10/27/2010 - UT, Canyoneering North Wash

Here’s the plan for the upcoming canyoneering trip.  We will be doing canyons in the North Wash area.  We may do more than one canyon per day, depending on our time through the canyons and depending on people's desires.  North Wash is a great location, as there are lots of slots to choose from, several within walking distance of camp.

 

Timeframe:

We’ll head out on Wednesday morning/afternoon/evening 10/27, and return on Sunday 10/31.  We’ll drive to, and meet at, the campsite Wednesday night and set up camp.  Plan on the drive out there taking 8 hours.  We’ll do canyons through mid-day Sunday and be back Sunday night.

 

Itinerary:

 

Other resources:

Michael Kelsey’s book: (1st or 2^nd Edition) Technical Slot Canyons of the Colorado Plateau; pg 116 in 1st ed, pg 140in 2nd ed.

http://www.climb-utah.com/Powell/index.htm

http://canyoneeringusa.com/utah/north/

http://www.ajroadtrips.com/go/trips/north-wash-2.html

 

Canyon Info:

EVERYONE should be familiar with the canyons they are planning on going on at the very minimum.  (Read Arscenic, Leprechaun (Kelsey Mile 28.1), Blarney (Kelsey Mile 27.6) and Shillelaugh (Kelsey Mile 27.4)   Please use the resources above to make sure you know the day’s plans; as well as make sure you are capable of them.  We’ll also try to read the descriptions aloud before heading in.  If you don't have access to Kelsey's books; and aren't a member of the Climb-Utah site; send me an e-mail asking for the beta and I can send it to you.

  

Carpooling:

I'm keeping track of driving info as people tell me they are interested (see chart above.)  We will solidify rides as time gets closer.  Usually around a week before the trip.  A tradition is that drivers do not have to pay for gas; and it's a nice gesture to buy the drivers a dinner as well if circumstances allow.

  

Roads:

The roads that we will use to access the canyons should be passable by any vehicle; although it would be good to have mid-clearance vehicles such as a Subaru for the Poison Springs canyons.  (The higher clearance vehicles we have, the more choices we will have for canyons...)  We will camp at the Sandthrax campsite, which is right off Highway 95.

 

Maps:

I will have a printout of the route descriptions.  If anyone has time to do research to see if they can find other people's trip reports, buy/print their own topo maps, etc; please feel free.  The more beta we have, the better.  (Mainly so you know what to expect - I've done these canyons many times before...)

  

Guidebook/Maps:

I am using the guidebook "Technical Slot Canyon Guide to the Colorado Plateau" by Michael Kelsey (2^nd Edition).  You can get this guidebook at any outdoor store.  If you want your own maps, you can get them at the Boulder Map Gallery, or print them out from Topo or similar program. 

  

GPS:

I will have a GPS with me; but if you have one and want to bring it; feel free.  Note, the GPSs probably won't work in the canyons (definitely not in the slots) but we can waypoint our camp and car location...

 

Camping:

It will be car camping at it’s finest.  There is a large camp area and we will hang out at the campsite at night.  Bring a camp chair, and pick up firewood if you can.  (Firewood is available in Green River.  Check the gas stations.)  If you need to share a camp stove, or can share your camp stove, then email everyone when we are solidifying rides.  I will have a whisperlite camp stove with me and don't mind sharing.  I'll have plenty of fuel.  Note: They are good for boiling water and high-heat cooking; they don't simmer well. 

 

Campsite Location:

Sandthrax Camp:  Take I-70 around 12 miles past Green River.  Take the exit for Hwy 24 to Hanksville.  In Hanksville, make a left at the T-intersection to head East on Highway 95.  Just after Milepost 28, around 28.3 miles from Hanksville; look for a small spur road on the left.  Take that road in around 100' and the road will curve right (there will be an informational sign at that curve.)  There are a bunch of camp spots there.  We will try to get the first big spot on the right when you come in.  Look for our vehicles.  If you don't see them there, continue down that road, as there are more campsites tucked in farther down; and you should be able to spot us.

