6/21/14 - Eardley and Zero G

[jman]

We orginally had plans to head down to Zion last weekend, but things got changed last minute (of course), people couldn't make it anymore, etc., but we needed a destination that was close since 2 of our people work for Lockheed-Martin and needed to be back by Saturday evening. So what's close, yet good enough to give 2 of these noobs (the Lockheed-Martin friends) a good experience in canyons.


We decided on Eardley and Zero Gravity in the Swell. And what great choices they were! So Saturday morning we left from the Eardley TH at 8:05am. A little less than an hour and we were at the end of Eardley canyon. For those unfamiliar with the approach, you follow straight wash which is pretty wide and easy walking for 2.25 miles.


We reached the canyon and hiked in to the last pool to soak our shirts for the approach. A VERY WISE decision. And I would recommend the same to others who plan on Eardley.


After hiking 35-40 minutes, we hit a break in the cliffs and were able to downclimb it to literally 10feet away from the slot section of Eardley. We estimate we were able to skip a good hour to hour and 1/2 of desert hiking. For more information on the "shortcut" - please see this link, as I want to keep this seperate from that discussion.


After a 2hour approach, we were at the canyon goods. The first section of narrows provides a nice introductory to Swell hiking. I'm guessing that the canyon water levels were about "medium". Not low and defintely not water high-marks either. Most of the pools were about 2-3feet below the high mark.

Most beta sources says Lower Eardley contains between 4-5 rappels. We just did 2 and jumped the rest (of course, after testing how deep they were). That last technical section was a riot! Just a waterpark.

After playing around the jumping back into the potholes and enjoying the sun directly overhead, we finally decided to head back to the vehicle so that we could do Zero G and still hit up Groggs in Price (yum!).

Here's a few pics and a vid from Eardley:










































































We hit the Trailhead again at 1:30pm and drove to Zero G. The road was in great shape, compared to previous years, but there is one tough section where sedans would still have trouble. I think most non high-clearance cars should be able to hit Zero G *ok*...


After hiking for a good 35minutes we finally entered Zero G. Over the years, the water stays mostly the same in the pools, except for one section where the semi-keeper is. We've noticed that's the one area where the water levels change the most. Even in "dry" conditions - most potholes are still "deep". The keeper was about 8feet from the rim, which made for a fun climb out. It is quite easy by yourself, but a partner assist should be able to help everyone out.

After more jumping in and out of potholes and exploring this awesome slot, we were back at the vehicle in a little over 2 hour (2hrs 5mins to be exact) with 5 people. Even the 2 noobs did a great job in it.

Btw, there is no webbing or ropes left in Zero G - so bring some if you need it for the last downclimb. But right now, it's in "pristine" condition.

















































































Not a bad day for 2 canyons, walking over 8+ miles, starting at 8:05am and getting done at 4:45pm. We drove another 1hr and 15min to Price and ate at our usual pit-stop restaruant - Groggs. If you haven't been there, give it a shot!

Another 2 hours later and we were back in SLC. Man, what a fast trip!

In a nutshell - Good conditions in those 2 canyons currently.