Looking for an easy first canyon

[Jsnslv]

Myself and 2 friends (all experienced climbers) want to do our first canyon this weekend. I want something semi-technical that is as dry as possible (might be asking for too much in March...). Any ideas?

[jman]

How far are you willing to travel and what technical canyons and semi-technical canyons have you done thus far?

[Iceaxe]

Leprechaun right (east) fork.
Blarny left (west) fork.


Tap'n on my Galaxy G3

[SRG]

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[Jsnslv]

I've been climbing for years and taken a canyon rescue workshop from Dark Horse Leadership. This will be my first technical canyon. I work in adolescent treatment and have taken my boys up several non technical canyons, taken Them rappelling dozens of times etc. I have all the gear, ropes etc. I am solid with anchors, rope systems, and rescue.

[Bootboy]

+1 for east Lep.

Zion has some great entry level stuff but it's all going to have a little water.

[Taylor]

Try Baptist Draw in the Swell.

[Iceaxe]

I think you switched up the "east" and "west" on the above post, Shane.

Post has been fixed.... thanks.


Tap'n on my Galaxy G3

[Iceaxe]

Zion has great beginner canyons, but they are much better in the summer, and are not great for beginners this time of year.



Tap'n on my Galaxy G3

[Scott P]

Main Fork Bluejohn and out West Fork is semi-technical and likely to be dry.

[Jsnslv]

Is Lep likely to be dry this time of year?

[boryaa]

North Fork of Robbers Roost canyon is pretty good.

[Jolly Green]

Is Lep likely to be dry this time of year?

As of 3 days ago there was only one small area holding water and it is easily avoided. At least East Lep I should say.

[SRG]

West Lep was dry on monday.

[Iceaxe]

West Lep was dry on monday.

In the Leprechaun's it's the Subway section below the confluence of the three forks that holds water. So if the West Fork is dry the entire system should be dry.

[Mountaineer]

Purgatory (Dave's Not Dead) was dry this weekend (couple of ankle deep places you can avoid). I think it would be a good introduction with your climbing skills.

[ratagonia]

Purgatory (Dave's Not Dead) was dry this weekend (couple of ankle deep places you can avoid). I think it would be a good introduction with your climbing skills.

No anchor difficulties in there?

Tom

[Mountaineer]

No anchor difficulties in there?

Tom

Ah, good point. Might be worth taking pause there. We replaced two (one is a new choke stone that cams now into the wall with weight). Anchors are in good shape now, but would require some skill/experience to replace and certainly inspect.

I was very impressed with the anchors placed before us in Devil's Thumb this weekend. Nice job to those out there...

[Iceaxe]

Experienced climbers are still inexperienced canyoneers....

There is a lot of crossover and experienced climbers usually learn really fast... but experienced climbers are still noobs and should stick to some of the fun, easy and popular trade routes until they understand exactly what they are getting into.

:soapbox:

[ratagonia]

I was very impressed with the anchors placed before us in Devil's Thumb this weekend. Nice job to those out there...

Thanks.

That's my job!

Tom

[Mountaineer]

Experienced climbers are still inexperienced canyoneers....

There is a lot of crossover and experienced climbers usually learn really fast... but experienced climbers are still noobs and should stick to some of the fun, easy and popular trade routes until they understand exactly what they are getting into.

:soapbox:

True.

I started with upper Granary, Moab area. I'll throw that one in as a good first one rather than a recent one. :nod: