Ideas for Utah Canyons over Columbus Weekend?

[Bubbles]

Howdy howdy, I'm looking to do a Friday-Monday canyoneering trip in east or central. The idea would be to do canyons in the Capitol Reef/Swell/North Wash/Moab area Saturday, Sunday, and a short one on Monday before heading out.

I am leading a group of fit, but also large guys. Think 200lb, 44-46" chest marathon runners, none of whom have any canyoneering experience, but are mild outdoor climbers (5.6ish).

I am looking for some good moderate canyons to do to broaden my horizons from Zion and the west coast, but I dont want to take these guys down anything they wont fit through, or may be too much for them to bite off their first time out. I want people to keep coming out with me! :lol8:

I like the system of canyons around Sandthrax (Leprechaun, etc) but they may be too narrow for the big guys. Pandora's Box and Quandary Direct are on my personal hit list, but they may be too narrow or too technical for them.

Any ideas?

[Iceaxe]

Capitol Reef/Swell/North Wash/Moab

That's a huge area that is very spread out in driving time. You are talking 4 hours of driving time between some of these canyons.

I'd suggest you narrow your canyons down to one particular area. There is plenty to occupy a complete weekend in any of these areas.

North Wash - Poison Springs

Capitol Reef

San Rafael Swell

Robbers Roost

Moab

If Quandary Direct is high on your list camp at Hidden Splendor and hit Knotted Rope, Squeeze, Baptist Draw, Music

If Pandora's Box is high on your list combine it with Burro, Five Mile, Cottonwood Wash, Cable or The Squeeze from Factory Butte.

The Roost and Moab are area's complete to themselves with plenty to do in each.

If camping at Sandthrax then East leprechaun, any of the Poison Spring canyons and the Maidenwater routes.

Sounds like your bigger partners are about my size, they might have to work a little extra but they should get through all the canyons on your list.

[Bubbles]

Ye3ah, I guess I should have said that "I'm open to trips in any of these places." I'll check out your suggestions, thank you!