Self-guided Beginner Canyoneering in Utah?

Not to stir the rappeling pot, but would it not be wise to pre rig the kids rappel so that you go first and then have control of their descent? I know little to nothing about canyoneering, but in an alpine rappel I prefer to pre rig kids or novices then go first.

It wasn’t necessary. The kids have been climbing and rappelling at local Tahoe crags for three years. We re-reviewed and practiced setting up the PAS, rappel device, and an auto-block in the weeks before the trip and on the first few raps until I had complete confidence. Pre-configuring their setups would have been a nightmare, and probably less safe. I could have belayed them, but that’s less fun and slow, among other issues. I used to always be ready with a fireman’s when the kids were on rappel, but now it seems unnecessary, particularly given the auto-block.

Just knot the end of the rope, such an easy step.

I'm starting to plan another family trip to southern Utah this fall. I'm thinking of focusing more on the general Escalante, Torrey, North Wash areas (maybe a little Zion). Any recommendations for:
*moderate canyoneering routes
*2-3 day backpacking routes [Little Death/Wolverine sounds interesting per jorion and tgapp]
*campgrounds/basecamps
*cool shit?

I realize I never updated this thread after my trip last year, which was incredible and maybe/probably the highlight of 2020 for me. I took so many photos that I was overwhelmed with trying to select a few to post here.

Little death to wolverine loop was incredible as promised. It’s a very easy overnight trip in the dry conditions I had. If you wanted to make it a long day-hike you guys wouldn’t be too taxed, knowing your fitness levels. I also didn’t see anyone the first day and just a few people the second.

I also hiked a bunch of the other more famous slots like zebra, peek-a-boo, spooky, brimstone. They were all well worth the trip but busy except for brimstone.

I’m also hoping to go back this fall with my partner since there’s plenty of mellow stuff that would be fun for both of us.

I never did manage to hook up a canyoneering trip since none of the guides I called last-minute could fit me in. Definitely want to try that this year.

I don’t really have any recs since I feel like the road trip Ryan site you shared was the source of most things I did.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jorion

I realize I never updated this thread after my trip last year, which was incredible and maybe/probably the highlight of 2020 for me. I took so many photos that I was overwhelmed with trying to select a few to post here.

Little death to wolverine loop was incredible as promised. It’s a very easy overnight trip in the dry conditions I had. If you wanted to make it a long day-hike you guys wouldn’t be too taxed, knowing your fitness levels. I also didn’t see anyone the first day and just a few people the second.

I also hiked a bunch of the other more famous slots like zebra, peek-a-boo, spooky, brimstone. They were all well worth the trip but busy except for brimstone.

I’m also hoping to go back this fall with my partner since there’s plenty of mellow stuff that would be fun for both of us.

I never did manage to hook up a canyoneering trip since none of the guides I called last-minute could fit me in. Definitely want to try that this year.

I don’t really have any recs since I feel like the road trip Ryan site you shared was the source of most things I did.

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Thanks, dude. Some kind of 3-day trip around (not little) Death Hallow and Escalante River looks cool and a bit adventurous. Hurricane Wash/Red Well to Coyote Gutch also looks good.

If you want someone to do shuttle with on Death Hollow I am interested. My schedule is pretty open in the fall, Have been to the start I could not really find it. I imagine once you start dropping in everything narrows down.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BFD

If you want someone to do shuttle with on Death Hollow I am interested. My schedule is pretty open in the fall, Have been to the start I could not really find it. I imagine once you start dropping in everything narrows down.

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Good to know! Right now, we're still very much in the planning stage, and the Little Death Hallow/Wolverine Loop looks very enticing.

Jorion: Did you overnight it and, if so, what was your mileage? It looks like it's between 23 and 29 miles, which might be a bit long for the family to do in a single day.

Hmm, the route I did was just 16 or 17 miles plus a detour of a few miles to check out the area with all the cool petrified wood.

I recall now seeing some different info (longer mileage) that didn’t make sense to me, so you’re probably seeing the same thing. I can email you the loop I downloaded from somewhere if you want. I think I recorded with my watch too so I should have that if I dig a little.

I did spend the night btw, at the intersection of little death and horse canyon. There was running water there despite the very dry conditions.

water in Horse Canyon also late fall when I visited.

Well, my big-mountain PNW ski trip next week has been cancelled due to a partner breaking his foot and a crappy extended forecast. (Jackson also looks unreliable and the Sierra lack sufficient coverage to excite me.) So I'm audibling to Utah. I'm taking an advanced canyoneering course in Moab this weekend (5/1 - 5/2). After that, my plan is open. I'll probably do some solo backpacking in places like Little Death/Wolverine, Halls Creek, Coyote Gulch, and/or Death Hollows/Escalante River.

If anyone happens to be around and available for some canyoneering between 5/3 - 5/9, shoot me a PM. I have no accommodations booked and am likely to smell bad.