Tagged | high stemming

High Stemming

Technical climbing in high-consequence slots

High Stemming in Trail Canyon

High Stemming in Trail Canyon

High Stemming is where you climb above the canyon floor using your back, feet, and hands to span the slot and maintain forward progression.

This occurs when the canyon floor is too narrow to squeeze through, requiring you to climb up and over the constriction. At this point, canyoneering shifts from a casual romp to a **serious endeavor with life-or-death consequences.**

Critical Warning

In high-stemming canyons, there is generally no way to protect the less experienced. Every member of your group MUST be capable of completing the climbing challenges involved. A slip or fall will result in serious injury or death. These are not suitable for weekend warriors.

The Dreaded Silo

If chimneying 40+ feet above the floor doesn't get your blood pumping, many stemming canyons feature the "Silo." This occurs where the canyon widens significantly, requiring either a massive reach to chimney across or a strenuous climb down and back up. These are some of the most physical and dangerous positions found in the desert.

Extreme Examples

DDI (Escalante): Crumbly walls and narrow floors. Requires hours of chimneying 30+ feet up on "desert choss."

Sandthrax: Requires 5.10 off-width climbing skills just to get above the constrictions. Groups have been stranded here without the necessary climbing gear.

Suggested Progression

A gentle introduction to stemming (in order):

  1. Sawtooth
  2. Lower Sand Slide Slots
  3. Lost Park Canyon
  4. Burr Slot
Capitol Reef Escalante & Bryce Lake Powell North Wash Robbers Roost

Capitol Reef

Capitol Reef is a diverse destination. Many short park trails and scenic drives make for great family fun, while some technical canyoneering adventures keep the more adventurous entertained.

Escalante & Bryce

Escalante area is likely best known for its stunning backpacking opportunities. There are also plenty of hiking and canyoneering adventures. This makes a great spring and fall destination and would take a lifetime to fully explore.

Lake Powell

Lake Powell is unique in the world with miles and miles of exquisite boating. Beyond the boating, however, are some of the most stunning canyoneering and hiking adventures on the Colorado Plateau.

North Wash

Canyoneering is king in North Wash, and likely the reason most visit. North Wash canyons tend to be short, narrow, and physical. This is the place to bring long sleeves and long pants. With easy access, next to the highway, this makes a good choice for groups.

Robbers Roost

The Roost is a very remote area of south eastern Utah. Canyoneering adventures in Robbers Roost tend to be fairly dry, and have long exits. The area was used in the late 1800's and early 1900's by outlaws, hence the name.