Halls Creek & Narrows, July 18-19th

[bruce from bryce]

Accompanied the NPS Hydrologist into Halls Creek for water sampling
and a little narrows hike.
Dropped into (literally; almost 1000 feet) the creek at 7:30pm and
hiked til 10pm whereupon we found a nice flat piece of slickrock and
bedded down for the night. First time sleeping on the red rock and I
found it to be almost soft, not like the Zion NP campground.

Up at 6am and hiked 45 minutes to the end of the narrows where we
build an earthen dam (Corp of Engineers and the resident beaver
would have been proud) to ensure we caught all of the water and
forced it through the 15 lb flume that we carried in with us; along
with the other 20 lbs of professional gear plus our water, food,
sleeping setup, etc.

Finished the testing about 9am and started our hike into the
narrows. Immediately Dave says the recent flash flood has changed
the character and depth of the canyon. Whoops I slip and am over my
head. We exited this section avoided some deep water by clinging to
the cottonwoods overhanging the water's edge then came to a
seriously deep pool (see photos). Considering the price tag on some
of Dave's equipment we dropped the packs and headed, swam, up the
narrows for about 1 hours. Three more swims, one through a section
no more than 4 feet wide brought us to a spectacularly tight canyon
with soaring walls of Navajo sandstone. Why did the creek decide
that this rock was weak and proceed to drill through the rock at
this point. There are very few other places like this in Capital
Reef.

Swam back to our packs for the 3 1/2 hike back to the climb out.
Thankful for the cottonwoods about every 30-45 minutes. Temps were
100-105 and our water was quickly warmed (heated) by the sun. Made
suggestion to Dave that in the summer months he cache water at
bottom of climb in one of the cool alcoves that dot the hillside.
Added that the cache should actually be ice that will melt during
the time in the creek and hopefully still be somewhat cool when
needed.

Got through the climb with a little help from Dave, thank you, and
then were back in Bryce after a 3 1/2 drive. Had business cards
from Chief Ranger and another LE who were in the canyon also. Heard
they told friends here at Bryce that the climb out had kicked their
ass also.

This is definitely a cooler month hike, but then again I asked Dave
if I could accompany him. Will go back later for a quick in and out
without the water sampling.

[stefan]

nice ... sounds like an great trip with interesting company. the narrows are beautiful. it's neat to walk on the slickrock above them and peer down in. yeah that very last section of the narrows is quite spectacular where it becomes that very narrow slot filled with water. the first time i went through the water was completely murky and couldn't see how deep it would be ... it was midmarch and about mid stomach deep. the last time i went through it was crystal clear water, and you could see the bottom of the slot through the water ... simply stunning.

did you take the standard route in, or the short cut?

thanks for sharin' bruce

[Iceaxe]

Hall's Creek is high on my to-do list. Particularly since Nat told me about the short cut, which still looks pretty long

Anyhoo..... I'd be interested in hearing a little more about which route you used. I think I want to do it in one day since carrying camping gear back up to the top of the cliff doesn't sound like fun.

Nice pics also, that just makes me want to go more

[stefan]

yeah, our friend paul fife told us about the short cut route. it makes it much shorter than the standard route, also makes for a more dramatic entrance in the shape of a very steep hour glass. course the standard route takes you down to brimhall arch which is really interesting, but of course that route can be done with the intention of only going to the arch and back. the hike up the cliff isn't that bad

shane, while you're more interested in a daytrip, i must say that i enjoyed my first trip down that way (2000) spending a few days exploring the narrows, the waterpocket fold and some of the side canyons down halls creek. the camp just upstream from the narrows is great, especially after a wet spring when there are grasses. there is a bit of slickrock to camp/sleep/cook also, with the creek very close.

one interesting feature in this lower area is that the monocline ascends at a more mild grade (upstream very steeply), allowing for endless slickrock exploring ... the higher you get the better views you have looking over the henrys and lake powell.

couple of years ago i went back down that way with a friend to do a trip from halls creek over to coyote gulch, which was just superb. but it was quite shocking to see the difference in the amount of water in powell compared with the amount in 2000.

[Scott P]

I think I want to do it in one day since carrying camping gear back up to the top of the cliff doesn't sound like fun.

But then you would miss all the tight slots in the area not far from the Halls Creek Narrows, including some possibly x-rated ones. I would recommemend you just strap on the overnight pack. I'm headed there myself October 6-9.

[Iceaxe]

Hmmmm..... I might have to reconsider......

I wish they would hurry and re-open Halls Creek under RS2477 so I didn't have to walk so dang far

[stefan]

nah, shane, you're thinking oldworld ideas here ...
like most of these RS2477 supporters YOU'RE LIVING IN THE PAST!!!!

you need one of these

[Iceaxe]

Yeah.... like that won't get ol' SUWA's panties in a bunch

[rock_ski_cowboy]

nah, shane, you're thinking oldworld ideas here ...
like most of these RS2477 supporters YOU'RE LIVING IN THE PAST!!!!

you need one of these
http://www.flying-contraptions.com/rocketman.gif

Hey speaking of Jetpacks... Anyone seen the Arrested Development episode with the jetpack, the mole and the mini-city for the japanese investors? My favorite TV episode of any show, period, ever. Can't wait till the third-season officially comes out on DVD in August, the pirate copy Josh got off bittorrent sucks.

[Scott P]

I wish they would hurry and re-open Halls Creek under RS2477 so I didn't have to walk so dang far

I'll have my four year old show ya' how it's done. He's coming with me. . If you want, you could ask him for a few pointers.

In all seriousness though, I believe the county is claiming it as a road.

Either way, it's going to be a great trip!

[Iceaxe]

Think I'll go with the jetpack..... I just put a bid in at ebay for one.

[bruce from bryce]

We took the shortcut root which apparently cuts off about 4-5 miles of sand slogging.

I've seen a satellite shot of the section where we were and there are 3-4 sections that have been cut off from the main creek that look quite interesting. A couple of days and some rope could make it an interesting place.