Tierdrop Canyon – like homemade ice-cream on a Sunday afternoon, requires very little planning, easy to make, and quite enjoyable. Breathtaking scenery being the delightful topping.
This was actually my first introduction to canyoneering back in 2009. In preparation, we read the available beta, inquired at the visitor center concerning permission, then geared up and set out.
Collectively, the original group of four possessed a wide range of vertical experience; but this would mark our maiden voyage into the world of canyons. It would be dishonest to say there wasn’t a tad bit of apprehensiveness. Having done our share of pull-down caving, we knew once the rope hit the ground at the bottom of the first rap, it was total commitment from then on.
As a traditional slot canyon (if there is such an animal), Tierdrop maybe doesn’t fully stack up compared to others; it’s wide open with lots of sky. The canyon features natural anchor rig points, offers three rappels, the last one being the longest; free hanging, coming in around 100 feet. Two to three hours at a leisure pace and best done early morning or later in the afternoon, when it’s hot out.
Some say the first is always the best. Well, I suppose that is debatable, but it certainly is memorable, and does occupy a special place in the chronicles of experience. So much so that we have always found time to sneak this little gem in every time we visit Moab.
Below is a compilation of pictures from trips over the years, including that unforgettable first one.
The approach
Signature view of Tierdrop
First rappel
Second Rappel
Last rappel
Breathtaking scenery!
Park Avenue – exit trail
Moab Mark
Haven’t been in years, what anchor is being used on the second rappel? Willey Coyote rock or small wind arch?
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Kuenn
The first and second rappels are from cairn anchors. The small wind arch is still there (not broken) and was not slung, but we wouldn’t have used it anyway. The geometry there is so good that the anchor doesn’t really need to be that hefty, IMHO
The last rap anchor hasn’t changed over the years…still the same BFR.
Deagol
THE SKY IN THE 1ST PIC IS SO BLUE, IT ALMOST LOOKS FAKE !
(sorry, had cops lock on.. too lazy to re-type)
Kuenn
Agree, but no camera magic here.
I have observed that extreme temperatures, cold or hot, tend to bring out the color in the sky on a clear day (or at least it did on this day).
That picture was from last July, so you can guess to which extreme it was trending.