9/18/2008 - UT, Poison Springs Canyon Trip

Photos:  http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=275201087/a=38054161/t_=38054161

 

Thursday 9/18:

    This was going to be another less aggressive trip; so people who have never tried canyoneering could see what it's all about.  We would have fourteen people with us; which is larger than most of my trips.  Half of the group had never been in a canyon before; they were in for a treat!  Jonas, Jen and I headed out on Thursday, and arrived late Thursday night at the Sandthrax camp.  Most of our group was already there.  We said hello, set up camp, and went to bed.

Friday 9/19:

    We got the group together in the morning and discussed a bunch of things.  Gear, technique, environmental, and more.  We then made a Hogs run, and then headed to the Poison Springs canyons.  We started hiking towards Arscenic around 8:45am.  Instead of heading down the sand hill on the left Looking Down Canyon (LDC), I went to the right.  Hadn't gone that way before, but it looked like it would work.  It did go, with only one spot with a partner assist.  It was perfect; folks got to see what a partner assist was and could pass the help back through the line.  Good practice, as that was going to happen inside the canyon.

    At the head of Arscenic (9:45am), things didn't go as smoothly as I had planned.  The rope I was hoping to use was just shy of reaching the bottom.  (I brought some of my thicker ropes for this trip since we had more folks and some were new to canyoneering.)  We fell back to our plan B and set a second line down below.  Getting everyone down both drops took a while; it was around 11am before we all were in the canyon.  Wow, good thing there aren't many rappels in the canyon.  However, everyone was safe, which is by far the most important thing.

    In the canyon, everyone did great.  We did a lot of partner assists, bypassing many of the drops that some folks rappel.  Arscenic is a really fun canyon.  Lots of pretty sculpting, and tons of downclimbing fun.  It was a great temperature out, and the canyon was bone dry.  Definitely a good sign.  We made good time through the canyon, and were near the end around 12:45pm.  We sat in the shade, and had a bite to eat.  Around 1:15pm, we started the climb back out, in the sun.  We stopped briefly to see the arch, and then got back to the cars around 2:30pm. 

    When we were going to leave, Jonas' car wouldn't start.  Uh oh.  Not good.  Since it's a manual, we tried several times to push start it by popping the clutch.  It wouldn't go; so we were thinking it was either fuel or spark related.  We loaded all the gear into the other cars, and were going to make a couple runs to get everyone and everything out.  Just before leaving, we gave it one more try; and it started.  Hooray!  We drove back to camp.

    It was still early enough that we could do another canyon.  Most folks were up for that, so we headed to the start of West Shillelagh.  We geared up, and started hiking around 3:30pm, reaching the canon head around 4:15pm.  There was some clouds in the sky, and we had some light rain on the way in.  Funny, the last several times we did this canyon; we've always had the same conditions.  Some clouds and light rain.  We were all watching and evaluating conditions on the way in.  We discussed the weather, and the possibilities.  The clouds hadn't built vertical, and it was only light patchy rain; so we decided to drop in around 4:30pm.

    The sky cleared up some when we were going through the canyon; which was nice.  It didn't rain at all on us going through.  Everyone did great in Shillelagh; with some really good downclimbing.  Several folks felt quite at home in the canyon and were climbing quite impressively.  Shillelagh is a good canyon to practice stemming in.  Many places where you have safe options for staying high.  Made it through the canyon and were back at the cars at 6:30pm just as it was starting to get dark.  Perfect timing!

    We headed back to the Sandthrax campsite, and had a wonderful potluck dinner.  Quite a variety of food and drinks.  From gourmet natural foods to Pringles (pretty much as unnatural as you can get.)  We talked about the fun canyons of the day; and talked about tomorrow's plans; and backup plans in case we had more trouble with Jonas' car.

Saturday 9/20:

    We woke up pretty early and rallied the troops.  People staggered their Hogs runs today to be more efficient, and we again drove out to the Poison Springs trailhead.  We started hiking towards Slideanide around 8am, and were at the canyon head at 8:30am.  We set two lines at the canyon head, and were way more efficient; had everyone safely in the canyon by 9:15am.

    Slideanide is a great canyon; with lots of areas that you can downclimb, much like Arscenic.  Jen was definitely improving in her skills, and Rick was very impressive too; especially since he had on some cheap hiking boots.  I joked that I needed to buy a pair of the cheap hiking boots.  We shuttled packs several times in the canyon.  That was pretty funny when we did; we filled the corridor with the 10+ packs.  Folks would just pick theirs up on the way through.  Thanks to Julia and Rick for the help with the packs on several occasions.

