Diana's Throne aka Elkheart Cliffs Slot Canyon is a great beginning canyoneer experience All obstacles can be hiked around, with a little work, reducing the commitment level The canyon itself is charming, with a short approach, and some very colorful passages This is not a canyon hardcore canyoneers would likely enjoy, but for beginners, families, or those wanting a short adventure, it fits the bill very well Several of the passages are well sculpted and colorful, be sure to bring a camera along Note: The canyon is...

The Wasatch is steeped in climbing history Start in the 1960s; climbers have pioneered and enjoyed almost countless routes on the granite cliffs in Little Cottonwood Canyon I started climbing in the mid-1990s, and the routes up Little Cottonwood were where I learned traditional climbing With names like Split Pants, Schoolroom, Chicken Chickenhead, and Satans Corner, the routes always held adventure The climbing in LCC, for me, is memorable and a highlight of the climbing I have done The other highlight simply being...

The Squeeze, draining high off the Moroni Slopes, is arguably one of the best and most difficult canyons in the Swell From either of the two possible trailheads, it is a long day and physical canyon The reward is an amazingly beautiful and fun canyon, including two natural bridges you go through Because of the challenges, intermediate canyoneers or better The canyon, when 1/3 or 1/2 full of water can provide serious pothole challenges, go prepared If you happen to visit after rains when it is full, it is a delightf...

Stone Donkey Canyon is the exquisite slot with the big approach! Though short, this slot is quite stunning and in my opinion, well worth the effort to visit The goods start with a dramatic rappel often bathed in a shimmering glow, followed by a short but dramatic narrow slot that is likely to leave an impression on most Magnificent! So, with the hype in mind, what is the approach like Well, there are several options, none of them short or easy My strong recommendation is to make this outing into a light overnight b...

Beauty, whether moral or natural, is felt, more properly than perceived -David Hume Hume's quote comes to mind when describing Death Hollow The canyon is long, over 20 miles, and requires skills, fitness, and time to descend The reward, however, is a beautiful and powerful canyon Death Hollow is a classic Escalante area backpack that leaves an impression on the hiker and feels like an accomplishment It traverses the full length of Death Hollow, from the top of the drainage to its confluence with the Escalante River...

Close to Moab, Cluster Canyon is a great, short outing that is very beginner friendly Although not highly technical or very long, the canyon offers great scenery, easy access, and varied terrain Cluster Canyon is highly recommended if you have a few hours and are looking for an outing close to Moab

Upper Spring Canyon is one of those hikes that tests your mettle It is seldom trodden, long, and has beautiful scenery The hike is one I would recommend only to very fit and experienced desert hikers The route contains moderate route finding, sections of rough terrain, and has very limited water availability, the types of difficulties that can spell disaster for the unprepared Though challenging, it is also a very rewarding hike, ascending through layers of sandstone, up and over the Wingate layer, then meandering ...

Sometimes good things come in small packages Daves Not Dead, although a short canyon, provides quite a bit of bang for its buck Combine a short approach and relatively short exit, and this makes the canyon even more appealing Be warned, however, though, the canyon requires very good natural anchor skills and has somewhat tricky starts to the rappels This canyon is recommended for intermediate canyoneers or better Even with competent leadership, beginners will likely not enjoy this one The canyon typically does not ...

Narrow and physical, Inferno packs a lot of punch in its short length This is not a good canyon for beginners Intermediates might feel a little pushed as well! Expect long sections of narrows that most will stem over, requiring some endurance Mid-way through a silo adds to the challenge The silo can be downclimbed into and re-ascended on the down stream side, but it would require a bit of work Difficulties aside, this is a beautiful canyon You start at the top of the canyon on open slickrock and follow it as it bec...

The eastern reef, near where I-70 enters the San Rafael Swell from the east, is one of the most dramatic parts of the Swell to visit The Navajo and Wingate uplift is dramatic from a distance, and even more so up close Buckeyes Canyon is one of those rare canyons that descends from the top of the reef In its short, but steep descent, it passes through the Wingate and Navajo layers in a series of 10 rappels En route, it also passes through several unnamed natural bridges and gives a rare view of Tip Top Arch One of t...