UT: Zion – Yankee Doodle – Family trip

A popular one, and my first time through. Coordinating schedules seems to always be the hardest part. Once your there, it is so worth it.

Piece of cake ​
This Easter weekend we met up with another family that Elizabeth knew from her work at the hospital. We got up super early Saturday, and drove straight to the trailhead from our house.

Nicely done ​

Chad and his wife Syd have done a few canyons with others in Zion, and wanted to do one with ours. I was really impressed at how well they all did, especially given the fact that their kids have never done a canyon, and had little rappelling experience.

OK, I’ll go if you just lower me ​

Lots of groups going down this canyon, and we had to wait for awhile. One family got split. Wife and son down below, and Dad and daughter up above. The girl seemed really scared and just continued to cry. I offered to setup a haul system to pull their family back together, but they eventually were able to get her down.

On belay​

As I watched others outside of our group descend, I reflected how grateful I am to the canyoneering community and instructors out there on proper technique.

Another one?​

Stemming with a pack and Mitchell! ​
Once we were in the canyon, we had the place to ourselves. Pretty good for a Saturday spring break weekend in a popular canyon.

Team work on the spot ​

There are some nice downclimbing and obstacles along the way. A bit like Maidenwater. And overall a little more challenging than I expected, especially trying to keep everyone from spraining an ankle or similar.

More water? ​ ​ ​ ​ The exit hike was pretty easy, although there are a lot of trails that end up on the same road. Hopefully we can improve that soon to minimize the impact.

Boulder in the way ​ ​ ​ ​
To Chad and his family, nicely done. Thank you for the great time!

Fast slide and hello ​