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...

The longest in the Dante's, Paradiso is also one of my favorites It has enough down climbs and challenges to keep you interested, but is not overly challenging or physical The canyon is a mix of narrow slot, interspersed with more open sections The final slot section and rappels, in particular, are stunning I would recommend Purgatory as the best introduction to the Dante's, with this canyon being a good second canyon in the area Note: The numerous downclimbs and narrow sections make this well suited to intermediat...

Everyone I have talked to about Motorcycle Canyon has had the same response, "it's OK, I guess, especially if you go to Gold Strike Hot Springs on the way out" I, somewhat reluctantly, would probably say the same thing Motorcycle Canyon has some lovely narrows, but they are short, and require a fair bit of hiking in a boulder filled wash to reach I did still enjoy the canyon, though It fit the bill for a short outing on a winter's day that didn't require a shuttle A lovely outing if you don't mind more hiking than ...

Warning! This fork of Water Canyon is VERY NARROW Larger canyoneers may not fit At 6'2" and 185lbs, I fit with a little room to spare, but people that are much bigger may struggle Water Canyon offers the intrepid canyoneer a good day out The crux of the canyon is a very tight narrow section right as you get going Beside the crux, the canyon offers great views, and a very nice deep, dark slot section Water Canyon is a good one, beginner friendly with competent leadership and makes a nice casual day out

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 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...

U-Turn, perched high above Park Avenue provides a great adventure in Arches The canyon in well suited to beginners, and provides unparalleled views of the park This is a great route year around, but best done in the evenings during the hottest times of the year The approach gully goes into the shade several hours before sunset, making evening approaches pleasant in the summer

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