Results 1 to 20 of 29
Thread: Zion-slot canyon info request
-
07-12-2009, 01:27 PM #1
Zion-slot canyon info request
Hey Guys,
My girl and I will be in Zion 8/10-14. We have hiked there (Angels landing etc) but want to do some slots. We have a pass for the narrows (top-down) on the 11th and I am looking for some more slots that are do-able to folks pretty new at it. We are both in top shape but my girl has never rappelled and would rather start with some not so technical slots before we get into it further. I would really appreciate any suggestions/info at all. Thanks. Gear recommendations would also be appreciated..do I need to get 5-10 canyoneers for virgin narrows? About how long wil it take us ?(we are both in great shape- run-swim Mtn Bike daily)
I would really appreciate some feedback from the experts- you guys...thx
Mark
-
07-12-2009 01:27 PM # ADS
-
07-12-2009, 03:29 PM #2
www.climb-utah.com
all the info you need.It's my job to call the BS around here. Get over it.
-
07-12-2009, 04:03 PM #3
For the Narrows, it's not technical...there may be some scrambling over log jams, but other than that, the most difficult part is footing on the rocks you walk over...
With respect to shoes, I have hiked from the top down twice, once in nike's and once in beat-up merrills and I felt fine, so I don't think you need a special shoe...your shoes will definitely be wet pretty much the whole time though...
I'd say plan at least 10 hours from the top down, but some people take a bit longer...are you planning on paying for a shuttle to the ranch? if so, I'd recommend taking the 6 or 7 am shuttle...
Here is a link to some photos of the narrows from a recent trip I got off another website, which shows a log jam and other aspects of the narrows:
http://<br /> <a href="http://s511"...20June%202009/
-
07-12-2009, 05:48 PM #4
Re: Zion-slot canyon info request
Originally Posted by Belchingdog
Zion is not known for its slots, per se, but it does have some nice Narrow Canyons. Check out Middle Echo Canyon from the bottom (no rappels, two brief swims or deep wades at the beginning)... check out Hidden Canyon (a nice hike).
The Narrows is Wonderful. I recommend renting the shoes and the hiking set, unless money is tight for you. The Shuttle is highly recommended, unless you have two cars, and even then... Ski Poles work really well for the Narrows. The "book time" is twelve hours, so if your "girl" is over the age of 16 and you are vigorous hikers, then 8-10 hours is a reasonable time. An early start gets you past the first couple hours while the temperatures are still cool.
More info on rental and on shuttles available: http://www.zionadventures.com
Tom
-
07-12-2009, 08:14 PM #5
Tom didn't recommend it in his post - perhaps he's too modest - but I HIGHLY recommend you buy Tom's book:
http://canyoneeringusa.com/shop/prod...cat=108&page=1
It has some very good detailed instructions on some of the canyons - and would give you a ton of information to make an informed decision about what to do to spend your time. (In addition to giving you lots of good information about your Narrows Hike)
His book is quite good and would help make your trip much more enjoyable.
Think of it this way: Your Narrows permit costs you at least $15 or $20 depending on your group size... and the only information it gives you is "don't shit in the river" and "check the weather before your trip."
Tom's book costs about the same as one permit, but it contains a ton more info.
climb-utah.com also has good information, as well as canyoneeringusa.com - but I'm partial to carrying dead trees around with pretty pictures. (Tom's book makes "plan B" scenarios very easy to handle - so if you see bad weather on the day of your Narrows hike you could quickly look in the book and find something else fun to do.)-----
"It's a miracle curiosity survives formal education" - Albert Einstein
For a good time, check out my blog. or update the CanyonWiki
-
07-12-2009, 08:16 PM #6Originally Posted by Ryebrye
T
-
07-12-2009, 09:11 PM #7
Re-iterating what Tom said; it would be good to get some more info on you guys; age and fitness being two big factors. However, check out Keyhole for a good Intro to Canyoneering canyon. It's quite short, with short rappels. However, you will still need to be able to rappel, and may need/want a wetsuit...
-
07-16-2009, 06:24 AM #8
Thanks to all of you for your help. I did purchase Tom's book-will hopefully arrive soon.
Info on us..I am 45, my girl is 46. We are both in excellent shape, we run, swim , Mtn bike etc daily. The physical part does not concern me, the technical part does caution me as Iam smart enough to hopefully-stay alive.
