be the best Roost canyons yet

:lol8: could be :2thumbs:

[rockgremlin]

...


I'm assuming you wanted that comment snipped Scott? I went ahead and snipped it.

[Scott P]

Yes. :2thumbs:

[shaggy125]

1. I have been wanting to do Scotts beta on the Gem Canyon complex for awhile. Shaggy, I KNOW you ain't scared.

I'm not scared, just going to be SWAMPED with school next semester. It is looking to be my busiest yet, but... I will be taking the summer off so come May I am free and will have lots of days off. May might be the perfect time to hit those, I can take a week off no problem when school is done. My biggest priority this year is to hit up the Pacific Northwest, planning on August, I'll most likely take two weeks and hit up as many canyons as I can. the big question is are YOU too scared of two weeks in the PNW? I'm gonna need partners. :2thumbs:

[rockgremlin]

1. I have been wanting to do Scotts beta on the Gem Canyon complex for awhile. Shaggy, I KNOW you ain't scared.

I'm not scared, just going to be SWAMPED with school next semester. It is looking to be my busiest yet, but... I will be taking the summer off so come May I am free and will have lots of days off. May might be the perfect time to hit those, I can take a week off no problem when school is done. My biggest priority this year is to hit up the Pacific Northwest, planning on August, I'll most likely take two weeks and hit up as many canyons as I can. the big question is are YOU too scared of two weeks in the PNW? I'm gonna need partners. :2thumbs:


I pitched the idea of doing Gem Canyon to Shaggy before, but it got shot down due to an excessively long car shuttle. We all agreed, and decided to do Pandora's Box instead. The long car shuttle is Gem Canyon's downside.

[Reedus]

I think there is a way around the long car shuttle from what I have scouted. Instead of spotting a car at Tomsich and hiking down the Muddy after exit, you spot the car (dirtbike in my case) up stream where the muddy crosses the road. It would still be a long hike out (5+ miles), but I think it would be better than a 3 hour long shuttle IMHO. Any comments Scott?

[Reedus]

PNW....I have only heard rumors about it. I would be down fo sho if you did it the 2nd and third weeks in August right before school starts. I assume you have beta on stuff up there or at least access to it??? I wouldn't know the first place to look in Washington for slot canyons.

[Scott P]

I think there is a way around the long car shuttle from what I have scouted. Instead of spotting a car at Tomsich and hiking down the Muddy after exit, you spot the car (dirtbike in my case) up stream where the muddy crosses the road. It would still be a long hike out (5+ miles), but I think it would be better than a 3 hour long shuttle IMHO. Any comments Scott?

If you wanted to avoid the car shuttle, you can park at the Upper Trailhead and make a loop up Dizzy Trail (there probably is an exit going up Muddy Creek before Dizzy Trail, but I don't know where since I haven't been there in quite a long time). It would be about the same distance as going up Muddy Creek. Either way, it's certainly much longer than 5 miles and you are talking about a seriously long day. Even taking the Tomsich Butte route it is a long day. If doing the loop (or going up Muddy Creek), I would take two days if you don't mind backpacking and dealing with a backpack with rope work. It would avoid the car shuttle, but you would carry more.

[Reedus]

I am all about hiking and backpacking provide you can drag your shiz through the slot. I don't know how "slotty" the Gem complex is, but that would definitely figure into the equation.

I assumed an overnight trip and a hike out the next day. Long slot canyon trips in one day kick my trash.

[Scott P]

I don't know how "slotty" the Gem complex is, but that would definitely figure into the equation.

As long as you pack light and have a few people to spread out gear (ropes), there's only one section in each for that will be hard to take a pack through. The description of the loop hike without the shuttle is below (see route descrition section):

http://www.summitpost.org/route/160572/alternate-exit-and-loop-trip-dizzy-trail.html

Carrying a pack won't be that easy, but could definately be done without that much trouble. I've taken an overnight pack through the entire Bluejohn (including the lower section) and through Stone Donkey. Definately worse.

[Reedus]

So on a scale of 1 to 10, how slottesque is Gem? 10 being shenanigans and 1 being Shanes favorite Behunin. Stemming involved??? When are you going to finish Poncho? Is that worth taking a look at?

[Scott P]

So on a scale of 1 to 10, how slottesque is Gem? 10 being shenanigans and 1 being Shanes favorite Behunin.

Maybe 5, but in terms of narrowness, thing of Little Wildhorse versus something like Shenanigans.


Stemming involved???

A bit:

http://www.summitpost.org/images/original/50757.JPG


When are you going to finish Poncho?

When ever I can find someone to do it. Wanna come?


Is that worth taking a look at?

Although I haven't done it, I think it has some very good potential for a good slot canyon.

[Reedus]

Definitely. Not sure I am down with a winter expedition though. I grew up in Ferron and the Swell can get down right nasty and cold. Let me know when you plan on being down that way and I will schedule it in.
:nod:

[Scott P]

Definitely. Not sure I am down with a winter expedition though.

