Swim Through A Slot
Canyon or Explore a Dry Canyon in Utah this Fall
Early fall is the best season for “canyoneering,” an adventure sport that is
becoming extremely popular in Utah’s national parks and play areas. Canyoneers
climb over rocks, rappel down cliffs and swim through water-filled potholes as
they hike into wild and rugged canyons most people never see. Such adventures
can range from relatively mild day hikes to extreme, technical, multi-day treks.
September is a great month for canyoneering because it’s still warm enough to
enjoy sliding down waterfalls, but the oppressive heat of August has abated. And
the moderating temperatures reduce the threat of afternoon thunderstorms – which
create flash flood danger in narrow canyons.
October, with its cool temperatures, is the perfect month to hike dry
canyons.
The Narrows in Zion National Park is perhaps the world’s most popular spot
for canyoneering, and it provides a wonderful introduction to the sport. Casual
hikers start at the bottom and just hike up canyon as far as they dare. In many
spots the Virgin River covers the entire canyon floor, from cliff to cliff, and
you have no choice but to wade. You can’t judge the water’s depth until you step
in... up to your knees... your waist... and in a few spots you’ll find yourself
swimming.
The Narrows extend for about 18 miles. Experienced hikers do it from the top
down in one long day or as an overnighter. A permit is required if you start at
the top, but not if you day-hike in from the bottom.
Some of our other great canyon hikes (that aren’t overly technical)
include Zion’s Subway, Buckskin Gulch in Grand Staircase/Escalante, Halls Creek
in Capitol Reef, the Black Hole of White Canyon (just southeast of Hite), and
West Canyon off Lake Powell.
Dry canyons suitable for family adventures include Little Wildhorse in the
San Rafael Swell (near Goblin Valley), and Spooky Gulch in Grand
Staircase/Escalante. Spooky is the tightest slot canyon average-size people can
get through. It becomes so narrow you have to scoot sideways, the canyon walls
scrapping your chest and back. Kids love it – they can often breeze right
through.
People who are large or claustrophobic should not enter Spooky Gulch. In most
canyons you can just go until you start to feel uncomfortable and then retrace
your steps to get out. But not Spooky. Following the normal route, you slide
down a rock into the canyon’s bowels and find you are committed to finishing the
hike; it’s very difficult to climb back out.
Fall is also a great time for mountain biking, off-road adventures (4X4 &
ATV), horseback riding and fishing. The weather is usually dry, temperatures are
mild and some of the summer crowds have gone home.
If you want to experience canyon hiking but you are nervous going it alone,
we can arrange for you to go with a guide. Our Moab multi-activity trip is a
good choice; participants can choose from activities including hiking,
four-wheeling through canyon country, jet boating down the Colorado River into
Canyonlands National Park, and riding horses along trails where Western movies
were filmed.
Article courtesy of Utah Travel Tips. |
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