    We reached the big corkscrew rappel around 12:15pm.  Folks enjoyed the twisting passage down into the earth.  I offered to downclimb the rappel with some folks.  The only one who was interested was Rick.  We talked about it, since this was his first canyon trip; ever.  He had been doing great though; and felt he was ready for it, so we dropped the rope and headed down.  He styled the downclimb, and we were all down by 1:15pm.  We took a break, and had some lunch where you could look up and see the impressive final drop.

    After lunch we continued downcanyon.  We reached the confluence with Constrychnine around 2pm; and had a discussion.  I didn't think we would have enough time to do another canyon later; but we could likely upclimb Constrychnine to a cool dark chamber.  People were game, so we headed up.  I climbed up the steep drop, and we set a webbing handline.  Most folks didn't use the handline; it was quite a talented group!

    We reached the dark chamber before 2:30pm, and played around a little in there.  Climbed up to the upper platform, and we chatted for a bit.  We then headed back down, and were back at the confluence around 3pm.  We took a quick break in the shade, in preparation for the climb up.  On the climb up, I took a little shortcut; which didn't work out so well.  It turned out to be a pretty challenging upclimb; and didn't buy us anything; likely took us more time.  We all made it up safely though, and were back at the cars around 5pm.

    We tried to start Jonas' car right away; but it didn't start.  Tried push starting it several times again, but it wasn't having any of it.  We pushed it back into the parking spot; and just all piled into the other vehicles.  Got back to camp, and had another potluck dinner; sharing drinks, food and laughs.  Later in the evening, Jonas and Julia when and got his car.  It started fine, and it was back at camp for the night.

Sunday 9/21:

    The dreaded day; the day we have to go home.  No reason we can't have a little fun before then though.  Since we were a little concerned with Jonas' car, we decided to just start hiking from Sandthrax.  We tested Jonas' car, and it started.  Shut it off, and we headed over to Sandthrax canyon around 7:30am so people could take a look at the challenging canyon.  We then backtracked a little and rim walked Sandthrax; and I told people about the challenges inside the canyon.  We then cut over to Right Leprechaun, and was at the canyon head around 9am.

    Rick and I wanted to downclimb the head of the canyon on a belay.  I got a nasty leg cramp while out in a full stem; ouch.  Was able to make it down fine though.  Rick made it look easy.  Nice to have long legs...  We were able to partner assist and downclimb most of the obstacles.  Galen (who is part of the Rocky Mountain Rescue group) had his first experience of people rappelling off a "meat anchor"; which means rappelling using another person as the anchor.  Quite different than the usual bomber anchors needed for rescue situations.  We let him be the anchor, to show him how much weight is taken by the friction of the sandstone.

    I love Right Leprechaun.  Such a fun and beautiful canyon; with some great downclimbs.  Things that definitely look like you can't downclimb them - no way; but you can.  Lots of variety too.  Tight passages, blocky areas, some wonderful wavy sculpting, great areas to practice stemming, and spicy downclimbs too.  Folks did great, helping each other down.  We got to the last drop before the confluence around 12:15pm.  This drop is my nemesis.  I've tried to downclimb it cleanly several times, and haven't succeeded yet.  Had a belay and tried again this time.  Still couldn't do it though.  I can get most of the way down, but when it opens up, I just can't get my shoes to stick on the smooth surface.  I'll keep trying; just wait until next time...

    We admired the subway section, and was back at camp around 1:15pm.  Plenty of time.  We tested Jonas' car again; and it started.  So we then packed up camp.  Most folks headed out as soon as they were packed up.  Julia and Rick were still around when we made sure Jonas' car would start after we were all packed up.  It did, so we said our final goodbyes, and headed home.  Met up with a bunch of the group in Green River for some Subway.  Had one last little adventure when the car again wouldn't start in Golden.  We were most of the way home though, so we called Misty to come get us with my truck (unfortunately, it was pretty late at the time - around 11pm.) 

    We waited a bit, and managed to get the car to start before Misty arrived.  We called Misty to let her know we were moving again, and drove back to Jonas's house.  I got my truck, and headed back home.  It turned out to be Jonas' fuel pump.  Glad it was all fixed now, and ready for the next adventure!

Hope you enjoy the pics!

A.J.

Photos:  http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=275201087/a=38054161/t_=38054161 

Group Room (multiple albums): http://ajoutdoors.snapfish.com/snapfish

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Planning Info:

Here’s the info on the trip, starting with the updated list of people going, which will be leaving on Thursday 9/18; and canyoneering through Sunday 9/21.  Since we are leaving tomorrow; I'm freezing the changes here...

Going:

Waitlist:

9/13/08:

Hey all, just heard that Green River got some heavy rains; so the canyons could be a little wetter than previously thought. Although, the rain could have been localized as well (Green River is a long way from Poison Springs), so we likely won't know until we get down there and into the first canyon... Poison Springs canyons are also in the mountain shadow of the Henries, so they are usually much drier than most other areas of canyons.

