So finally getting around to post this trip report and what we learned going into the GC for the first time.
We decided to tackle Cove Canyon last September and thanks to Rich’s excellent book and all the feedback from posting on this site we thought we were well prepared for anything – ha ha ha!
As we are all heading out to meet up in Las Vegas – the weather report is not looking so good. Monsoon rains are starting to come down in a big way in the North Rim area. After calling various government agencies – still no clue whether road out to Tuweap is passable or not. Best quote was “Well bob made it out a couple days ago in his 4×4”. That and having never done Cove Canyon and having no idea the conditions given the rain storms meant it was time for plan “B”.
“Hello Zion Back Country office – how are the conditions out your way?” Reply “Well Virgin river is at 20,000 CFS and numerous rescues of fools stuck in the back country” – Guess the rains were hitting Zion as well. Time to figure out Plan “C”
So after calling up South Rim and hearing it was sunny and clear and researching Rich’s book – settled on doing “29 mile Canyon”.
Spend the night at the South rim, gather up the permits and out we go! and here is where we learn the difference between one day Zion outings and doing an overnight in the big ditch.
Painful Lessons:
1. Yes – those darn Monsoons can appear anywhere – after hiking down the first part of 29 mile wash, storm clouds appear overhead and the creek was flowing, so yep, decided to pass on the “canyoneering goodies” and take the trail around the side of the canyon down to camp by the river
2. Make it to the River. Realize that Colorado river water is very gritty and will clog your water filter in oh about five seconds – we had to fill plastic bags and wait a couple hours for the sand to decant to the bottom of the bag. Since we were starving however, we had “Pasta Alla Colorado” for dinner and let’s just say it the grittyness does wonders for your cleaning out your system.
3. Discover there is a big difference between hiking uphill with a day pack of canyoneering gear versus backpack of camping gear & rafting gear & canyoneering gear! This extra weight has a direct correlation to your pain & suffering! You know that pace you set heading up to observation point to do Mystery Canyon where you pass all the tourists and pride yourself on how fit you are? Not happening!! We were reduced to whimpering slugs slowly trudging step by step to get out out of there.
4. Get back to civilization and learn just how bad the storms were by hearing about the southern Colorado mudslides and the rest of the rescues and injuries. Give prayers for the victims and thanks for getting us back to our families in one piece. Learn lesson that Mother Nature is far more powerful than us puny mortals.
Fortunately, Canyoneers are somewhat like small brained reptiles and quickly forget the past because of course we have regrouped and pulled permits for early May to attempt Cove Canyon again!
Cheers
Joe
The gang of idiots at South Rim prior to pulling new permit for 29 mile canyon
Driving out to 29 mile canyon trail head
Heading down the canyon – and yes the “smart” one is wearing the helmet
about half way down
Notice the river water – tried various pre-filter ideas (socks, hats, etc) nothing worked – had to let it sit in a large plastic bag for the sand to settle to the bottom.
The beauty of the Canyon is amazing!
The slog out – the extra gear is starting to take it’s toil
Don’t expect nice safe wide, well maintained trails
Seeing the car with the ice chest of cold beer & soda – priceless
joeb
I like point #5 – not just facing the technical challenge of “escaping” but the suffering factor is much higher as well. I find it much harder to do the down hike first and then the uphill. Something about wearing out the quads keeping stable and slow on the download just makes you pay that much more on the uphill out.
bnwilso
2. Make it to the River. Realize that Colorado river water is very gritty and will clog your water filter in oh about five seconds – we had to fill plastic bags and wait a couple hours for the sand to decant to the bottom of the bag. Since we were starving however, we had “Pasta Alla Colorado” for dinner and let’s just say it the grittyness does wonders for your cleaning out your system.
It is pretty shocking how quickly the raw water clogs a filter. After a similar first-time experience I carry a lightweight collapsible pail and some alum. A small amount of alum expedites the settling and having a full pail to filter is helpful. Hopefully you’ll have cleaner water near the end of Cove that can carry you through to the end on your next trip but be prepared to need to filter from the river.
Fortunately, Canyoneers are somewhat like small brained reptiles and quickly forget the past because of course we have regrouped and pulled permits for early May to attempt Cove Canyon again!
Great canyon. You’ll enjoy it.
Erik B.
#5: Although it seems obvious enough, It must be noted that after running through a canyon in the GC, a team must escape from the bottom…. Easier said than done. Not an easy feat as I discovered in Badger two weeks ago….
This is a picture of the downstream exit from Badger…yep…there’s an escape in there somewhere. I wasnt expecting a little 5th class climbing, but in retrospect we did have to ESCAPE FROM THE GRAND CANYON… Should have seen that one coming.
canyoncaper
Great job readjusting your plans and keeping all safe.
Yup – I see the escape! That hike out of Badger was my first time escaping the bottom – I’m glad we were not carrying camping or rafting gear.
Felicia
Mountaineer
Ugh! I hear you on this big time. We made a huge commitment this last weekend, and got set back with all the rain. I finally got my 12 year old to do a canyon with me (he is not an avid outdoor enthusiast, unlike my other kids), only to have showers. No way was I going to blow my last chance in rain. I’ll try again.
Good for you. Do it.
Thanks for posting up, I enjoyed the pics and report.
joeb
Tom – Thanks for catching that! – Todd’s Book. And thanks for posting the book details, just like your Zion book – this is the “go to” book for canyoneering in the GC
ratagonia
Ahem… while Rich is certainly one of the leading protagonists in the book, Todd Martin is the actual author of record.
http://www.toddshikingguide.com/GrandCanyoneering/index.htm