  

Water:

There is NO water in the area.  Bring enough water for the weekend (a 7 gallon container will usually last 2 people for 3 days with water to spare so should be perfect for 2 people for 4 days; 7 gals might be enough for 3 folks for a 4 day weekend - it will depend on how much people drink and how hot it is outside.)  

I’ll be bringing a 7 gallon container.  Remember that you can fill up or purchase water in Green River - the second Green River exit has two gas stations visible from the freeway.  The West side one (on left after exit) has an Arby's, the East side one (on the right after exit) has a Subway.  There is a water spigot outside of both gas stations in Green River (ask before using.)  There is also a well with super-high power water (fills seven gallon jugs in no time flat) on the right hand side; with the Subway.  It’s out in the parking lot area, near four red posts and the sign for the station.  Look for the pipe coming out of the ground; no need to ask if using the well.  I've used this one many times, and the water tastes good.

There is another option for water in Hanksville.  At the intersection of 24 and 95, turn right and drive a couple of blocks until you see a BLM office sign on your left.  You will turn left on a road and drive South down a road for about a half mile, near the end of the road.  There is a hydrant in the parking lot across from the trash cans.  There are also bathrooms across the parking lot.

I recommend the hard plastic 7 gallon containers (or other hard plastic containers) over the collapsible ones.  I've used both, and my hard plastic one has lasted YEARS without leaking.  Collapsible ones last months at best.  You can get the plastic 7 gallon blue containers at Walmart.

  

Firewood:

If you have room, try to pick up firewood.  It is usually available in Green River.  Same gas stations as outlined above in the Water section.  Or, if those two are out, we have always been able to find it by driving in towards the main town of Green River and there is another gas station called the Silver Eagle.

 

Gas:

Best places (best prices) to fill up on gas is in Golden, as you are going South down 93, shortly after coming into town there will be a Loaf and Jug on your left at a light.  They give a discount for King Sooper cards.  Next gas we usually fill up at is in Grand Junction off Horizon.  Exit the Horizon exit and turn left onto Horizon.  Head South for a mile or two and gas up at the Safeway.  Use a Safeway card for a gas discount.  You can also stop and get food here.  Finally, you can top off in either Green River, or Hanksville.  Those two stations are usually pretty similar in price; with Green River usually being a little better price.  PLEASE FILL UP at either Green River or Hanksville.  You don't want to be running low or out of gas out in nowhere Utah...

 

Wake-up Times/Timing of Day:

We will be leaving camp relatively early every day.  We’ll wake up sometime around sunrise, and be moving shortly thereafter so we can utilize the most of the daylight.  (I'd rather be back at camp early than be struggling in the dark.)  First light is around 7:15am, Sunrise is around 7:45am, sunset is around 6:30pm and civil twilight ends around 7:00pm.  Plan on waking up around 7:15am, having breakfast and being ready to go at 8:15am.  (Wake up earlier if you will need more than an hour to be ready.)  We will likely want to start hiking early, as many days we have a climb for an approach and want to do that before it gets too hot out (and to give those who want to do multiple canyons a chance to do so...)

  

Anchor gear:

I don't know the current conditions of anchors in the canyons, but it’s a fairly popular location so they likely will have good anchors.  Regardless, I will have all the anchor material we will need.  If you want to bring additional stuff, you are more than welcome to.  We will be spreading some group gear amongst the group, so save a little room in your pack.  (3 Nalgene's worth of space.)

  

Wetsuits:

These canyons are normally dry to semi-wet.  Recent reports show them as being pretty dry.  I'll try to find out current conditions about a week before the trip, and will send a conditions update.  I don’t expect enough water to require wetsuits, but make your own decision.  If you have a wetsuit, feel free to bring it on the trip.  (The more folks we have with wetsuits, the more canyon options we have.  If there is a small group that has wetsuits, and wants a more advanced canyon adventure, maybe we can organize a trip down Trail Canyon or similar...)  You won't need a heavy wetsuit; so leave the 5mm full suit at home.  Bring something like a 2/3 full wetsuit if you have it.  You may choose to leave it at camp when we are there, or possibly pack in a light wetsuit; just in case we run into water.  A lot will depend on the outside temperature too, as a wetsuit can be used when it's dry, but cold out, for insulation/warmth.

