10 Canyons for Noobies

[Iceaxe]

Ten Canyons for Noobies

OK, since I'm always asked about canyoneering routes for novice I thought I would put together a list of 10 recommendations. All of these routes should be safe for fit and experienced outdoor people exercising commonsense. All can be done without technical gear, but having at least one experienced canyoneer or rock climber in your group is considered a nice safety measure to have along. Some require navigational skills, some do not. These are all great routes that I have done more then once.... if others want to post a similar Top Ten list feel free... I put this list together just for giggles....

And for fun..... how many canyons on this list have you all done?

Zion Narrows - Zion National Park
http://climb-utah.com/Zion/narrows.htm

Orderville Gulch - Zion National Park
http://climb-utah.com/Zion/orderville.htm

Subway - Zion National Park
http://climb-utah.com/Zion/subway.htm

Buckskin Gulch - Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness
http://climb-utah.com/Escalante/buckskin.htm

Black Hole of White Canyon - Cedar Mesa
http://climb-utah.com/CM/blackhole.htm

Lower Black Box - San Rafael Swell
http://climb-utah.com/SRS/lbb.htm

Little Wild Horse - San Rafael Swell
http://climb-utah.com/SRS/lwh.htm

The Chute of Muddy Creek - San Rafael Swell
http://climb-utah.com/SRS/thechute.htm

Sulphur Creek - Capitol Reef National Park
http://climb-utah.com/Capitol/sulphur.htm

Moonshine Wash - Robbers Roost
http://climb-utah.com/Roost/moonshine.htm

http://climb-utah.com/Escalante/Files/buckskin6.jpg

[DWayne27]

i like this- what about a top 10 list of beginning canyons that are technical, but easy?

[Iceaxe]

Ten noob Technical Canyons

I selected these because they are fun, can all be done with one 200' rope or less, all contain multiple escapes or can be reversed if you run into any major problems. All have several sources of well written beta available... All of these routes should be safe for novice tech canyoneers exercising commonsense.... but having at least one experienced canyoneer or rock climber in your group is considered a nice safety measure to have along. Some require navigational skills, some do not. These are all great routes that I have done more then once....

Baptist Draw - San Rafael Swell
http://climb-utah.com/SRS/baptist.htm

Blarney Canyon Left Fork - North Wash
http://climb-utah.com/Powell/blarney1.htm

Leprechaun Canyon Right Fork - North Wash
http://climb-utah.com/Powell/leprechaun1.htm

Bluejohn Canyon Main Fork - Robbers Roost
http://climb-utah.com/Roost/bluejohn1.htm

Arscenic - Poison Springs
http://climb-utah.com/Powell/arscenic.htm

Dragonfly Canyon - Arches National Park
http://climb-utah.com/Moab/dragonfly.htm

Keyhole Canyon - Zion National Park
http://climb-utah.com/Zion/keyhole.htm

Misery Canyon - Zion National Park
http://climb-utah.com/Zion/misery1.htm

Yankee Doodle - Zion National Park
http://climb-utah.com/Zion/yankee.htm

Das Boot - Zion National Park
http://climb-utah.com/Zion/boot.htm


http://climb-utah.com/Zion/Files/boot1.jpg

[rockgremlin]

Baptist Draw might get some folks into trouble if exiting Upper Chute out the "fault line canyon." There are a number of obstacles that could get one into trouble if not anticipating water, and your route finding skills better be reasonably good. A certain broken leg/near death experience in Upper Chute comes to mind here....

[Iceaxe]

Many of the canyons noted see a high number of Search and Rescues.... cause these are the canyons novice gravitate towards....

Been at least one death in Subway and the Black Hole and two deaths in the Lower Black Box... probably a dozen death's in the Zion Narrows over the years.

Flash Flood - Zion
http://climb-utah.com/Zion/Files/ZionFlash01s.jpg

Flash Flood - Black Hole
http://climb-utah.com/CM/Files/blackhole10.jpg

[abirken]

Is there a certain time of year that flash floods are more prevalent in Utah canyons? :popcorn:

[shaggy125]

Is there a certain time of year that flash floods are more prevalent in Utah canyons? :popcorn:

Yea starting around... now. July and August are the wettest months in Southern Utah, the monsoon season kicks in and it rains just about every afternoon some weeks. The amount of moisture air can hold depends on the air's temperature. In the morning the air is dry, then it gets hot as the afternoon wears on and moisture evaporates into the air, as late afternoon wears on the temps start to drop and suddenly the air can't hold all that moisture it picked up so clouds form and thunder storms develop and the water dumps back on the land and the whole cycle repeats. Monsoon starts at different times each year and is off and on. It will be bad one week and then not so bad another. Rumor has it that it seems to be starting now. Lot's of people still do canyons in the summer, but you have to watch the weather close and keep an eye out for exits if the thunder starts. Early starts are a good idea so you are out of the canyon before the rain starts.

