Spry Approach

[Chanobelli]

I'm currently planning a trip for may through a few canyons in the Zion area and spry is on my list. Having never done it before I am just curious as to how long the approach takes on average. We have a group of 5, none of which are super hikers by any means; most are physically fit. Any info on roughly how long its taken you guys to get to the first rappel would be great just so i can keep somewhat of an idea if were on pace.

Thanks as always

[nkanarik]

I believe it should take 5-6 hrs. round trip.
http://climb-utah.com/Zion/spry.htm

[ststephen]

His question was about the approach though and how to tell if they are on pace. I've hiked to Spry entrance only twice but I'm thinking it was an hour to the pass? Your time to there is probably limited by the aerobic fitness of the group. From that point on it's more just time spent rapping and down climbing which isn't really an aerobic activity.

[Michael_WB]

Thinking back to the last couple of times Maarten and I went through Spry, probably 1h15-1h30 to the first rap (then again, we usually do a late start and have a quick lunch at the pass). The ascent up out of upper Pine Creek is reasonably unrelenting and 4th class steep on a few occasions. Make sure all of your party have appropriately sticky footwear in which they are confident to hike up steep slickrock passages. And have fun... Spry is a great day out :-)

[jman]

It took our group of 5, our very first time last year, a little over an hour to reach the summit, and about another 15mins to the first rappel after that.

About 10mins was spent looking at the rockart on the way too.

[oldno7]

His question was about the approach though and how to tell if they are on pace. I've hiked to Spry entrance only twice but I'm thinking it was an hour to the pass? Your time to there is probably limited by the aerobic fitness of the group. From that point on it's more just time spent rapping and down climbing which isn't really an aerobic activity.

As I recall--you probably hit the saddle in a 1/2 hour, then waited 1/2 hour for me to catch up.:haha:

I always figure 1-1 1/2 hr. to saddle.

[ststephen]

As I recall--you probably hit the saddle in a 1/2 hour, then waited 1/2 hour for me to catch up.:haha:

I always figure 1-1 1/2 hr. to saddle.

I don't remember waiting, but I do remember having an outstanding day meeting my first Bogley peeps! The last time I did it I was chasing Bo up that pass and then Mountain of the Sun, so what goes around comes around.

Coincidentally, I just snagged a Spry permit for June when I'm next out in Z-land. Looking forward to doing it again.

[jman]

So speaking of Spry, do you guys prefer the normal route or the alternate approach route (as mentioned by Luke)?

He mentions that both are the same length and vary slightly more in elevation. The alternate route looks a bit steeper from G.E.

[2065toyota]

Without a question the normal for me


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[Chanobelli]

Thanks for the info i'll plan for 1h30 to figure we are roughly on track to finish in that 5-6 hour range. Anything special i need to be aware of other than not to stick any ropes considering the rope grooves?

[Scott P]

Anything special i need to be aware of other than not to stick any ropes considering the rope grooves?

Not really, other than I wouldn't worry too much about being on track for time. Spry is short enough that it should be easy to do in a day for anyone who is moderately experienced. Unless you are really pressed for time for some reason, just go at your own pace, whatever that may be.

[ratagonia]

Not really, other than I wouldn't worry too much about being on track for time. Spry is short enough that it should be easy to do in a day for anyone who is moderately experienced. Unless you are really pressed for time for some reason, just go at your own pace, whatever that may be.

What he said.

Also, making good time on the approach and making good time in the canyon require different skill sets.

Tom