I was thinking late March/early April. Even if the weather was nice in winter, that road is muddy than heck with snow on it, plus (speaking from experience) wading the Muddy is no fun in winter.

[Cirrus2000]

Don't have a hit list, cuz I've never tried any technical canyoneering. Given that, I do want to try it out. Start of March I'm coming down to hike through Paria Canyon, solo, and plan to poke my nose into Buckskin Gulch - stroll up it until I'm scared.

I'm thinking that in May, I'll be asking for a wetsuit for my birthday. I love to rappel, I climb, I swim. So once I've got something to keep me warm in the water, I'll be looking to get started in real canyons. Then I'll start on a hit list...

[Scott Card]

Don't have a hit list, cuz I've never tried any technical canyoneering. Given that, I do want to try it out. Start of March I'm coming down to hike through Paria Canyon, solo, and plan to poke my nose into Buckskin Gulch - stroll up it until I'm scared.

I'm thinking that in May, I'll be asking for a wetsuit for my birthday. I love to rappel, I climb, I swim. So once I've got something to keep me warm in the water, I'll be looking to get started in real canyons. Then I'll start on a hit list...

Wait a minute... your Canadian (aren't you?). Why are you needing a wet suit :haha: My dad always told me Canadians had thicker blood and didn't get cold (He grew up in Alberta)

[Reedus]

Let me guess, somewhere near Cardston??? I knew a guy with the last name Card and he was from Canada too - Cardston, Alberta.

[Cirrus2000]

I'm thinking that in May, I'll be asking for a wetsuit for my birthday. I love to rappel, I climb, I swim. So once I've got something to keep me warm in the water, I'll be looking to get started in real canyons. Then I'll start on a hit list...

Wait a minute... your Canadian (aren't you?). Why are you needing a wet suit :haha: My dad always told me Canadians had thicker blood and didn't get cold (He grew up in Alberta)
Yeah, but I'm from Vancouver - hardly ever gets cold here! Anyway, I only said it was to keep me warm because that's what they're usually used for - really I just want it to keep from getting scraped up on that gritty sandstone - I'm used to nice smooth granite, up here.

Cardston - lovely place. I've visited, many years back. (Hear they've got these people with little horns there... :ne_nau:)

[tanya]

Wait a minute... your Canadian (aren't you?). Why are you needing a wet suit :haha: My dad always told me Canadians had thicker blood and didn't get cold (He grew up in Alberta)

On one of those survival shows the other day they showed a guy being put through all kinds of cold tests. They said if he was out in the same cold that an Eskimo was in, his face would freeze. There is something to be said for genes.

[Iceaxe]

Start of March I'm coming down to hike through Paria Canyon, solo, and plan to poke my nose into Buckskin Gulch - stroll up it until I'm scared.

If you are doing Paria you really want to start at Wire pPss and go down Buckskin and out Paria (either White House or Lee's Ferry).

You do not want to skip Buckskin.... that is the meat in the sandwich. An experianced hiker like yourself should have no problems in Buckskin.

:popcorn:

[Cirrus2000]

Start of March I'm coming down to hike through Paria Canyon, solo, and plan to poke my nose into Buckskin Gulch - stroll up it until I'm scared.

If you are doing Paria you really want to start at Wire pPss and go down Buckskin and out Paria (either White House or Lee's Ferry).

You do not want to skip Buckskin.... that is the meat in the sandwich. An experianced hiker like yourself should have no problems in Buckskin.

:popcorn:

Really? I know that it's supposed to be good, and would definitely be on my (eventual) hit list, but I wasn't sure about going solo, without real canyon (i.e. wet, sketchy, cold) experience. Don't need wetsuit in chilly March first water? How much rope could be required? How sketchy is it for a solo trip?

These are the things that made me think I'd hike to the confluence, then spend a full day going up then down Buckskin - then I could just turn around if it got too nerve wracking.

But if it's not getting in over my head, I'm way game to try it... Flights are booked, rental car is reserved, I've got a week, with 5 full days available, so I have a bit of flexibility. I bet the shuttle would cost a wee bit more, but that's OK...

[Scott P]

An experianced hiker like yourself should have no problems in Buckskin.

Unless it's filled with water in March. Never been there at that time of year, but I've heard horror stories from March. I assume it varies a lot year by year and some years are just fine. In any case, you could try it.

[Cirrus2000]

I've heard horror stories from March. I assume it varies a lot year by year and some years are just fine. In any case, you could try it.
I suppose I could make the final decision at the last minute - change the shuttle destination. Reading on Shane's site about the guys who got seriously cold was interesting. And they did check into the water situation. Interesting cautionary tale.

[Iceaxe]

Unless it's filled with water in March. Never been there at that time of year, but I've heard horror stories from March.

The rangers can usually give you a good idea of what the water is like the day before you enter. I've done the route in March and we never got our feet wet and I've done it with about a 1/2 to 1 mile of waist deep wading. The temp has ranged from really hot to freezing cold in March. The water is normally all in one section. I always have my group gear up and blast through the water non-stop until Middle Trail where we can rest and warm up.... so the water section has never been to rough. We never used wetsuits before but I guess that is also an option.