Still not thinking we'll need wetsuits, but want to let you know the info I have so you can make your own choice...

Feel free to e-mail or call if you have any questions.

Here's all the conditions e-mails I got, newest first. Note that none of these were exactly the spot were heading to, but the North Wash ones were close (closer than Green River, for sure):

9/11/08:
Ram offers a weather report. He says there are heavy rains. The desert
around Green River is flooded. The Roost is getting Heavy
thunderstorms. Beware out there!
Judy

9/9/08:
North Wash Conditions
We were just there a couple of days ago. Pen hiked up to the Subway at
the base of the Lep System and says it's dry. No standing water or
damp sand. There is some indication of some flow in the drainage this
late summer but probably not in the last few weeks.
Some folks we talked to reported that the Blarneys are dry.
It doesn't look like you are going to find the roads in poor shape
unless we end up getting some big storms.
It rained pretty hard in Green River this afternoon for 15 minutes and
continues to sprinkle occasionally. When we left the White Canyon area
this morning, we had some spitting of rain and the Henry Mountains
were socked in with clouds, so the North Wash area may have gotten
some moisture today.
The camp at Sandthrax is in good shape. Traffic seems to be a little
heavier on weekends, but there was plenty of space over this last
week.
Dave

9/9/08:
I can't tell you anything about that road or about Poison Springs
specifically. But, since you asked about the North Wash area -- Troy
and I were in that area today and yesterday (9/7 and 9/8 ), at
Shillelagh East Fork and Blarney West Fork. Both canyons were BONE
DRY. It's also pretty hot (80s).
Brooke

9/8/08:
Re: Anyone know of recent conditions at Poison Springs / North?

Yesterday, three of us did Monoxide. We took the road that follows
the wash at the bottom of Poison Spring Canyon and camped about 5
miles in from highway 95. We were driving an AWD Toyota Highlander.
The road seemed passable for a low clearance 2WD vehicle if you drive
slow and carefully in a few places where the road crosses the wash.
We did not find any water anywhere. There was one place in Monoxide
that had some mud.

Monoxide is a nice, albeit short, canyon. We rebuilt the deadman
anchor at the only rappel in the canyon. We had a great time.

We also did North Fork of Robbers Roost on Saturday. We really
enjoyed it. It is one of the easiest canyons I have done, but had
plenty of beautiful narrows and fun downclimbing to go along with the
4 rappels. It was the perfect canyon on a perfect day for our
relatively inexperienced group. There was not a drop of water or mud
in the entire canyon. We replaced the webbing at the first rappel.
Mark


Take care,
A.J.
 

9/13/08:

Hey all,

We added more folks today, and have one on the waitlist now.

Here's the new list of folks; reply to all if you are looking for a ride or riders.  If people confirm with me when they are all set, I'll add the details to the website.  Feel free to let me know the car and color, and that way people will know what cars to look for.

Since there is now a waitlist, if anyone is possibly not going; please try to figure out your plans as soon as possible so others have a chance to use the spot.

I updated the website with the most current info I have...

See everyone out there!
A.J.

9/11/08:

Hey all,

So as of right now, it looks like there will be 13 of us. Everyone should make sure that they have read the trip description below.

It's now time to start making carpool arrangements; as well as if you are looking to share a stove or tent. Just reply to the entire group if you are looking for a ride, or would be willing to take riders. I put some of that information on the website, so folks know when and where people are planning on coming from. Do the same for stoves/tents.

FYI, Jonas, Jen and I will be coming out together; likely leaving Boulder around 5pm-ish. It's usually around 7 hours to Sandthrax, so we'll be there around midnight.

The weather is currently looking like it's going to be in the mid-80's during the day and low 50's at night; which is a great temperature. Make sure you check the weather again just before leaving though to get the most up to date info.

We will be meeting up at the Sandthrax campground. It's definitely easier to find than the one I was originally thinking; plus it's closer to Hog Springs (pit toilet.) It's only 5 miles farther from the canyons, and it's a bigger camp spot. If for some reason Sandthrax gets too crowded, we can always check out my campsite the next day...

Here's the driving directions to the Sandthrax campsite:
I-70 West to Exit #149/Hanksville. South on UT-24 to Hanksville. Turn left to go South/Southeast on Highway 95. Shortly past the junction for 276; watch the mile markers. Around mile marker 28.3, there will be a dirt road on the left (north) side, take that in and the road will turn right. Just after that will be a large open camp spot. Set up camp and we'll organize everyone in the morning.

