User | canyondad

Spring run-off is in full swing as of May 31. Wetsuits are an absolute must. A wetsuit-less crew pulled up to the parking lot just as we were taking our suits off and we saved them the approach hike. Stunning canyon. The lighting is simply spectacular. Party of three took just under six hours car-to-car with heavy flow and two newer canyoneers enjoying their first class C run.

Full route, group size of six. Four of us in our 40s-50s + two whippersnappers. 14 hours car-to-car: 4 for the approach, .5 to suit up, 5.5 technical portion, .5 to un-suit, 3 to exit. Brutal approach and exit. Absolutely exhausting, but a stunningly perfect, gorgeous day. The canyon was in stellar conditions - clear, full, and flowing. I was comfy in 6mm. A body-fat-challenged member of our group was shivering most of the canyon in 5mm. Do not underestimate the physical stamina required. 3L of water minimum. Ryan's GPX is absolutely necessary for the approach. There is no "social trail" once you leave the Subway approach route, and you WILL waste time and energy bushwhacking and backtracking if you do not follow his route precisely.

I realize I'm in the minority here, but I was quite disappointed with MMI. After having done (and loved) Granary and Morning Glory Arch (both rated 4 stars), I was excited to try MMI (rated here as 3.67). The cost to benefit ratio simply wasn't there. ~3 hour round trip from Moab, plus the time to set up a shuttle. First rap was a nuisance, the second was really an assisted downclimb, third rap was fine but not particularly special. The short, "climber's" exit is a misnomer, since it implies the ability to set up protection, e.g. provide belay support for one another. "Spiderman" exit would be more accurate. You're zig-zagging across a sheer, steep sandstone face. Absolutely dry conditions with sticky shoes are imperative. The views inside the canyon are nice but nothing especially unique. I hear Lost & Found is better.