Lake Powell - Annies Canyon

[dakotabelliston]

Last week when we were at lake powell we took a side trip down Annies Canyon. I noticed a couple of slot canyons dropping into the lake that looked like they had been descended. I'm curious if anyone knows of either of these canyons and if they are actually canyoneering routes?

The 1st canyon was down the left fork of Annies canyon. It looked like there were rope groves coming from the canyon. It was about 20 feet above the water level so we could not get up into it to explore. The 2nd canyon was down the main fork of Annies canyon. There was a small canyon about 150 feet above water level that looked like there was webbing & bolts set up for the rappel.

While i'm at it does anyone know any technical canyons that drop into north lake powell that are accessible by boat? We got down twice a year & I think it would be cool to find a route that rappels in to the lake :)

[Slot Machine]

@dakotabelliston (http://www.bogley.com/forum/member.php?u=24628)

Man, I love threads like this.

The Annie's are both canyoneering routes. I would very much like to do these, if you are looking for a partner.

Also in the area are The Edens and Middle Crystal Springs. If you haven't downloaded The Map (http://www.bogley.com/forum/showthread.php?62130-The-Super-Amazing-Canyoneering-Map) to Google Earth, please take a moment to do so. It is easier to use than the web-based version, then you can see what I'm talking about.

[Scott P]

Be careful though. The Annies are considered to be difficult.

[Canyonbug]

I've done one of the Annies canyons, It was a long difficult day. Lots of Potholes. I was following others, so I am not going to even attempt to give any route info or beta as I was just along for the ride and have no idea which fork we even did. It was a fun day, but it kicked my trash. The last drop was approx. 140' straight into the lake off of bolts (probably the ones you were looking at from the bottom).

On the same trip we did some on the north end, all from boat access. Great stuff, but the lake routes are not a walk in the park. Every one that we did had serious obstacles in them.

[Bootboy]

As bolts are illegal in GCNRA, several in those canyons have been removed by myself and others. Be careful.

[Scott P]

Technically, slings are actually illegal as well.:wink:

[dakotabelliston]

Thank you all for the responses. Sounds like I need to do some research and find some beta for these northern lake powell routes to spice up my powell adventures. I was trying to find easy access to the top of these canyoneering routes but ran out of time with the family eager to get going.
slotmachine I would love to go hit up some of these canyons maybe later in the year when it's not ridiculously hot (September/October). I do not have my own boat access through so that would need to be worked out & you would need a willing person to babysit the boat & play shuttle.
Canyonbug it sounds like you ran the main canyon (on my picture Slot2) which has a awesome free hanging rappel ~ 150 feet pending on water levels. I sure hope those bolts do not get removed because looking from the bottom it looks like there is nothing to rap off & not a lot of material to work from. I like the idea of more challenging if you have a strong group & bring the right stuff & go prepared.

[dakotabelliston]

Slot machine thank you for the map link. That has both of these canyons on their & much much more !!! Super awesome !!!

[Scott P]

Sounds like I need to do some research and find some beta for these northern lake powell routes to spice up my powell adventures.

There isn't much beta available, at least not online. If you want to do many of the canyons, it is likely that many will have to be done without beta.


@Canyonbug (http://www.bogley.com/forum/member.php?u=2147) it sounds like you ran the main canyon (on my picture Slot2) which has a awesome free hanging rappel ~ 150 feet pending on water levels. I sure hope those bolts do not get removed because looking from the bottom it looks like there is nothing to rap off & not a lot of material to work from. I like the idea of more challenging if you have a strong group & bring the right stuff & go prepared.

The main canyon is non technical. I believe that it is the north fork that is being referred to.

[Bootboy]

Thank you all for the responses. Sounds like I need to do some research and find some beta for these northern lake powell routes to spice up my powell adventures. I was trying to find easy access to the top of these canyoneering routes but ran out of time with the family eager to get going.
slotmachine I would love to go hit up some of these canyons maybe later in the year when it's not ridiculously hot (September/October). I do not have my own boat access through so that would need to be worked out & you would need a willing person to babysit the boat & play shuttle.
Canyonbug it sounds like you ran the main canyon (on my picture Slot2) which has a awesome free hanging rappel ~ 150 feet pending on water levels. I sure hope those bolts do not get removed because looking from the bottom it looks like there is nothing to rap off & not a lot of material to work from. I like the idea of more challenging if you have a strong group & bring the right stuff & go prepared.

There isn't really any beta to search out. The best way is to go with people who are familiar with the canyons.

Powell zone has many extraordinarily difficult canyons. Be careful.

[Slot Machine]

Everyone keeps saying, "Be careful."