I tried to find out current conditions in the canyons we are planning. Unfortunately, I didn't find anyone that had recently been in them. There were some folks that were close though, and those canyons were dry. (Although, storms can be localized. I've seen big differences in canyons next door.) Thus, we can assume they will be mostly dry; and it's still fine not to carry a wetsuit.

If you have a light one (3/2 shorty or farmer John), feel free to bring it if you want. The first canyon we are doing is usually the wettest of the three. (So you could bring a light suit for the first canyon, and evaluate if you want to bring it for any others.) Even at the wettest I have seen it though, it still wouldn't require a wetsuit (unless the outside temperature was cold too, so you might benefit from the insulation.)

At times, there is a swim in the first canyon we are doing (Arscenic), but it's usually only about 10-20 feet. As long as you have non-cotton and some relatively warm clothes, you will be fine. Wouldn't hurt to have a drybag inside your pack, but not necessary. (Most times, it's a chest deep wade or less, rather than a swim. Have seen it completely dry too.)

Again, if you have a light wetsuit, at least bring it on the trip. We shouldn't need them in the Poison Springs canyons, but if we end up doing more canyons, we can have more alternatives if folks have wetsuits...


Some final tips:

Remember to bring clothes that you don't mind getting damaged. North Wash canyons are pretty rough.

Make sure you bring enough water. There is NO water in the area. I usually bring a 7 gallon jug for 3 people...

Use the restrooms in Green River (or possibly Hanksville if you get there at a decent time - things close early in Hanksville.) There is also a pit toilet at Hog Springs which is around mile marker 33 or so. Note that this is about 5 miles past where we will be camping. (You won't miss it, it's on the right and has a big parking lot and a sign.)

Pick up firewood if you have room in your car. There is usually firewood available in Green River. Remember to bring a camp chair!

If you have any questions, feel free to ask!


See everyone soon!
A.J.
 

8/26/08:

Hey all,

Just wanted to let you know that I'm putting together another less-aggressive than normal (i.e. beginner friendly) canyoneering trip for the weekend of 9/19.

We'll drive out Thurs 9/18 after work, and will camp a little less than an hour past Hanksville, UT.  We'll canyoneer on Fri, Sat and maybe Sunday morning; and will drive back Sunday evening.

For those of you that might have Kelsey's second edition of the Tech Slot canyon guide; they are the South Fork of Poison Spring Canyon slots on pg 138.  Outside of Kelsey circles, they are known as Arscenic, Slideanide and Constrychnine; and are near the popular North Wash canyon area.  Fun canyons; each with different character. Some tight slots, with lots of fun downclimbing and all sorts of different rap lengths; up to 190'.

Water should be waist deep or less, so shouldn't need wetsuits (but bring them if you have them; a 2 or 3mm farmer John or Shortie could be good to have depending on the temperature and it gives us other options if people are up for doing more than one canyon per day.)

We'll plan on doing one canyon per day, but should have time to add more for the folks that are interested.  (I've previously run all three of the Poison Springs canyons in a day; and added two more North Wash canyons that same day…)  However, we'll likely have some newer canyoneers; so I'm just planning for one canyon a day and we'll play the rest by ear…

If this sounds interesting to you and you want to join us, let me know.  Also let me know if you can drive or if you are looking for a ride.  If you can drive, what kind of car, what is the mileage and how many people can you fit with gear.  Finally, let me know when you can leave, and from where.  Please only let me know when you are definitely joining.  Understand that it takes a bit of effort to try to keep track of everything and everyone (and my life is already pretty hectic right now...)  So, if you are a maybe, just keep an eye on this website to see how many spots are left and make your decision before the trip is full...

You will need normal climbing/rap gear; helmet, harness, locking biner, belay device, gloves.  Also helpful are non-cotton clothes you don't mind getting trashed, and as sticky rubber shoes as you can get.  (Not climbing shoes, but approach shoes work well. Check your local sports recycler…) 
 

Take care,

A.J.

8/26/08:

The people organizing this trip will do everything they can to help keep you safe.  However, the outdoors are unpredictable, and anything can happen.  Ultimately, YOU are responsible for your own safety.  Make your own choices; about what canyons you feel up to, as well as your actions in the canyon.  If you see something that you don’t agree with, bring it up.  Everyone makes mistakes, and I’m sure nobody will have an issue with discussing why we are doing a certain thing.  Better that then the possible alternative if something is truly wrong.  You should know enough about the canyons through your own research to know whether it’s something you can handle.  Nobody else takes responsibility for you, your actions, or even their (or anyone else’s) actions, decisions or gear.  You and you alone have the responsibility for keeping yourself safe.  Read this disclaimer, and interpret it in the context of this trip:  http://www.nelsonrocks.org/disclaimer.html