Mystery Canyon

[Bclark29]

Hey folks, just a quick report for Mystery Canyon.

On the 21st, myself and three good friends did Mystery Canyon. This is my second time doing this easy canyon and since it's impossible to get a permit in the summer the only good time to do it is in the winter season.

The first time I did this canyon we took the Observation Point trail (Weeping rock), if you've done it this way you'll know that it's a beautiful hike but it kinda sucks, with the 2,400 vertical foot elevation gain and all. So, this time we hired a shuttle for 60 ish bucks and headed up to the Zion Ponderosa area and went for the East Mesa Trail head. This way is so easy and I highly recommend it.



From the trail head we hiked the flat trail for about 45 minutes until we reached this view...



Most of you have seen this beautiful view. It's just spectacular. But, then you look down and think, "shit, I gotta get down there now!" If you took the Weeping Rock way, you'll really be hating it after working hard gaining that 2,400'.

As we headed down that steep slope to reach the beginning of Mystery, we took a few spills on the patches of ice and our quads were pretty jell-o-e. That slop is pretty damn steep.





As we neared the bottom we encountered a very over bolted section of easy down climbs.



After a handful of down climbs we entered the Mystery.










Like my shirt?

Since this canyon is so popular all the anchors are well kept up and all the webbing was new.

Eventually the canyon opens up and you approach the beautiful Devils Hole. Has anyone seen this full of water? I think that would be quiet the sight.





The weather was a beautiful 65 ish degrees and slightly overcast. Inside the canyon was a little cooler but not bad at all. After we finished a quick food recharge break we headed on down to the Mystery Springs rappel. I haven't download the pictures from this rappel yet but I'm sure most of you have already seen it. However, I will say that I was glad I put my wet suit on first before I descended down to the spring pool because it was cold (or I'm just a big sissy). I know, I know, you're thinking sissy. I'm a fan of 60 meter ropes and pull chords so that was our setup for the springs rappel and the final rap into the narrows.

And here's a final picture of a picture of the last rappel. This rappel is sweet, it's pretty damn slippery going down so be careful.



Sunday morning we woke up to a few inches of snow on the ground at the Desert Pearl. (Damn straight we stay at the Pearl. Plus they have a bidet. Nothing beats a good rinse after a good.....

One the way home to Salt Lake it was snowing pretty good and our quads needed a good soak so we stopped at the Meadow hot springs.




The End.

[tanya]

Fun pictures and report!

[ratagonia]

"The first time I did this canyon we took the Observation Point trail (Weeping rock), if you've done it this way you'll know that it's a beautiful hike but it kinda sucks, with the 2,400 vertical foot elevation gain and all."

Yup. Would be a mighty shame to get some exercise when doing this canyon...

I like the hike up. Good warm up for the day. A nice workout for the legs and lungs. Mystery itself is not very physically demanding, unless you do the downclimbs, and you don't need much rope or gear for the canyon, so it is nice to take the hike and get it into the realm of 'a real canyon'.

Doesn't really cost you any time, if you have to do the car fetch.

But... to each their own. I know you 20 somethings have a hard time keeping up with us greybeards...

[deagol]

if the Mystery "Death Gully" had a theme song, it would probably be from Pantera

[Brian in SLC]

And...kudos for working in the word, "bidet" into your trip report. Now I know why friends like the Desert Pearl...ha ha.

[Bclark29]

Gotta have a clean ass.

[Iceaxe]

I always do the shuttle... but than again I'd rather spend the time saved drinking beer and basking in my greatness.

As for the devil's pit I've done Mystery several dozen times and only had to actually swim it one time. Had a couple times we had to wade ankle to knee deep. The devils pit drains out amazing fast after a storm and doesn't hold water for very long.

[Bclark29]

We had a good amount of beer and pizza waiting for us after the canyon.

[jman]

Thanks for the report and pics. Rocking the shirt!

$60 for shuttle....hmm...time to start a shuttle business. Does Lyft go up there? Lol

[2065toyota]

It's 2.5 hours faster to hike up from the bottom than to do a 2 car shuttle and the exact same amount of time to pay for a guided shuttle service. 1:15 minutes to hike up from weeping rock to Mystery drop in point.

The hike is way better than the shuttle ride

[moab mark]

No snow?

[Bclark29]

I disagree. I've hiked it. It was less than an hour for a shuttle from Weeping rock to Ponderosa.

[Bclark29]

No snow. But there is now.

[2065toyota]

I disagree. I've hiked it. It was less than an hour for a shuttle from Weeping rock to Ponderosa.

But then you still have a leisurely 25-30 minute hike to the drop in point. Therefore that makes it longer

[Rob L]

It doesn't matter which you do. The joy is in the journey.

[Iceaxe]

The hike is way better than the shuttle ride

Now that's just crazy talk.....

And for the record, if you start counting time from visitor center to visitor center the professional shuttle is faster. You can't just eliminate the Zion Canyon shuttle time.

Also I assume the $60 mentioned was for the group as shuttles cost about $20-$30 per person depending on a bunch of things like size of group and exact drop off location.

[ratagonia]

You can't just eliminate the Zion Canyon shuttle time.

No Zion Canyon Shuttle time now.

In fact, with the obligation to place a vehicle at the T of S, it ADDs to the shuttled time.

---

Just admit it. You're lazy.

Tom

[Iceaxe]

No Zion Canyon Shuttle time now.

In fact, with the obligation to place a vehicle at the T of S, it ADDs to the shuttled time.

---

Just admit it. You're lazy.

Tom

You still have to start the clock at the VC or at least canyon junction no matter who is driving or what shuttle setup you use if you want to compare apples to apples...

As for my being lazy that is a well known fact. I always take the easy way, or as some prefer to call it the smart way.

[Bclark29]

Also I assume the $60 mentioned was for the group as shuttles cost about $20-$30 per person depending on a bunch of things like size of group and exact drop off location.

Yep, $60 split between 4 guys is well worth the shuttle ride to me.

[Bclark29]

As for my being lazy that is a well known fact. I always take the easy way, or as some prefer to call it the smart way.

Damn straight it's the smart way. I think Mr. Jones is a bit jealous of our easier route.