Wanted to throw out a quick trip report on an incredible trip to Neon Canyon down in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. We started off the day from a really nice VRBO in Escalante. We left around 6:45am, drove down Hole in the Rock Road and then down Egypt road. The road is extremely rough with heavy washboard. Lower profile cars can probably still make it, but higher profile would be recommended. We set out for Neon canyon from the trailhead at 8:00am. Road Trip Ryan (RTR) suggested it would take about 8 - 10 hours to complete. We had a group of 11 ranging from adults in their 40s, down to a couple 12 year old young ladies. RTR was very accurate with its details and mapping which I am grateful for. The Escalante river was about mid thigh to waist deep (I am 6’2”). It took us about 1 hr 20 min to get to the Escalante river and another hour to get up to the drop in point. Based on the strong recommendations to wear wet suits, we suited up on top by the first rap. The first rappel was pretty straightforward and it was all down hill from there. Neon canyon is incredibly beautiful. Especially with this being a record wet winter and spring, we swam the vast majority of the canyon. I read about there being keeper pots, but I didn’t see any and have to assume we swam over the top of all of them. There were very long sections where you could not touch the bottom and had to just keep swimming through. There was a nice section about midway through where we stopped to eat lunch. The canyon opened up, there was some warmer pools of water our group sat in, all of which made a great place to warm up and rest a little. The climax was the last rappel down into the golden cathedral. Such a fun free hanging rappel. I would strongly recommend you bring wet suits into this canyon. With water levels as high as they were, we had full grown adult males who were shivering because of the cold water. It will be much more enjoyable if you are prepared. The hike out is not insignificant. My GPS suggested about 5000’ of elevation. I believe it. Prepare for a lot of sand, and have plenty of water to ensure you get out ok, especially if you are heading back in the heat of the afternoon sun. RTR suggested the trip would take 8-10 hours. Our group of 11 did it in 10.5.