2008 BACKPACKING & CANYONEERING
IN UTAH
BACKPACKIN'
Boys & Girls Ages 12-17
4:1 Ratio
Utah - Week 7: 7/20 - 26
Cost: $ 1400
Airfare Included
About Backpacking/Canyoneering: Utah is one of those states that are known for their excellent year round outdoor activities, which is why it was picked as the site for our trip this year. While there are a vast number of places that would be the perfect spot to grab our packs and head out into the backcountry, none are quite as awe inspiring as Zion. In 1880 while reflecting on Zion Canyon Clarence E Dutton said:
There is an eloquence to their forms which stirs the imagination with a singular power and kindles in the mind...a glowing response.
Even though it has been over a hundred years since that statement was made, Zion is still stirring the imagination of all those who have visited. Unlike most visitor's you'll have the chance to see a side of Zion that most others will never be able to experience. Whether it's standing on the rim staring hundreds of feet to the canyon floor, or rappelling through a narrow slot canyon that's taken thousands of years to form, your trip to Zion will be one you'll never forget.
Itinerary:
Sunday 20 July: We'll be meeting at Riley's Lock and flying from Dulles to Las Vegas and shuttling north to Zion and set up camp. Our first night will be spent on the East Rim at Zion Ponderosa Ranch and Resort, which will give us the chance to rest and prepare for the strenuous days ahead of us.
Monday 21 July: Our first day out hiking takes us on the East Rim trail. It will be a strenuous up hill battle at first, but it's a great trail to begin with due to the numerous Ponderosa pines, which provide some shade. We'll snake our way up towards the top of the rim, passing Jolley's Gulch on our way. Not only is the gulch beautiful, but also it offers wonderful views of Checkerboard Mesa, so named because of the natural checkerboard design in the rock. From Jolley's Gulch we'll make our way up past Stave spring where we'll take a "small" detour out to the edge of Zion Canyon to a spot known as Cable Mountain. While out on the edge we'll learn some about the history of Zion and also get an amazing aerial view of Weeping Rock and of the other tourist's hundred's of feet below us. The trail back to Zion Ponderosa will be relatively flat, which will be a nice relief. Once back we'll cool off, grab some grub, and get ready for the coming day's adventures.
Tuesday 22 July: After having conquered part of the East Rim the day before, we'll be heading off for two days the West Rim. This will be a hard and hot hike, which is while we'll be spending two days out on this trail. There are a few springs a long the way where we can filter water, but there's no guarantee that they'll be flowing so packing enough for two days will be important. Our night will be spent out on the rim giving us the chance to go from exploring the canyon to exploring the night sky. Keep your eyes peeled to catch a glimpse of a shooting star, or gaze into the Milky Way. Either way you'll see just what the southwestern desert sky has to offer.
Wednesday 23 July: Once we get under way in the morning there won't be much of the West Rim Trail to hike, but since we're already up on top of the rim it would be a shame not to head out to Angel's Landing. This hike in the park is very popular, but it's understood why once you see it for yourself. The trail to Angels Landing follows an almost knife like ridge out towards the middle of the canyon. Because of how narrow the trail and the ridge can be, chains have been put into place to assist you and it's a good idea to use them. If you can handle the short but frightening hike out there you'll be rewarded with some amazing views of Zion Canyon and of the Virgin River that formed it. From Angel's Landing it'll be all downhill from there as we pass Scout Lookout, wind our way down Walt's Wiggles, head into Refrigerator Canyon and then finally reach the canyon's floor. From there it's off to Springdale Utah to relax at The Pizza and Noodle and then back to Zion Ponderosa for the night.
Thursday 24 July: Today will be another long day full of hiking, but this time it'll be a little different since rope and harnesses will be needed. For those that have never heard of canyoneering, it's easiest described as a mix of hiking, rock climbing, rappelling, and at times swimming. We'll be introduced to canyoneering as we head into Birch Hollow where we'll face 8 rappels, two of which are close to 100 feet. The last rappel is perhaps the most amazing as you make your way down the slot, passing under a "keystone" (a stone, usually round in shape, that has fallen and wedged it's self between the canyon walls) and ending up in Orderville Canyon. After exiting Birch Hollow we will continue hiking/ wading our way down Orderville Canyon until it meets up with the Virgin River and what is known as The Narrows. Orderville gives us the chance to truly experience what is known as the Solitude of Zion, since it is unlikely that we will encounter anyone else until reaching the Narrows. Once exiting the Narrows we'll head back to Zion Ponderosa to get some needed rest after an amazing day.
Friday 25 July: Our last full day in Utah will be spent exploring some of the more visited spots on the canyon floor, including Weeping Rock's, Emerald Pools and The Frog Walk (Unofficial name of the trail). If the weather is nice and the temperature is warm we will head into Keyhole Canyon for more technical canyoneering. This canyon doesn't have the spectacular large rap's that Birch Hollow has, but is an amazing slot canyon only a few feet wide for most of the trip. There is usually lots of water in the canyon and because not much light ever hits the floor it means the water is very cold. At the very end there is a long swim through the slanted corridor before finally coming out to the nice warm sun and the end of this short little canyon. We'll finish off the day with dinner and a bonfire back at camp, capping off our amazing Utah adventure.
Saturday 26 July: After breakfast in the morning, we'll be packing up camp heading to Las Vegas to catch our return flight back to Dulles International Airport.
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