[ratagonia]

Is there a certain time of year that flash floods are more prevalent in Utah canyons? :popcorn:

Well, a little more refined...

The Book, page 51...

The Monsoon is a weather condition that can set up in the summer, and brings daily BIG thunderstorms. Don't go canyoneering then.

The Monsoon mostly occurs in Arizona, only occasionally making it up here to southern Utah. Very unpredictable. Usually not bad. We usually lose a week a couple of times during the summer, July 1 to Oct 1.

Tom :moses:

[AJ]

And for fun..... how many canyons on this list have you all done?


Nice lists. Thanks Shane!

Since you asked 8/10 non-tech, 9/10 tech...

[forum8fox]

Damn, I've only done the black hole (and on jan 1st none the less), and leprechaun. Kinda funny. Somehow I mostly just skipped the beginer circuit.

I fear those canyons will wait till I'm old and decrepid mostly, because besides the beauty I think I'd be a little bored (not to be a dick, just trying to be honest). Hell I'm still a noob, not denying that... I guess I'm just a highly capable noob.

I'm suprised the high spur didn't make the beginer tech canyon top 10 list.

[Iceaxe]

Somehow I mostly just skipped the beginer circuit.

Let me introduce you to my pal Totally Awesome......


My pal woodie and I did a really cool canyon last week called "Gotcha". The canyon was rated 4C R V, but we did it in 4 hours. We only do canyons with a rating of 4R or 4X. Anything less then that is just technical hiking and not really worthy of us. Occasionally we will do a 3R or 3X, but then we put 50 lbs of sand in our packs and only use waterski rope because we are so awesome.

Gotcha was awesome, not pizza awesome, more like two nakid chicks awesome. The pots in the Indian ruins were awesome, until Woodie broke his pot while stuffing it into his backpack. The hanging gardens were awesome, but didn't compare to the waterfall under the natural bridge with pictographs. That was super awesome.

Currently I am in the ER room waiting for the doc to finish sterilizing my partner's butt. He was wearing shorts when he slipped on a mossy rappel. He fell off the steeper section and scrapped his butt as he slid down. I spent 20 minutes with the pliers from the Swiss army knife removing most of the pebbles. We'll stop bye as we drive back. Bye for now,

Your pal
Totally Awesome

:lol8:

He also skipped the beginner curcuit.....

:bootyshake:

[forum8fox]

Sounds like a fictional character.
:ne_nau:

It made for a funny read either way. Sure, there may be SOME similarities. So the jokes on me then.

[cachehiker]

Because we have a lot of noob's around here who will be hitting canyons this spring....

Appreciated. I'm now up to a harness and helmet with one canyon behind me. Hoping to triple that level of experience this year.

[Iceaxe]

It made for a funny read either way.

I was just messin' with ya. :haha:

Just remember..... Old age and treachery, Always overcomes youth and skill.

:five:

[forum8fox]

That's what I was getting at I thought, saving the easiest stuff for when that's all I can do right???

Glad you like messin with me, just like everyone else it seems. I realize it's all in good fun and if you didn't like me you wouldn't bother. I think over the years my skin has thickened and I've learned to take things alot less personally but who know's.

Besides I kinda learned I like to dish it back a little from time to time. Maybe I need to work on the art a little as it seems most of the time I come off as some egotistical, arrogant, self richous, big headed, possibly know it all esque A-hole.

I guess it's kinda hard to sense sarcasm over the internet with out knowing someone personally (and I feel I'm often putting it on pretty thick) . Speaking of which, maybe we ought to meet in person and do some canyons sometime.:ne_nau:

[Iceaxe]

I guess it's kinda hard to sense sarcasm over the internet with out knowing someone personally

That's why you need to use lots of smiley faces and stuff. :nod: :2thumbs:

On some of the older forums without emoticons it can be really hard to project humor or sarcasm. :frustrated: Bogley is a little easier. :mrgreen:


Speaking of which, maybe we ought to meet in person and do some canyons sometime.:ne_nau:

Love to do some canyons with ya.... soon as the snow clears I have some new canyons we'll be doing. I'll send you an invite...

:rockon:

[Rob L]

I must have missed this thread first time around. As a noob I've done 5/10 of the non-tech list and 2/10 of the techie lot.

Still, that leaves a whole list to do next time!

[forum8fox]

Nice, that sounds great Shane. The more notice the better. I think I will be trying to get out that way most likely mid May to go do some more hard high stemming canyons with the ram clan.

Time and money are the main problem, hence pleanty of notice so I can plan ahead, save, get time off etc. to make it happen.

[MiCanyoneer]

Of the Non Tech and Tech Canyons below which would be tolerable in July.
We will be in Utah and have July 9th to July 13 available before 5 days in Escalante and 5 days in the Grand Canyon.
We have done most of the other canyons and would like to avoid Zion this year.

