Russell Gulch

[ratagonia]

from "the book" ( http://tinyurl.com/dc5vko ):

#36 Russell Gulch

While the normal route into The Subway is often called the "Russell Gulch Approach", it actually crosses Russell rather than descending it. This variation descends the canyon with three rappels of 100 feet (30 m), adding a little technical interest and another nice section of canyon to the normal Subway Route. It adds about an hour to the route, for small groups.

While this route is fairly straightforward, the rappels themselves have awkward starts and are not suitable for beginners. Don't take them, they won't have a good time.

Rating: 3B III
Time Required: 7 to 10 hours
Preferred Season: Summer or fall.
Cold Water Protection: Wetsuits advisable in all but the hottest weather.
Longest Rappel: 100 feet (30 m)
Special Difficulties: None

Approach: Follow the normal approach to the Subway to where it crosses Russell Gulch. Don't cross. Instead, traverse right (west) across the top of slabs then down steep slickrock and dirt to the canyon bottom. Find the path of minimum impact

[stefan]

many thanks, tom :2thumbs:

[jman]

hey! i've heard people call that one the "fake subway entrance". I did once and its definitely a good variation but will definitely slow you down, if you don't know what you are doing.

[ratagonia]

hey! i've heard people call that one the "fake subway entrance". I did once and its definitely a good variation but will definitely slow you down, if you don't know what you are doing.

You mean, Jman, that doing 3 rappels is slower than walking across slickrock to get to the same place????

We need to up your rap skills, Jman. C'mon out with me sometime and see how its done!

(ha ha)

Yes, Jman's statement is correct. AS STATED IN THE BETA, it adds about an hour to the route, for small groups. maybe I should have added "proficient" too. Large groups - depends on how well they are managed, as always.

Tom :moses:

[canyonguru]

I will have to try that enterence sometime. i have done the standared route and the Das Boot variation but not russels gulch yet. maybe one day i will have a chance to start up at lava point and drop in the whole way sounds like fun.

[jman]

hey! i've heard people call that one the "fake subway entrance". I did once and its definitely a good variation but will definitely slow you down, if you don't know what you are doing.

You mean, Jman, that doing 3 rappels is slower than walking across slickrock to get to the same place????

We need to up your rap skills, Jman. C'mon out with me sometime and see how its done!

(ha ha)

Yes, Jman's statement is correct. AS STATED IN THE BETA, it adds about an hour to the route, for small groups. maybe I should have added "proficient" too. Large groups - depends on how well they are managed, as always.

Tom :moses:

I guess in retrospect I was stating the obvious, but in my mindset I was thinking (cause I've thought this to) oh...its just a few more rappels - it will only take another 20min...and so on. I suppose I just don't want large groups to think they can do it in 20min and be fine. I've been a group where Kevin (the only one who knew the route) said it would take another 30min for a sidecanyon. yeah...sure...it took us 1 1/2 hrs cause the rappels. And we only had 4 people in the group for 3 rappels over 70ft.

Tom, u got any pics of the 2nd rappel by chance?

[Scott P]

Tom, u got any pics of the 2nd rappel by chance?

If interested, here are mine of the 3rd one (at least I think it was the 3rd):


http://www.summitpost.org/images/medium/323878.jpg

http://www.summitpost.org/images/medium/323873.jpg

[jman]

Thanks Scott P. That will work perfectly. My first and only time through i didn't have a camera :( and I'm showing my friend the alternate route.

[ratagonia]

Tom, u got any pics of the 2nd rappel by chance?

Not the most photogenic. There is a shot of Polly at the top in this set:

http://www.canyoneeringusa.com/rave/subway02/index.htm

Tom

[sarahlizzy]

Tom, u got any pics of the 2nd rappel by chance?

Not the most photogenic. There is a shot of Polly at the top in this set:

http://www.canyoneeringusa.com/rave/subway02/index.htm


The anchor looks pretty low there. Is it possible to weight the rope before committing to the rappel?

[ratagonia]

Not the most photogenic. There is a shot of Polly at the top in this set:

http://www.canyoneeringusa.com/rave/subway02/index.htm


The anchor looks pretty low there. Is it possible to weight the rope before committing to the rappel?

Yes, can always fake rappel the other direction (away from the drop) to check your attachment.

Tom

[sarahlizzy]

Yes, can always fake rappel the other direction (away from the drop) to check your attachment.


That's surely one of those things which is extremely obvious in hindsight!