Zebra, Tunnel March 2012

[WorkBad]

29 March 2012, after spending a great week further down Hole In the Rock Road we decided to cap our trip off and check out beautiful Zebra slot. The added bonus to this route was Tunnel slot, an unusual short dark tunnel through the sandstone. Visiting these two locations took us 3.5 hours car to car.

Zebra is incredibly beautiful and very short, you can see the whole thing in 3 minutes kind of short. There is a sandstone wall that prevents general traffic from exiting out the top making it the shortest canyon we've ever done. Going as far up as we could, dodging photographers, we retreated with curiosity of what the upper section looks like. Using the steep sandstone right shoulder of Zebra (as you approach) we gained access to view the upper section. Up top we found tons of moqui marbles in all various sizes. Looking down into Zebra we realized the lower section is far more interesting but there's a cool semi-keeper pothole maybe worth checking out.

After this canyon we hiked straight towards Tunnel slot by taking the obvious cut in the terrain connecting the two canyons. Arriving at the top of Tunnel we found that it was full of water whose depth was hard to determine because of the dim lighting and reflection across the shimmering surface. The freezing cold water ended up being about thigh deep for us. Tunnel is a very short ~75ft oddity of a "canyon" due to its shape but was fun to visit. The short stint in the ice water made it hard to walk for short period of time which added to the short adventure. I highly recommend it.

Enjoy the photos.

Area overview


Area detail


On the trail


Halfway Hollow


Natalie at the entrance to Zebra


Scenery












Me, at the end of the canyon, trying to go up more


On top, looking back towards the way we came


The top of Zebra looking down


Moqui Marbles








Perfect size for juggling


Natalie heading over to Tunnel Slot using the obvious cut in the terrain between the two canyons




Top of Tunnel Slot


Scenery








Exit of Tunnel Slot (for our direction)

[Sandstone Addiction]

I like the moqui marbles. Growing up, I only knew them as being called "Sand Bombs".

My Grandpa Alvey told stories of finding very large "sand bombs" and when placed in a fire they would blow up. Not sure if they really do?

He and my dad picked them up by the bucketfuls on Spencer Flat. Dad always marveled at how they were formed and doubt he ever really found out. In fact, after my dad passed on years ago, there were still 2 or 3 buckets full of softball sized "sand bombs" in the garage. I guess mom just gave them away...

Good to see some still around in their natural state.

Loved the TR WorkBad.

[hiacbanks]

Nice write up. I want to go:)
Is trail running shoe good for the trip?


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[WorkBad]

Yes, trail running shoes should be just fine.

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