High cold winds gave us pause in the Trachyte area last week. We headed out to try out what some call the Yellow Brick Road Canyon, next to Trachyotomy Canyon. However, the cold, wind and potential for water did not coalesce, so we hiked over to check out Tik Tok.
Surprisingly, this is a canyon system all on its own. After the magnificent rappel through the arch, you have two more obstacles (raps) after that. Don’t forget to take extra rope and gear as you leave your ~250′ rope behind you…
Great day out, and I highly recommend it. Very straightforward. Just be mindful on the big rap as most is free hanging: rope management and proper friction.
Next rap after the arch
Third and last rap, final touch on our anchor
CanyonRam
Tic Toc Arch is a great addition to do on the exit from Yellow Brick Road, as it hardly takes you out of your way. Reminds me of the toilet bowl flush at the end of Krill. Pretty neat.
John Styrnol
Been wanting to do YBR for awhile.
Kuenn
Super, Mark! And it appears that Mrs. Mountaineer is having a good time, as well.
Maybe it’s my subterranean bias coming out, but I really like those rap-thru-hole obstacles…really…really cool!
(A tempting one to ascend, just for the repeat.)
Mountaineer
Absolutely. Getting out and enjoying the outdoors and adventure is a big part of life. Who knows what the future holds for any of us. Live every day.
Yes, very tempting to ascend again! I thought about it. Or, after the anchors were setup the first time an easy climb up and re-descent. I was worried about the rope grooving the arch, so left the rope without a pull and used it with care. I want that rap-thru-hole to be the same for when you get in there. 😉
Kuenn
For the record, I do not advocate ascending an unpadded, less than bomber anchored rope (Extreme exceptions only). Label me a “rock hugger”.
Mountaineer
Never doubted Kuenn. I was thinking I needed one of your ropes.
Another reason. Hank’s comment awhile back on risks of long ascents with 8mm rope has given me pause.
Brian in SLC
I fixed the first of two fixed ropes on a wall in Zion with a piece of 7mm accessory cord. Had to jug it to get to the thicker lead rope on the second pitch we fixed. One of the dumber things I’ve done. Thought I was saving weight and space. Ugh. Live and learn…
ratagonia
It is an odd effect, but it seems whenever you start jugging up a rope, it mysteriously decreases diameter by 2mm!
Kuenn
Jug lightly, and carry big shtick.
Brian in SLC
Wow…neat o!