Black Hole of White Canyon - Cedar Mesa
http://climb-utah.com/CM/blackhole.htm (http://climb-utah.com/CM/blackhole.htm)

Lower Black Box - San Rafael Swell
http://climb-utah.com/SRS/lbb.htm (http://climb-utah.com/SRS/lbb.htm)

Baptist Draw - San Rafael Swell
http://climb-utah.com/SRS/baptist.htm (http://climb-utah.com/SRS/baptist.htm)

Blarney Canyon Left Fork - North Wash
http://climb-utah.com/Powell/blarney1.htm (http://climb-utah.com/Powell/blarney1.htm)

Leprechaun Canyon Right Fork - North Wash
http://climb-utah.com/Powell/leprechaun1.htm (http://climb-utah.com/Powell/leprechaun1.htm)

Bluejohn Canyon Main Fork - Robbers Roost
http://climb-utah.com/Roost/bluejohn1.htm (http://climb-utah.com/Roost/bluejohn1.htm)

Arscenic - Poison Springs
http://climb-utah.com/Powell/arscenic.htm (http://climb-utah.com/Powell/arscenic.htm)

Dragonfly Canyon - Arches National Park
http://climb-utah.com/Moab/dragonfly.htm (http://climb-utah.com/Moab/dragonfly.htm)

The Chute of Muddy Creek - San Rafael Swell
http://climb-utah.com/SRS/thechute.htm (http://climb-utah.com/SRS/thechute.htm)

Moonshine Wash - Robbers Roost
http://climb-utah.com/Roost/moonshine.htm (http://climb-utah.com/Roost/moonshine.htm)

Kevin from Michigan

[stefan]

it depends on what you think is tolerable and how hot it ends up being during your time there. i once did the chute of muddy creek at 113

[Iceaxe]

On the list you posted this is the best in July, I've done it in 110 degree July heat and it was a blast. No wetsuits required when the temp is over about 95 :-)

Black Hole of White Canyon - Cedar Mesa

Zion is normally the place to be for July canyoneering.

[nat]

The Black Hole, Lower Black Box, and Muddy Creek should all be great in July. Some of the others I've done in the summer, but in my opinion, the others could be awfully hot.

Nat

[MiCanyoneer]

Thanks Stepan, Shane, Nat for the reply
We are pretty heat tolerant as long it is a dry heat.

We have no problem getting up before sunrise to avoid the heat.

Where would be the best place to camp? Closer to the Lake or Something like Dark Canyon?
Would camping at Sandthrax be like camping in an oven or will it cool down at night (<80 deg)?

Kevin from Michigan

[Iceaxe]

Where would be the best place to camp? Closer to the Lake or Something like Dark Canyon?

If it's July I'm camping close to the lake or river.... a nice swim before bed helps with the heat. In July Powell is bathtub warm... it's also about 10 degrees cooler next to the water at night...

[MiCanyoneer]

Any recommendation for camping near the lake or a river. It sounds like in certain areas if you are desperse camping you need portable facilities which is something we don't plan to bring out from Michigan.

[AJ]

Any recommendation for camping near the lake or a river. It sounds like in certain areas if you are desperse camping you need portable facilities which is something we don't plan to bring out from Michigan.


Just buy a five gallon bucket with a lid when you are out here. Put a couple trash bags in it, and you have your facilities. Buy a plastic toilet seat from Walmart if you want it to be more comfortable. Quite inexpensive; can be less than $10 total. Add some carpet fresh to sprinkle on it if you want a more pleasant aroma...

[Brian in SLC]

Pretty easy to deal as there's numerous products out there that get 'er done:

33708

http://www.whennaturecalls.com/products/restop2.html

[Don]

Pretty easy to deal as there's numerous products out there that get 'er done:

33708

http://www.whennaturecalls.com/products/restop2.html

I just mentioned the Rest Stop in my Coyote Gulch TR (http://www.bogley.com/forum/showthread.php?39209-Coyote-Gulch-April-24-26-2010). It worked great for me. None of the (much feared by me) in-pack leakage!

[MiCanyoneer]

Thanks for the information.
Wasn't sure the restops would be an acceptable solution.

[Iceaxe]

Because we have a lot of noob's around here who will be hitting canyons this spring....

http://bogley.com/forum/files/bump1.jpg

[rick t]

Just for the record, the brothers lost leg and near fatality accident on the Baptist Draw/Chute loop was going DOWN Chute from BD, not up. The up Chute loop route is considerably shorter and easier.

[Iceaxe]

Just for the record, the brothers lost leg and near fatality accident on the Baptist Draw/Chute loop was going DOWN Chute from BD, not up. The up Chute loop route is considerably shorter and easier.

