Gem Canyon April 13-15: Who is interested?

[Scott P]

Some people were interested in doing this and Poncho. Are the same people interested?

[rockgremlin]

I'm interested.

Any of the April weekends will work for me.

Gem has been on my hit list for a long time. Let's get it done! :2thumbs:

[Alex]

Are newbies invited? I carry the rope and supply drinks :2thumbs:

[Scott P]

Are newbies invited?

Depends on "how newbie". At a minimum you should be able to rappel without problems and be able to downclimb 4th class on occasion. As long as you can do that and be prepared for a long day, you should be fine.

As far as setting the anchors, the more experienced people can do that, so no problems.

[Alex]

I've gone with rockgremlin and Ice on one of their trips. I believe I could keep up with them. So if there is an extra spot, I'd like to join the trip. Most dates work for me, I can take time off work any time.

[Reedus]

If you could swing the 14 through the 17 of March, i would be all over it like Iceaxe on a $2.00 whore. That is my Spring Break and I have it set aside for canyoneering. I was talking to Shaggy125 about doing something in the Swell cause he has the same week off for Spring Break. If you can swing my dates, I am in, if not, we might be getting your sloppy seconds.

[Scott P]

If you could swing the 14 through the 17 of March

Unfortunately, no as I am out of town. Sorry.

[Alex]

Is there a write up/link about Gem canyon?

update: nm, found it here: http://www.summitpost.org/canyon/152117/gem-canyon-west-fork.html

[rockgremlin]

What's Poncho BTW?

[rockgremlin]

FYI...Tom's Swell Canyon Fest is the last week in April, so if you don't wanna be dodging a bunch of traffic, we should probably plan for one of the earlier weekends.

[Scott P]

What's Poncho BTW?

Poncho Wash is a canyon.

[rockgremlin]

What's Poncho BTW?

Poncho Wash is a canyon.

Well, I figured that much. I was hoping you'd elaborate a little. How does it compare to Gem and/or the other canyons in the Swell?

[Scott P]

How does it compare to Gem and/or the other canyons in the Swell?

Looks interesting, but I haven't done it yet. That's why I want to do it.

[rockgremlin]

Sweeeet!! Looks like it has two forks, north and south. Which are ya lookin to do?

Sorry if I'm being nosy -- I'm pretty stoked about it.

[Scott P]

The canyon doesn't get interesting until below where the two forks meet. We'll enter the main fork only because it is closest to the road.

[Alex]

Scott, did you get my PM?

[rockgremlin]

Scott, did you get my PM?

[Alex]

I don't think Scott speaks PM, rock

[rockgremlin]

Scott - Check your inbox.

[Scott P]

I've just been busy lately. I've recieved 100+ PM's from Summitpost and 14ers.org after my Andes trip, ice climbing trip, and La Plata Peak, so I haven't got around to the uutah.com ones yet.

Anyway, April 13-15 sounds fine with me.

[Alex]

Bummer, I got a permit to Westwater for the 14th launch. Have fun guys!

[mrbrejcha]

I'd like to go with, if you guys wouldn't mind.

[Scott P]

You are welcome to come.

[mrbrejcha]

Scott,
I'll shoot you a PM when the dates get closer, thanks for letting me tag along.

[shaggy125]

So Scott, tell me more about Gem. I've read your description but have a few questions. Is there just the one slot section? How long is it (both approx. time to get through and actual mileage)? Is the slot section the main attraction or the wilderness canyon before and after the slot section? If you had to compare it to another canyon what would it be? Is it more spry like or more Shenanigans like etc...? You can even say something like the canyon before the slot is like _____ the slot is like _____ and the canyon after is like ______. I've heard from you and others how good it is, but I've also heard that it's just OK. I really want to have a good idea of what to expect so I don't set my expectations too high or think the canyon is something that it really isn't. Thanks.

Eric.

[Scott P]

OK, final head count. Who is going?

Looks like I've missed the following message a long time ago:


Is there just the one slot section?

One slot section in each fork, plus narrows.


How long is it (both approx. time to get through and actual mileage)?I don't know the mileage, but it is a long day.


Is the slot section the main attraction or the wilderness canyon before and after the slot section?

All of the above. This is one of the deepest canyons in the Swell as well and has some very high walls ("Ponderosa Wall" is very impressive). Nice rock formations as well.


If you had to compare it to another canyon what would it be?

Hmmm, don't know. The slot section in the Middle Fork is like Zebra in Escalante. The rest of the canyon is very deep and scenic. Kind of like some Powell canyons, but with a Swellish feel. If that makes sense.


I've heard from you and others how good it is, but I've also heard that it's just OK.

For a Swell canyon, it is one of the best. Some Zion and Escalante Canyons are better, but in my opinion these are the best in the Swell.

[rockgremlin]

Me and Chuck are planning on it. :2thumbs:

What is the tentative schedule like? West Gem on Saturday....Poncho on Sunday?

[CarpeyBiggs]

Hey guys,

If there is still room, I'd be interested in tagging along. I'm not the most experienced, but I can carry the ropes... I've done a handful of canyons now, so I'm not totally a noob, but not as advanced as most of you.

Dan

[Scott P]

What is the tentative schedule like? West Gem on Saturday....Poncho on Sunday?

Mike K and I will definately be doing a canyon Friday as well. Maybe Poncho or Enigma.

We can wait until Sat to do Gem if that's what the majority is interested in.

Not sure which fork. Both are nice.


If there is still room, I'd be interested in tagging along.

There is room. Not sure about Poncho, but the other canyons aren't too difficult, but have some big raps.

[rockgremlin]

So no canyons on Sunday then?

[Scott P]

So no canyons on Sunday then?

Yes, that too. Mike and I will be doing canyons on all three days. Others are welcome too and this would be ideal, but I wasn't sure if everyone could get Friday off. If so, we'll all do canyons all three days.

Can everyone get Friday off?

[rockgremlin]

Can everyone get Friday off?

I'll try...

[Scott P]

Anyone who wants to come, please call me at 970-824-6396 (home) or 970-826-5206 (work) and we will discuss logistics, where to meet, etc. :2thumbs:

[rockgremlin]

Just to clarify - the Gem complex is south of Poncho Wash...correct?

[Scott P]

Yes. See topozone links to maps, plus detailed driving and route descriptions below. I'll also have my cell 208-859-1697, but probably can't pcik up out there, but probably can while on I-70 and shuttling cars.

http://www.summitpost.org/canyon/152117/Gem-Canyon-West-Fork.html

http://www.summitpost.org/canyon/152456/gem-canyon-middle-fork.html

[Iceaxe]

I'm impatiently awaiting the first TR

[Scott P]

[quote]I'm impatiently awaiting the first TR

[rockgremlin]

One things for sure -- this part of the Swell is verrrrrry remote, and sees very few people. You can probably count on two hands the number of people who has seen Gem Canyon (not counting injuns). You can probably count on one hand the number of people who will do our route out of Gem Canyon twice...ever (it's a verrrry long day).

[CarpeyBiggs]

Carpey want pictures.