taatmk
11-21-2011, 02:42 PM
On Friday, November 18, a group of 5 of us completed two fun canyons near Moab. The weather in Salt Lake called for snow; we had 63 degree temps and clear skies in Moab.
Hike up the crack entrance got the blood flowing after a 4 hour car ride. While skies where clear, experienced gusting winds on top. Is it always windy here? Wind was chilly, fleece was needed. Not bad if out of the wind. Views were fantastic. Spotted Balanced Rock in the distance. La Sals were snow capped. Did the final rap at the canyon crease point, but if there is a next time, would want to do the wall off to the side, were webbing was located. That is more of a straight drop. Left an Olympus camera lens cap at a snack break a ways above last rappel; oh well. Completed the route in about 1 1/2 hours.
After leaving a vehicle at the El Negro Bill parking lot, made our way around up the Sand Flats Road to upper wash. Was easy to find. Route walked in and out of wash to first rappel into the Chamber. Nice drop into darkness. Great fun. Found ankle to knee deep water both in the hanging pothole and in a pool at the bottom. Both could be avoided by swinging way to the left, then way to the right on the second one when descending.
Morning Glory Arch was in the shade. Some descended the wall method at the tree anchor, others simul rapped off the arch with a bottom belay on both sides.
Observed approximately 20 hikers that came to view the arch from below. A popular destination even in November. Reached the parking lot in about 3 hours total. Great route. Its on our "need to repeat" list. (Returned to 5" of snow in SLC)
Kerry
Hike up the crack entrance got the blood flowing after a 4 hour car ride. While skies where clear, experienced gusting winds on top. Is it always windy here? Wind was chilly, fleece was needed. Not bad if out of the wind. Views were fantastic. Spotted Balanced Rock in the distance. La Sals were snow capped. Did the final rap at the canyon crease point, but if there is a next time, would want to do the wall off to the side, were webbing was located. That is more of a straight drop. Left an Olympus camera lens cap at a snack break a ways above last rappel; oh well. Completed the route in about 1 1/2 hours.
After leaving a vehicle at the El Negro Bill parking lot, made our way around up the Sand Flats Road to upper wash. Was easy to find. Route walked in and out of wash to first rappel into the Chamber. Nice drop into darkness. Great fun. Found ankle to knee deep water both in the hanging pothole and in a pool at the bottom. Both could be avoided by swinging way to the left, then way to the right on the second one when descending.
Morning Glory Arch was in the shade. Some descended the wall method at the tree anchor, others simul rapped off the arch with a bottom belay on both sides.
Observed approximately 20 hikers that came to view the arch from below. A popular destination even in November. Reached the parking lot in about 3 hours total. Great route. Its on our "need to repeat" list. (Returned to 5" of snow in SLC)
Kerry