With the Annies, what kind of careful are we talking about? High stemming kind of careful? Big pothole kind of careful? Over or under 200 foot rappel careful? Water anchor careful? Or just SandTrap kind of careful?

Is it the kind of place a skilled group with a rim team could just figure out?

I have so. Many. Questions. :haha:

[Slot Machine]

Those loops don't look that bad. Maybe the potholes within are bad, but the approach for each looks easy.

North Fork: 2.93 miles
South Fork: 2.19 miles

84451

If you want to play along at home, download the attached KML files, then open them in Google Earth.

Once installed, right click on each route. Then you can see the elevation profiles. Rad!

84452

84453

[Bootboy]

Everyone keeps saying, "Be careful."

With the Annies, what kind of careful are we talking about? High stemming kind of careful? Big pothole kind of careful? Over or under 200 foot rappel careful? Water anchor careful? Or just SandTrap kind of careful?

Is it the kind of place a skilled group with a rim team could just figure out?

I have so. Many. Questions. :haha:

Bob, that's the spirit of Powell canyons and what many of us regulars try to preserve. It's about the mystery of the unknown. By keeping this stuff unpublished, others have the opportunity to explore without being denied that thrill.

Without being specific, the gradient created by the river channel is unique in Glen canyon and while there is much variety to be found, X stemming and potholes that can literally stop unprepared groups can come out of nowhere. With bolting (and as Scott pointed out, even webbing) being illegal, you must be a master of ghosting to do these canyons in the purest style. Again, what many of the Powell pioneers hope to preserve and pass on as an heritage of exploration. Long may it ever be so.

[dakotabelliston]

Slot Machine nice work !!!! Love it. You guys are much more computer savy then I am lol. I'm more of a brute (which is a strength & weakness).

I think my biggest hold back is having access to a boat to use at my convenience lol. Slot machine if you decide to run this in late September/October let me know (I'm swamped until then). I would love to try and tag along. If nothing else I will be the pack mule lol.

Bootboy your from Ogden it says. I would love to jump in with you guys sometime (I live in Spanish fork) if you ever have room.

[Slot Machine]

Bob, that's the spirit of Powell canyons and what many of us regulars try to preserve. It's about the mystery of the unknown. By keeping this stuff unpublished, others have the opportunity to explore without being denied that thrill.

Taylor, canyons don't have spirits, silly. It is public land, and all canyoneers are free to play on that land how they like, within the limits of the law.

Denying people the thrill is a victim mentality, but nobody is actually a victim. If I go and do, then publish or share, nobody had actually been denied anything, so there is no victim.

Also, nobody is forced to read canyon beta. For example, today I could go and do the Annies, then publish them. Later, you might go and do the Annies without reading my publication. Is your experience not exactly the same as before my publication?

The premise of ‘saving canyons for others to explore’ certainly sounds plausible when you preach it, but it doesn't pass the logic litmus test. Sorry.

[ratagonia]

Everyone keeps saying, "Be careful."

With the Annies, what kind of careful are we talking about? High stemming kind of careful? Big pothole kind of careful? Over or under 200 foot rappel careful? Water anchor careful? Or just SandTrap kind of careful?

Is it the kind of place a skilled group with a rim team could just figure out?

I have so. Many. Questions. :haha:

All of the above.

T

[ratagonia]

Everyone keeps saying, "Be careful."

With the Annies, what kind of careful are we talking about? High stemming kind of careful? Big pothole kind of careful? Over or under 200 foot rappel careful? Water anchor careful? Or just SandTrap kind of careful?

Is it the kind of place a skilled group with a rim team could just figure out?

I have so. Many. Questions. :haha:

More specifically -

A. A rim team is not possible.

B. There is high stemming at the R+ X- level.

C. There is a section of very difficult potholes. MANY potholes. Difficult anchors. Might require WaterPockets.

D. The last rappel on the north can be 300 feet or longer, and requires some savvy to figure out the anchor.

E. Lots of SandTrapping.

F. Long

Tom

[Slot Machine]

More specifically -

A. A rim team is not possible.

B. There is high stemming at the R+ X- level.

C. There is a section of very difficult potholes. MANY potholes. Difficult anchors. Might require WaterPockets.

D. The last rappel on the north can be 300 feet or longer, and requires some savvy to figure out the anchor.

E. Lots of SandTrapping.

F. Long

Tom
*stares at screen, absolutely amazed*

Thank you for sharing, Tom. You must be in a very good mood today. :gents:

[ratagonia]

*stares at screen, absolutely amazed*

Thank you for sharing, Tom. You must be in a very good mood today. :gents:

You're a father now. I don't want to see you killed.

:moses:

[Utah Canyoneer]

Hey guys, specifically dakotabelliston and slotmachine . I searched and couldn't find any updates on if you did the two forks already. I was looking up Annie's canyons because today we just explored the south fork from the lake up. With the higher water level we were able to jump right into the first (last) pothole from the boat. We made it up a couple more potholes using potshots. There was some good ol' Powell style canyon, and some medium height (25') stemming. From Google Earth it looks like we made it about half way up before we turned around because we didn't want others in the boat waiting too long. Have you guys already done these routes? I would be very interested in doing them with you and can provide a boat. As far as a shuttle goes we could anchor the boat at one and drop a kayak at the other to retrieve the boat. Let me know if you still want to do them. I understand this thread is a year old and you have likely already done them. Thanks!

[dakotabelliston]

Hey guys, specifically dakotabelliston and slotmachine . I searched and couldn't find any updates on if you did the two forks already. I was looking up Annie's canyons because today we just explored the south fork from the lake up. With the higher water level we were able to jump right into the first (last) pothole from the boat. We made it up a couple more potholes using potshots. There was some good ol' Powell style canyon, and some medium height (25') stemming. From Google Earth it looks like we made it about half way up before we turned around because we didn't want others in the boat waiting too long. Have you guys already done these routes? I would be very interested in doing them with you and can provide a boat. As far as a shuttle goes we could anchor the boat at one and drop a kayak at the other to retrieve the boat. Let me know if you still want to do them. I understand this thread is a year old and you have likely already done them. Thanks!
When I was there the canyon lip was 15 ft above the water. Glad to hear the water is higher.

I have not done either of them. I don't have any experience with Sandtrap anchors or water pocket anchors so I X'd the idea. With a strong team it would be awesome to give them a go but my scheduling at the moment is awful. I recently started a new job & we just had a new baby.

If you plan a trip, the invite is much appreciated, but unsure if I'll be able to make it in the near future.

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[cjhaines0]

Hey guys, specifically dakotabelliston and slotmachine . I searched and couldn't find any updates on if you did the two forks already. I was looking up Annie's canyons because today we just explored the south fork from the lake up. With the higher water level we were able to jump right into the first (last) pothole from the boat. We made it up a couple more potholes using potshots. There was some good ol' Powell style canyon, and some medium height (25') stemming. From Google Earth it looks like we made it about half way up before we turned around because we didn't want others in the boat waiting too long. Have you guys already done these routes? I would be very interested in doing them with you and can provide a boat. As far as a shuttle goes we could anchor the boat at one and drop a kayak at the other to retrieve the boat. Let me know if you still want to do them. I understand this thread is a year old and you have likely already done them. Thanks!

Hit me up if you're looking for more specific information - I've done the south fork of Annie's many times. Haven't done the north fork, but I will be heading down to Powell in a couple weeks and will be doing it then. Having talked with those that have done it, the north fork presents some difficult stemming and anchor challenges.


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[Scott P]

I would be very interested in doing them with you and can provide a boat.

I'd be interested and have basic beta.

[moab mark]

Hit me up if you're looking for more specific information - I've done the south fork of Annie's many times. Haven't done the north fork, but I will be heading down to Powell in a couple weeks and will be doing it then. Having talked with those that have done it, the north fork presents some difficult stemming and anchor challenges.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkNorth Fork is the real deal.


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[Utah Canyoneer]

"north fork is the real deal"
MOabmark....do tell...you can't just be all mysterious like that!

[ratagonia]

More specifically -

A. A rim team is not possible.

B. There is high stemming at the R+ X- level.

C. There is a section of very difficult potholes. MANY potholes. Difficult anchors. Might require WaterPockets.

D. The last rappel on the north can be 300 feet or longer, and requires some savvy to figure out the anchor.

E. Lots of SandTrapping.

F. Long

Tom

What I said.

T

[moab mark]

What I said.

TYes what Tom said[emoji2].

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[moab mark]

The farthest north is the best.

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[Utah Canyoneer]

Ha ha, ok. Got it. So next step is figuring out how other people have successfully made their water pockets. Time for some research! Boy am I going to be sad if I don't need one for this canyon

[moab mark]

Ha ha, ok. Got it. So next step is figuring out how other people have successfully made their water pockets. Time for some research! Boy am I going to be sad if I don't need one for this canyonI've been thru 4 times and have never needed a waterpocket. There is only one spot where it could be needed. If that pothole was full you'd have to get very creative. Hint: for that one you need to know how to hang your sandtrap on the wall of the pot. Every time I've been the water is about chest deep with about 5 or 6 ft of wall you've got to ascend to get out.
I had a video on bogley showing most all of the obstacles but YouTube killed it due to music violations. I can't find it now.

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[moab mark]

It was called pothole escapes on moabmark12. If u can outsmart YouTube it's all there for the viewing.

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[hank moon]

So next step is figuring out how other people have successfully made their water pockets.

Sneak route:

http://canyoncollective.com/threads/the-wanchor-canyon-test-successful.22192/page-2#post-105843

[moab mark]

Here's a couple of pictures.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170716/302bde8346d881c69d61c50170cc4364.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170716/6224b6d14baeda6cd0cca443c0b36c53.jpg

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[moab mark]

http://www.bogley.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55004

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[moab mark]

I'm not responsible if you die doing this, but if you take one or two Tom's big backpacks and put to big dry bags in them that are full of water you can rappel off of them. Use the shoulder straps handle etc to attach rope. Tie ropes to bottom of each backpack to invert them to get the water out. Obviously you need to leave the tops of the dry bags open. It is very sketchy but does work.

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[TommyBoy]

Ha ha, ok. Got it. So next step is figuring out how other people have successfully made their water pockets. Time for some research! Boy am I going to be sad if I don't need one for this canyon

Or you could invite someone who has one. :wavey:

[Utah Canyoneer]

Hint: for that one you need to know how to hang your sandtrap on the wall of the pot.
I had a video on bogley showing most all of the obstacles but YouTube killed it due to music violations


Thank you Mark for the information. That stemming looks fun! I'd swear that was Glaucoma if the walls were smoother. I am not smarter than youtube so I couldn't see it, but I understood your description pretty well. If it isn't a hassle to email me the video, I would really appreciate it! If it's a pain, no worries! I just appreciate your help.


Sneak route:


Thanks Hank!


I'm not responsible if you die doing this, but...

Ha ha, I'm not that kind of guy. I fully understand that the safety and myself and those under my lead are completely my responsibility, and that it is my job to be familiar, have practice with, and judge the reliability of any gear or method that I choose to use.


Or you could invite someone who has one. :wavey:

Consider yourself invited TommyBoy ! I would love to learn from someone with water pocket experience, and 'in canyon' especially! Plus it is always great to meet fellow fanatics.
Thanks for the offer and when I get the details figured out I would love to have you along! It will likely be around september 16th or 23rd. expect a PM when I get things sorted. Thanks again!

[TommyBoy]

I'm looking forward to it, I work every other weekend and the 16th will be my weekend off so if you can plan it around that I will for sure be in. If not I can trade weekends, but the closer it gets the harder it is to convince someone, and if you need any help filling slots I'm sure I could find a few people that would be interested.

[moab mark]

The only copy I have is on youtube.[emoji34]

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[WalkingMan]

....

[Bootboy]

Ha ha, ok. Got it. So next step is figuring out how other people have successfully made their water pockets. Time for some research! Boy am I going to be sad if I don't need one for this canyon

I am the inventor and maker of the Waterpocket, for which I have applied for a trademark with the USPTO. I "successfully" make them all the time.

The Atwood Waterpocket is the safest, most proven, and most reliable water based anchor there is.

Because of my love for, and experience with canyons in GCNRA I have an interest in promoting the use of the Waterpocket as a means of maintaining the low impact, exploration ethic of the canyons there.


Having been through this canyon several times (known by its explorers as Daddy Warbucks) I can say that using a Waterpocket in this canyon is the cleanest way to do it. There are places where rope grooves are developing from the use of sandtraps where a Waterpocket can be used with much less impact.

If TommyBoy joins you for this Canyon and you'd like your own after seeing it used, contact me via email atwoodgear@gmail.com

[moab mark]

I am the inventor and maker of the Waterpocket, for which I have applied for a trademark with the USPTO. I "successfully" make them all the time.

The Atwood Waterpocket is the safest, most proven, and most reliable water based anchor there is.

Because of my love for, and experience with canyons in GCNRA I have an interest in promoting the use of the Waterpocket as a means of maintaining the low impact, exploration ethic of the canyons there.


Having been through this canyon several times (known by its explorers as Daddy Warbucks) I can say that using a Waterpocket in this canyon is the cleanest way to do it. There are places where rope grooves are developing from the use of sandtraps where a Waterpocket can be used with much less impact.

If TommyBoy joins you for this Canyon and you'd like your own after seeing it used, contact me via email atwoodgear@gmail.comHow is the waterpocket in this canyon working any different the a sand trap as far as the pull is concerned? It's been a while but as I remember we only used the trap on one rappel in there?

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[moab mark]

After giving this some thought , I guess if you can release the water before pulling it would definitely be easier then dumping the sand while pulling?

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