I used to love spelunking when I was younger and some of your pictures remind me of the tight squeezes. Not sure if I would make it through some of these areas you guys went to, but looks really fun! Good report!
its pretty fun. south maidenwater was one of the funnest canyons i've done, i got lucky and hit it right after rains and had quite a few swims. LOVE 'em when they're wet !
Nice write-up and photos, Kevin. It looks like you guys had a terrific time! I can't entirely agree with "Canyoneering is a bit more laid back than mountaineering as you get to enjoy later starts and the cardio fitness needed is minimal as there is a lot of waiting around going on" though. That might be applicable to beginner-level canyoneering but more difficult canyoneering is just that ~ more difficult. The canyons can be extremely exhausting and challenging on many levels. I've done many canyons that were 12-15+ hour days and left me whipped.
Very true indeed, CP. I'll change the comment to refer to beginner canyons. I can't imagine doing some of those R rated canyons. Very physically exhausting!
This is a super fun slot, and super narrow. I really would not suggest doing this canyon for your first slot, and if you're claustrophobic forget about it. This thing is narrow and when I say narrow I mean it, and it doesnt let up for a longgg ways.
I was with a good friend and it wasnt that bad until he came to the narrowest point and started to have trouble squeezing through...he is 190lbs and I'm 225lbs(6'-4" tall) with a chest circumference of 41in on a good day. All in all, if you're any bigger than me good luck, bc my chest barely made it through. Stick to the east wash for the bigger framed individuals... take my word on it. =)
lisae - Apr 28, 2010 4:09 pm - Voted 10/10
Lookslike fun to me. Your photos are great!
Asphazell - Apr 28, 2010 8:55 pm - Voted 10/10
IntenseI used to love spelunking when I was younger and some of your pictures remind me of the tight squeezes. Not sure if I would make it through some of these areas you guys went to, but looks really fun! Good report!
goofball - Apr 28, 2010 11:00 pm - Voted 10/10
welcome to canyoneeringits pretty fun. south maidenwater was one of the funnest canyons i've done, i got lucky and hit it right after rains and had quite a few swims. LOVE 'em when they're wet !
cp0915 - Apr 30, 2010 10:17 am - Voted 10/10
Good TRNice write-up and photos, Kevin. It looks like you guys had a terrific time! I can't entirely agree with "Canyoneering is a bit more laid back than mountaineering as you get to enjoy later starts and the cardio fitness needed is minimal as there is a lot of waiting around going on" though. That might be applicable to beginner-level canyoneering but more difficult canyoneering is just that ~ more difficult. The canyons can be extremely exhausting and challenging on many levels. I've done many canyons that were 12-15+ hour days and left me whipped.
shknbke - Apr 30, 2010 11:08 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Good TRVery true indeed, CP. I'll change the comment to refer to beginner canyons. I can't imagine doing some of those R rated canyons. Very physically exhausting!
cp0915 - Apr 30, 2010 6:45 pm - Voted 10/10
Re: Good TRYep, some R canyons can be pretty spicy. And then there are the X canyons!
Augie Medina - Apr 30, 2010 2:46 pm - Voted 10/10
Nice ReportGood to see some canyoneering TR's. By the way, by "thigh belay" do you mean spotting someone with your hand on her thigh?
shknbke - Apr 30, 2010 4:59 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Nice ReportThat's right. It actually works quite well, especially for a married couple!
Props - May 2, 2010 3:45 pm - Voted 10/10
I liked...your trip report and the photos as well. It's always hard to photograph those slots with so little light etc.
Adayak - May 4, 2010 9:26 am - Hasn't voted
great!Awesome trip report - reminded me of an episode of Man vs. Wild. I think Bear was in that same Canyon.
DeTwizzle - Nov 24, 2012 6:58 pm - Voted 10/10
Tight SqueezeThis is a super fun slot, and super narrow. I really would not suggest doing this canyon for your first slot, and if you're claustrophobic forget about it. This thing is narrow and when I say narrow I mean it, and it doesnt let up for a longgg ways.
I was with a good friend and it wasnt that bad until he came to the narrowest point and started to have trouble squeezing through...he is 190lbs and I'm 225lbs(6'-4" tall) with a chest circumference of 41in on a good day. All in all, if you're any bigger than me good luck, bc my chest barely made it through. Stick to the east wash for the bigger framed individuals... take my word on it. =)