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Thread: Ranking Capitol Reef Canyons
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03-10-2019, 07:22 PM #1
Ranking Capitol Reef Canyons
Capitol Reef has always been a mixed bag for me. Some canyons are great, some are meh. How would you rate the following canyons? Top 5?
A-Door-Able
Arch Nemesis
Beaver Bay
Cassidy Arch
Ex Wife
Fire Canyon
Nighthawk
Na-gah
Reef Ramble
Smokestack
Stem School
Stone Dagger
Strike 2
Sunglow
Timpie
Tou-Can
The Wives
Watson
Wonderland
Wingate Wander
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03-10-2019 07:22 PM # ADS
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03-10-2019, 08:06 PM #2
No Pandora's Box?
Hard to make a top 5 list of Capitol Reef without it.
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03-10-2019, 08:37 PM #3
So, how big is too big for Pandora's Box? I'm 6'2" and 210. I've done Alcatraz, Middle Lep, and a bunch of other tight canyons, going high at narrow spots. But people make Pandora's Box sound quite tough if you're barrel-chested. I've also excluded some other canyons from the list just because I've done them already.
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03-10-2019, 09:06 PM #4
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03-10-2019, 09:11 PM #5
If you've done Alcatraz, you ought to be able to complete Pandora's Box. There are two obstacles in PB that are a little trickier and require some unique skills, but still doable.
The last time I went through there we had two rather barrel chested guys in our group, and they made it through with some partner assists.It's only "science" if it supports the narrative.
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03-10-2019, 10:35 PM #6
Keeping tabs on this thread as I haven’t done any canyoneering in Capitol. (Shocker I know). I know all about the canyons, where they are located, some of the “better” ones to do, but one day I will spend the time there and do the top 5 list.
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"He who walks on the edge...will eventually fall."
"There are two ways to die in the desert - dehydration and drowning." -overhearing a Park Ranger at Capitol Reef N.P.
"...the first law of gear-dynamics: gear is like a gas - it will expand to fit the available space." -Wortman, Outside magazine.
"SEND IT, BRO!!"
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03-11-2019, 07:14 AM #7
^^^What he said.
My chest measurements 43" and I can do the route and those slightly larger should be able to do the route. Large frame canyoneer will have to work harder as you must climb up and over many of the squeeze obstacles.
6'-2 @ 210 should not be an major issue.
The big killer with Pandora's Box is folks getting a late start. You want to be hiking before the sun comes up.
And for what it's worth... I consider Cassidy Arch to be the Pine Creek of Capitol Reef if that helps your list.
Ranking best canyons is always difficult because my criteria is probably different from yours.
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03-11-2019, 07:47 AM #8
^^^YES^^^
This is a good point. As I recall, when I did it, our group left camp in the dark (4:45 - 5:15ish) and we got back to camp just as the sun dropped below the horizon....and we had a pretty competent group. Had we dilly-dallied at all or if we were just a slower group in general we would have been hiking back to camp in the dark. It's a long hard day that requires over 10 hours for most folks. If you're taking n00bs be sure everybody has headlamps and I would recommend taking along a good gps.It's only "science" if it supports the narrative.
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03-11-2019, 09:31 AM #9
FWIW: Here is the Pandora's warning directly from my beta, which is why quality beta is valuable:
From http://climb-utah.com/Capitol/pandora.htm
Warning: Pandora's Box is rated 3A R IV using the Canyon Rating System. Large frame canyoneers will have a difficult time descending Pandora's Box. My chest measurement is 43" of solid muscle. I found it necessary to climb up and over obstacles that Smurf sized canyoneers could squeeze through. If you have moderate climbing ability and help from friends you should not get trapped in this canyon if you are my size or slightly larger. Large frame canyoneers will have to work much harder than Smurf sized canyoneers to descend this route. Most of the squeeze obstacles can be defeated by climbing up and over them. Bring as small of pack as possible. You have been warned!
A major key to success with this slot canyon is to be hiking at first light or a little before. Many of the problems and rescues associated with this slot canyon are the result of canyoneers falling behind schedule for any number of reasons and running out of daylight. Don't be one of those canyoneers. So once again, You have been warned!
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03-11-2019, 12:07 PM #10
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03-11-2019, 12:24 PM #11
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03-11-2019, 12:40 PM #12
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Post Thanks / Like - 1 Likesrockgremlin liked this post
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03-11-2019, 02:57 PM #13
^^^SWIMSUIT???
That looks like something my grandpa wore to the beach in 1912.... How are the women supposed to get lady boners if you won't show your abs?
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03-11-2019, 03:07 PM #14
I gotta admit that Ice looks pretty decent considering the age factor.
As I have struggled to maintain a lean physique beyond the age of 40, I have discovered how frustrating it is to lose fat and maintain muscle. When I was in my 20's and 30's I could eat garbage all day, every day and look like a Calvin Kline underwear model, with 5% body fat and a 6 pack. Nowadays, I bust my ass every day exercising and limiting my sugar/carb intake and my body insists it wants to augment my love handles and get rid of my muscle. It's like my body just gives the middle finger to my efforts to stay fit. It's exceedingly difficult to stay lean and fit beyond 40. So for Ice to maintain the physique in that picture while flirting with 60 years is to be commended.It's only "science" if it supports the narrative.
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03-11-2019, 03:52 PM #15
Back on subject.......
I think Fire Canyon and Ex Wife are one and the same canyon? Stegosaur slot is missing from the list.Don't believe everything you think.
-Borrowed from a bumper sticker I believe
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03-11-2019, 04:29 PM #16
Stegosaur slot is a great "girlfriend canyon".... certainly one of the best girlfriend/beginner canyons in Capitol Reef, it just depends on how you are ranking your slots.
Burro, Five Mile and Cottonwood are also missing from the list.
Burro is probably on many top five lists for Capitol Reef.
Poe, Happy Dog and Baboon Laughs are also considered by many to be Capitol Reef Slots, Depending on how you group your canyons. If you need rescue it's probably the Capitol Reef rangers coming to save your butt so that's a good enough reason for me to group them with the other CR canyons.
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03-11-2019, 05:51 PM #17
My list is stuff I haven’t done yet. I’ve done cottonwood, burro, etc.
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03-11-2019, 05:52 PM #18
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03-11-2019, 05:53 PM #19
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03-11-2019, 09:09 PM #20
Chambers is a different story. It's all fun and games until the last section of the main slot, where is put up or shut up time.
That last stretch requires that you upclimb about 30 feet, and then high stem off deck for over 100 feet. It's pretty labor intensive, and it can be nerve wracking if you're afraid of unprotected heights.
It's already required an SAR callout to rescue some dude that couldn't stem anymore and succumbed, sliding down into the crack and requiring his friends to go get help.It's only "science" if it supports the narrative.
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