For those that don't know the story it is available here:

Baptist Draw Accident (http://climb-utah.com/SRS/baptist1.htm)

Justin ended up losing his leg in the end because of complications.

:cool2:

[OwenM]

Because we have a lot of noob's around here who will be hitting canyons this spring....
Thanks for the bump. I'm looking for a couple of canyons to solo around April, and was going to start a new thread asking, but will check out all of these suggestions first.

[Branin]

That's why you need to use lots of smiley faces and stuff. :nod: :2thumbs:

On some of the older forums without emoticons it can be really hard to project humor or sarcasm. :frustrated: Bogley is a little easier. :mrgreen:

I propose that we need punctuation for sarcasm. Something like parenthesis or quotation marks, that go around the sentence. But we all already have computers you say? The solution is easy. The tilde ( ~ ), because, honestly, what the hell do we use it for in english anyways :mrgreen:. Something like ~Sarcasm is easy on the internet~ :afro:

[maarten.1975]

Thanks man, great post! Nice to see these lists, I didn't count for myself yet...
I'm marking them all on google earth, from where I plan my holidays.

Is it possible to also make a list from the 10 most beautiful canyons?
Hmmm, that will be very personal though. What I like is that wow-feeling, as if walking on another planet. Surrounded by an environment which is (for me) truly alien. And outstandingly beautiful. Maybe a list of the 10 most unique canyons, or the 10 'most-out-of-this-world'-canyons? Anyway, as you see, I like lists of canyons. :lol8:

[ratagonia]

Thanks man, great post! Nice to see these lists, I didn't count for myself yet...
I'm marking them all on google earth, from where I plan my holidays.

Is it possible to also make a list from the 10 most beautiful canyons?
Hmmm, that will be very personal though. What I like is that wow-feeling, as if walking on another planet. Surrounded by an environment which is (for me) truly alien. And outstandingly beautiful. Maybe a list of the 10 most unique canyons, or the 10 'most-out-of-this-world'-canyons? Anyway, as you see, I like lists of canyons. :lol8:

Matacanes. http://canyoneeringusa.com/rave/0505mexico/mat1.htm

T

[MrAdam]

Matacanes. http://canyoneeringusa.com/rave/0505mexico/mat1.htm

T

Holy crap that looks amazing.:hail2thechief:

[ratagonia]

Holy crap that looks amazing.:hail2thechief:

You said beautiful. You want AMAZING?

Fleures Jaune: http://www.cilaosaventure.com/activites/canyoning/2/fleur_jaune_1ere_partie_cilaos-ile_de_la_reunion.html

Trou de Fer: http://www.cilaosaventure.com/activites/canyoning/36/trou_de_fer_plaine_des_palmistes-ile_de_la_reunion.html

Heaps is pretty darn good too, but likely you knew that. :cool2:

Tom :moses:

[MrAdam]

Thanks Tom. It isnt enough that post beta and trip reports that get me to drive 10 hours to Utah multiple times a year, now you go and post international canyons that are 10+ hour by plane. Ugh, so many canyons so little time and money......

Heaps is high on the list for me, will hopefully get some practice for it in Insomnia down here in AZ once it warms up. But first I need to save up some money to buy a rope from you for that last 500' rappel! :haha:

[nelsonccc]

Matacanes. http://canyoneeringusa.com/rave/0505mexico/mat1.htm

T

Absolutely one of the best canyons I've ever done, only slightly eclipsed by Hydrophobia! Definitely should be on the list!

[Michael_WB]

Thanks Tom. It isnt enough that post beta and trip reports that get me to drive 10 hours to Utah multiple times a year, now you go and post international canyons that are 10+ hour by plane.

Er, that's what some of us do already.:cool2:

It is ~20hrs door-to-door (plane Geneva-NYC-Vegas, then drive the rental car up I-15/SR9) from my house to Zion NP... and last September was the 4th visit in 2 years. Currently planning another S Utah week for this September.


Ugh, so many canyons so little time and money...... Indeedly so!:cry1:

[shaggy125]

Absolutely one of the best canyons I've ever done, only slightly eclipsed by Hydrophobia! Definitely should be on the list!

Here is a video of some of the canyons south of Monterrey I made back in 07 when we went. The first few kinda sucked so feel free to fast forward to the good stuff (when the water starts flowing)


http://vimeo.com/22533846

[Slot Machine]

It seems like a good time to BUMP this thread. Some good suggestions to try before heading to Choprock. :mrgreen:

[SRG]

Shaggy that video is awesome, that looks like an insanely fun time

[ratagonia]

Here is a video of some of the canyons south of Monterrey I made back in 07 when we went. The first few kinda sucked so feel free to fast forward to the good stuff (when the water starts flowing)


A sweet slide down memory lane, thanks Shaggy!

Tom