We are hiking the narrows Aug 11, and have the 12th-14th open to suggestion. I will have rappel gear. I used to rock climb but it has been at least 10 years. I am going to a rock gym tomorrow for a refresher.
If any of you guys will be there doing a slot and wouldn't ming us two tagging along ..that would be awesome! and dinner would be on me.
Thanks again guys...I really appreciate it.
-
07-16-2009, 07:15 AM #9
Tanya and I have accumulated some info as well. If you don't already have your platter full, you might look around here
http://www.zionnational-park.com/zio...nyoneering.htm
Or here.
http://www.zionnational-park.com/hik...ional-park.htm
Cheers!
-
07-16-2009, 08:21 AM #10
May I suggest the typical progression of canyons in Zion. Subway, Keyhole, Mystery, Pine Creek. Or maybe Pine Creek then Mystery??? I would highly recommend the good beta as suggested above so that you understand clearly the risks and equipment needs. Tom's book IS really good. Heck, the Back Country desk at Zion is 'sportin' a copy for all to see. Also, I would suggest that you post questions about particular canyons so you can get an idea of what others experienced and more particularly, current conditions. Some canyons in Zion are quite dynamic in that the potential for change is great (Pine Creek for one)
Life is Good
-
07-16-2009, 10:05 AM #11
Thanks guys- very much appreciated. Bo- I have been looking at your sight for months now.
I guess being a newbie, there is a little trepidation -first in finding the start of some of these routes...finding the wrong route, if possible. etc.
I want us to have a great adventure..and be as smart and safe as possible.
I will stick to the slots advised..Subway, Keyhole, Mystery. Just wanna be sure where I'm going and what I need to accomplish.
Thank you guys very much..Twylla and I are very excited to experience Canyoneering.
-
07-16-2009, 10:27 AM #12
Re: Zion-slot canyon info request
Originally Posted by Belchingdog
This will also help you with some gear ideas....
Canyoneering Gear
http://climb-utah.com/Misc/gear.htm
-
07-16-2009, 11:45 AM #13
Again thanks guys ...I really appreciate it.
A few more questions if you would be so kind.
Our plan -s Narrows-Keyhole-Subway..maybe red cave.
How much rope will I need? Slings etc?
Are wetsuits needed?
Helmets?
Thank you...
-
07-16-2009, 04:54 PM #14Originally Posted by Belchingdog
But here is my recommendations based on our experience
Subway- 60 ft rope works great
Keyhole - 120ft rope
I would always recommend helmets.
You may want to consider Orderville.
I would think you may want/need a wetsuit for Keyhole maybe just to avoid having all the organic material on your body but the water in there is very cold.
Subway and Orderville no wetsuit needed if temperatures are high and you don't mind spending a few minutes in cold water.
but this all depends on your cold tolerance.
-
07-16-2009, 07:19 PM #15
120 ft rope in keyhole...for what?
-
07-16-2009, 07:50 PM #16Originally Posted by nonot
Tom
-
07-17-2009, 05:42 AM #17Originally Posted by ratagonia
-
07-17-2009, 05:51 AM #18Originally Posted by nonot
-
07-17-2009, 06:22 AM #19Originally Posted by sarahlizzy
Tom
-
07-17-2009, 07:36 AM #20Originally Posted by ratagonia
Similar Threads
-
Zion Backcountry Plan - request for comments (very long)
By ratagonia in forum CanyoneeringReplies: 14Last Post: 09-07-2022, 03:33 AM -
Zion-slot canyon info request
By Belchingdog in forum General DiscussionReplies: 1Last Post: 07-11-2009, 05:19 PM -
To Slot Canyon or not To Slot Canyon?? need some advice
By cookiecutter in forum CanyoneeringReplies: 45Last Post: 05-22-2009, 08:18 PM -
your Favorite Slot Canyon around Zion NP 3B or higher
By canyonguru in forum CanyoneeringReplies: 22Last Post: 08-30-2008, 11:37 AM -
Zion Conditions - more info and opinion from Tom
By ratagonia in forum CanyoneeringReplies: 6Last Post: 06-10-2008, 12:22 PM
Visitors found this page by searching for:
Outdoor Forum