Adventure Travel

POTHOLE POURRI 2004

Canyoneering on the Colorado Plateau: PART 2

by John Hart 
Nov. 20, 2004

(Click on any image for a larger version and a description)

Go to Part 1

INTRODUCTION

Carrying on with the picture fest, here are more from some fall 2004 outings.  Always searching for the neatest interplay of geometry and light, slot canyons are simply among the very best!  Fortunately, I've hooked up with a number of like-minded enthusiasts who don't mind the slow pace of a photographer, especially one who is prone to a "senior moment" now and then.  There's a lot of subtle beauty out there to be seen, if one takes the time. 

THE COLORS OF STONE:    

DEER CREEK,  GRAND CANYON:    What a "grand" 3 day adventure.  The longest approach (9 miles, 5000 feet down), and the longest exit (try that in reverse), but probably the neatest technical slot canyon I've done in the U.S.  A convoluted red-sandstone slot cut by crystal-clear flowing spring-water.  It culminates in a 200 foot waterfall that drops down into the Colorado River at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.  Simply awesome, nothing more to say.

Into the play.

The Approach

Getting Started

Inside

The Finale

COYOTTE BUTTES :   A non-technical, but extremely photogenic day-hike (permit required).

BUCKSKIN GULCH:  A slightly different take on this canyon .  We went down the upper half (and out the middle exit) the day after a big flash flood.  The water was still flowing pretty good.  This made the hike go slower because there was a lot of quicksand.  Basically the flood carried sand with it, and the sand sank out of the water to fill many of the holes.  Waist deep, and a little more, in places.  Dave Pitney and I took turns going first, and kept a little distance between us so we could pull each other out.  Interesting.  Somehow Pitney hardly ever got sucked in, while it seemed to get me every few yards when I would lead.

MARBLE CANYON SIDE-SLOTS:   Exploring short clefts that feed into the Colorado River in Marble Canyon, just south of Page, Arizona.

7 MILE:   A short (2 - 3  hour) canyon with a very pretty alcove.  One large drop (fix a rope and ascend back).

BADGER:  Three dry-falls (fix ropes and ascend back).

LOWER WATERHOLES:  Four rappels, nice color.  Navajo hiking permit required (obtain at Leche Chapter House, or Antelope).

 

Bye to canyoneering until spring!

Hope you enjoyed these images as much as we enjoyed being there.

But alas, I doubt it.

Go to Part 1