Buckskin Gulch Conditions and Recommendations

Hi Dave

A mid July day back in 1988, From the North Rim, I hiked down to Ribbon Falls and up to the upper falls and spent a lovely afternoon. there. I recall that it had what we called 4 different rooms. A cold room we had to climb into, where the falls came down. The cool room, just beyond, where spray from the falls misted around us. Fifteen feet beyond, was the warm room, where we delighted in sun. And finally, just beyond, a LARGE hot room, that felt like a sauna. Our friend the Perl, gave us rendition of a movie he had seen…I think it was called The Emerald Forest, right along side a ruin?

Such fine memories can distort the realities. Not sure how long a day it is and I know it would be a hot hike up a hill that would not be trivial either. Still with a super early start and an early to mid evening exit up, the idea of moving back and forth between the cold, cool, warm and hot rooms, makes me smile. YMMV Ram

— In Yahoo Canyons Group, “TomJones” wrote:

Welcome to the group, Dave.

Your ladies might appreciate copious quantities of high-quality hand lotion, after a day in the alkaline mud and water. I know my skin appreciates it.

We had a couple thunderstorms come through the area today, so things might have changed.

Tom

— In Yahoo Canyons Group, Dave Pechner wrote:

I’ve been lurking on this list for several years after taking a three

day canyoneering course from Nick at ZAC. Unfortunately,I have not

been able to do much in terms of canyons since then.

I’m currently planning a family trip to Buckskin Gulch and North Rim GC

for the week of June 20. The plan is to spend three days in Buckskin

Gulch/Paria, then another two at GC with a extra day floating around.

My thought for Buckskin was to hike in from Wire Pass and camp at the

Confluence for two nights. Spend the second day hiking down Paria

Canyon and back to the Confluence, then get up early on the third day

and hike out to White House. This is with my family (wife, 13 year old

son, 11 year old daughter).

Have not thought too much beyond that, though we have reservations at

the GC North Rim campsite for 3 nights.

So with that, I was looking for any suggestions or recommendations from

folks who know the area.

1) Any comments on my Buckskin/Paria plan? Is it worth the day going

down the Paria (I am assuming it is)? Any sugegstions for how far down

to go? (I may have to fight my kids to go too far..)

2) Any other things we should explore in the area? Water Hole canyon

sounded pretty good and worth an explore. I don’t have the equipment

for anything technical.

3) Any suggestions for the North Rim. Sounds like some good day hikes

along the rim, not sure if it is worth going down into the canyon or not.

Also, not sure if anyone knows the conditions in Buckskin Gulch.

Talking to the ranger, it sounds like it is not too muddy. Any idea

what springs are running?

Lastly, any recommendations or suggestions for canyon backpacking?

Planning on carrying lots of water, a bucket if needed to let river

water settle (as a backup to spring water), and running shoes. Not sure

if there are any secrets that I should know about.

Feel free to e-mail directly or on the list.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Dave Pechner

San Jose, CA

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