Reaching Zion

11-12-14

12mi Zion

The drive into Zion this morning was peaceful. No ranger at the gate, no traffic and no tourists in and out of every pulloff.   First goal; get Joey a leg work out.  Piggybackin' Christal for intervals up the famous Angels Landing hike got the ball rolling. Beautiful spot and fun exposed ridge. When we got back to the car it was apparent the snooze bunnies had finally gotten up and decided to check out the park. 

At first I was excited about getting to drive around the park.  But now, not being able to find a parking spot at Weeping rock has got me second guessing.  After illegally parking the best I could, we headed up Hidden Canyon.  Feeling uneasy about maybe getting a parking ticket and uninspired about the canyon(after all the cool slots we've been in the last couple days). We headed back to the car after shortly into the canyon. 

Next was the Narrows...if we could find a parking spot. After making our own spot and a snack, we were on our way.  It was fun to be walking through water. The high walls were gorgeous, but after what we had seen the last few days it just wasn't impressing me.  We turned around after a couple of miles and looked forward to being home, sleeping in a bed and showering clean.   What a trip!  Now it is time to ski!

Angels Landing

Even More Buckskin

I enjoyed thos bend a lot

Massive Arch

Looking up to the sky

Face in the truth

Puppy Love

Egyptian Pharoah

Just fartzin around

That is it for Buckskin...until next time!

Buckin skin ...more

Finally heading downstream

The waist deep puddle...yuck

When do we find the holy grail

That is where we are going 

Look up Christal

Finding the light

Opening up

Big section

The open section was nice

Looking back Buckskin was awesome

Can't wait to go back!!!

Buckskin!!!

11-11-14

16mi Buckskin Gulch

Ran the Cottonwood Narrows just to get the blood pumping before we drove out Cottonwood Rd.  Nothing spectacular, but worthwhile with its proximity to the road.  A quick stop at the Paria Ranger station sent us towards Wire Pass TH and Buckskin gulch. Thankfully, the policy for getting a Wave permit doesn't allow you to just show up.  We might have gone that direction and missed this gem.  They tote Buckskin Gulch as the longest and deepest slot in America.   Or as we say, the most Slotty.  Right off the bat, Wire Pass was red and gorgeous.  When we met Buckskin, we went upstream about a mile.  Turning around and heading back down stream, I couldn't help but think everyday on this trip has been better than the day before, again.  We passed Wire Pass and continued downstream Buckskin.  We crossed a waist deep puddle and 4 more no deeper than knee in the first mile.  After that it was a nice sandy trail with an occasional mud puddle here and there.  Beyond words to describe, so prepare to be inundated with pictures.  Even still, just go there and check it yourself! 

Follow me

Heading upstream

Tricolor

Checking out the rocks

The "Skull" on the mountain

Sandy Trail...Christal wore flip flops

You mean it just keeps going?

Still upstream.....

Getting Slottier

11-10-14

16mi Bull Valley Gorge/Round Valley Draw

The description of Bull Valley was intimidating.  "Deep gorge, narrow walls, obstacles, can't see the sky and water pools".  Well I am up for a challenge. Turned out to be a 6 foot down climb and thats about it.  It was gorgeous, deep and dark.  Seemed like there was a bit of everything, including an overhanging car wreck of a Jeep, stuck in between the walls.   But the main theme was high, whitish/pink walls with black natural designs mixed in.  When the wash opened up and was less "slotty" we didn't wander far before deciding we weren't impressed anymore.  I guess we have been in a lot of cool slots lately.  We headed over to Round Valley draw.  Wow. Short but sweet.  This was certainly a favorite.  There were a few scrambles throughout, with the biggest being an 8ft down climb to get into the slot.  Once inside, it was ooohs and awwhs around every corner.  White walls with occasional color and juicy lines.  Surely this will be the climax with only one more day before Zion and nothing lined up for it.  We drove over to Grovesnor Arch, ate dinner and hung out until the sun went down.  Drove over to Cottonwood Narrows and camped for the night. 

Bull Valley had a bit of it all

Enjoying the lighting

Probably not a good parking spot

Candle holder or two faces?

Lines, lines, everywhere the lines

Enter Round Valley

Dropping in

More lines

Can't stand all these lines

Checking out the lines

The world can make you feel small sometimes

Got to be one of the best days on this trip!