I would consider entering Buckskin at Wire Pass as the standard route and maybe entering at Middle Trail or White House as an alternate or fall-back if the water is bad. I've done Buckskin about two dozen times and the major wading is above Middle Trail. I've only enountered minor knee deep stuff below middle trail....

Anyhoo.... something to at least think about.... I believe hiking Paria without Buckskin is like getting married and skipping the sex.

If such a thing as normal exists this is what you will probably find in the water section of Buckskin.

http://climb-utah.com/Escalante/Files/Buck07s.jpg

[Scott P]

Just take a wetsuit and you should be fine either way.

Anyway:


But if it's not getting in over my head, I'm way game to try it... Flights are booked, rental car is reserved, I've got a week, with 5 full days available, so I have a bit of flexibility. I bet the shuttle would cost a wee bit more, but that's OK...

Don't forget your permit either. I assume it wouldn't be as much problem in March than say May, but you might want to get one early anyway.

[Cirrus2000]

Just take a wetsuit and you should be fine either way.

Don't forget your permit either. I assume it wouldn't be as much problem in March than say May, but you might want to get one early anyway.

Yep, got the permit already. Wetsuit - budgeted for that later in the year, but I might have to work an OT shift next month to swing it earlier... I know I want to get one soon, anyway. (Gotta get Chris to show me some local canyons!)

Thanks Shane and Scott for the input - looks like I will do Buckskin after all! (75 days and counting...)

[stefan]

Thanks Shane and Scott for the input - looks like I will do Buckskin after all! (75 days and counting...)

you'll love it!

so now i am curious. you said hike through paria canyon ... did you mean all the way to lees ferry? if so that's great ... the buckskin - and paria to lees ferry is an increadible hike. though you'll wish you didn't have to carry that wetsuite all the way through. the evolution of the canyon is quite an experience. at one point in wire canyon the canyon is as wide as you turned sideways and at the junction with the colorado it's some 3 miles wide.

definitely looking forward to you photos. how many days were you planning?

[Cirrus2000]

you'll love it!

so now i am curious. you said hike through paria canyon ... did you mean all the way to lees ferry? if so that's great ... the buckskin - and paria to lees ferry is an increadible hike. though you'll wish you didn't have to carry that wetsuite all the way through. the evolution of the canyon is quite an experience. at one point in wire canyon the canyon is as wide as you turned sideways and at the junction with the colorado it's some 3 miles wide.

definitely looking forward to you photos. how many days were you planning?

Yes, top to bottom is the plan. Driving to Lees Ferry, and shuttling up to the trailhead. (Any shuttle recommendations, anyone? I've got the 'approved list', but any recommendations or opinions are welcome.)

Giving it five full days - get into Lees Ferry Wednesday afternoon, shuttle up early Thursday, get back to the Colorado by Monday evening, fly out of LAS Tuesday afternoon.

Kind of hijacked this thread, huh?

[stefan]

Yes, top to bottom is the plan. Driving to Lees Ferry, and shuttling up to the trailhead. (Any shuttle recommendations, anyone? I've got the 'approved list', but any recommendations or opinions are welcome.)

Giving it five full days - get into Lees Ferry Wednesday afternoon, shuttle up early Thursday, get back to the Colorado by Monday evening, fly out of LAS Tuesday afternoon.


cool ... 5 days is ideal. wrather arch is worth the side trip.

[tanya]

Yes, top to bottom is the plan. Driving to Lees Ferry, and shuttling up to the trailhead. (Any shuttle recommendations, anyone? I've got the 'approved list', but any recommendations or opinions are welcome.)

Giving it five full days - get into Lees Ferry Wednesday afternoon, shuttle up early Thursday, get back to the Colorado by Monday evening, fly out of LAS Tuesday afternoon.


cool ... 5 days is ideal. wrather arch is worth the side trip.


Wrather Arch sounds familiar..... where is that one? Paria? :fishing: Is it a possible winter hike? :popcorn:

[stefan]

Wrather Arch sounds familiar..... where is that one? Paria? :fishing: Is it a possible winter hike? :popcorn:

its a good ways down the paria, below the buckskin in wrather canyon.

[Scott P]

Is it a possible winter hike?

From the rim, it would make a good winter hike. Not sure about going through the whole Paria in winter. If you don't mind cold water or there isn't much, could be a nice hike, but few do it in winter it seems, at least from the top.

[tanya]

Is it a possible winter hike?

From the rim, it would make a good winter hike. Not sure about going through the whole Paria in winter. If you don't mind cold water or there isn't much, could be a nice hike, but few do it in winter it seems, at least from the top.

Thanks Guys!

The top right side of my foot and those toes on that side are still in pain from my last trek through the Paria this winter. Not sure what's up? I think I will avoid that river until its warm again. :cool2: (where is the chicken icon) :mrgreen: