Right Fork/Hammerhead - August 7/8, 2012
Four of us started from the West Rim/Lava Point trailhead at 900 am and cruised 4 miles down the trail to the entrance to Hammerhead. The approach generally follows the grassy wash that winds up to the top, and then a steep loose rock scramble to the first rap, the longest rap of the journey at 160 feet.
Hammerhead offers scenic upper elevation slots in the bright rock at the top of Zion. During the next 12 miles, there was very little hiking - mostly scrambling, ledging, and 'working' down the canyon. Lots of brush and debris - even from when I did the hike several years ago!
Pictures - You want em? You got em! 138 - http://www.meetup.com/AZ-TECH-CANYON...otos/10117542/
We entered the 'direct route' pothole section in mid-afternoon, and wore light wetsuits, and we were glad to have them. Some potholes were warm, others were cold (but not ice cold). We expected all the potholes to be filled with water since we are in the monsoon season, but it varied throughout. We had 1 swim in a cold pothole, and numerous waist to shoulder deep pools. Lots of partner assists and/or short raps (15 feet). The direct route has some great pothole action because you are in rooms and hallways of potholes. Near the end of the direct route we came to what seemed like a big rap, but it was only 40 feet. Then you are out of the pothole rooms, but there continue to be pothole/water problems down canyon. Eventually you make the big turn to the west and almost immediately reach another swim. This one was long - like 100 yards or more. This swim wasn't there a few years ago and a good strong storm could remove the barrier at any time, but we definitely were swimming. Later we made it to the Black pool, which was very low. We rapped in to our waists and waded out.
We probably were swimming about 5 or 6 times by the time we arrived at the Grand Alcove to set up camp at about 800 pm. The Grand Alcove was so cool. You can rap down from some ledges or you can downclimb the waterfall. However if you do the waterfall be aware there is currently a swim at the bottom near to the beach.
The night has this perfect mild breeze that made it easy to sleep comfortably under the full moon and stars.
The next day was 7 hours of rock and obstacle scrambling. Think of the exit from Pine Creek, only a lot longer (miles) and with no footprints or trails to help show the way. We prayed for cloud coverage for the hike out, and we got it! Without the cloud coverage it is hard to imagine how grueling it would have been to move in the exposed sun.
One mile before the exit, at the last slot/narrow point, there is now a lake caused by a landslide. This is a major swim - about 200 feet. It is possible to 'get' around to the north, but very sketchy. This must prevent almost anyone else from hiking up the canyon and really adds to the remote feeling.
The total trip took us about 19 hours to do the 17.5 miles hauling wetsuits, ropes and camping gear. Three years ago I went through from the Wildcat parking lot with 2 other friends and we did 21 miles in one day - 13 hours - with no wetsuits, 1 rope, snacks and water. Gear makes a huge difference!
The Right Fork adventure offers many great experiences. The canyon is rarely explored because it is remote and takes a lot of work. This canyon is what the other canyons might have been like before canyoneers turned them into trade routes.
We had a great time!