  

Dry Bag:

If you have one, I'd plan on bringing it.  (I always have my items in a drybag in my pack.  You just never know if you'll hit unexpected water in a canyon and a pack gets much heavier when everything inside is wet...)  You may decide to leave it at camp; or maybe even just pack it in just in case we hit water.  You can decide for yourself.  Just make sure it is well protected inside your pack if you do bring it in.

 

Ropes:

I’m planning on bringing all the ropes necessary; but they will likely be 8mm ropes.  If you haven’t rapped on 8mm line, it can be fast.  Very fast.  I recommend having 2 carabiners on your belay device to add more friction, a jaws-type ATC/belay device helps too, and definitely bring a pair of gloves so you don’t burn your hand.  A pair of bike gloves works fine; as do gardening gloves.  There is a thin pair of Nitrile gloves made by Atlas that work well in warmer canyons (Nitrile is sticky enough to still climb with them on) and a thicker pair of Atlas gloves (Therma or Therma-Fit’s) that work better for colder canyons.  Ask me if you have questions or concerns.

NOTE:  Atlas gloves can be found at most hardware stores; they help protect your hands, and are sticky enough to climb with.  Highly recommended.

  

Meals:

  

Weather:

Point Forecast: 

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=38.01658682647786&lon=-110.53147315979004&site=slc&smap=1&marine=0&unit=0&lg=en

 

Hanksville:

http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/tenday/USUT0101?from=36hr_topnav_outdoors

http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USUT0101?from=search

 

Green River:

http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/tenday/USUT0094?from=36hr_topnav_outdoors

http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USUT0094?from=tenDay_bottomnav_outdoors

 

Precipitation:

http://mesowest.utah.edu/cgi-bin/droman/precip_summary.cgi?state=UT&rawsflag=3  (See Hanksville)

http://www.intellicast.com/National/Precipitation/Weekly.aspx?location=USUT0208  (Past Week UT Precip)

 

Right now, it's looking around 70's during the day and around 35 at night.  This would be pretty good weather.  However, It's likely still too early to really tell what the weather is going to be right now, so make sure you CHECK THE LINKS AGAIN just before leaving!   Dress appropriately.

 

Here's the temperature spread:

Town                 Rec High           Avg High           Avg Low            Rec Low

Hanksville           95                     72                      35                       -6

Green River        92                     71                      37                       12

  

Group gear:

Everyone should plan on carrying a little something extra; as we’ll have some group gear and emergency gear to carry for the canyons.  Plan on around three nalgene’s worth of space; so make sure you have some room in your pack for that.  We’ll divide the group gear up just before heading into the canyons.

  

Recommended Canyon Gear:

Lightweight, non-cotton clothes.  Recommend long sleeves and long pants, but as durable/light as you can be.  Good to go to Salvation Army, Savers, or similar and pick up stuff there.  There will likely be a lot of scraping against rock, and much better to be cheap clothes than skin.   

Elbow pads and knee pads.  Just cheap volleyball ones.  I’d stay away from the plastic ones, as those could slip if you are using it to brace yourself against rock (as well as they leave unsightly marks on the rock.)  Walmart makes some good cloth ones for $6 per pair that I have been using for a long time.

Gloves.  You will likely be stemming/chimneying in the canyons, so again, better to tear into gloves rather than skin.  The Atlas Nitrile ones, or the Atlas Therma/Therma-Fit gloves mentioned above work well.  You can get them at most hardware stores; McGuckins definitely has them.  Bike gloves work okay as well.

Packs.  You shouldn’t be carrying a huge amount; so you will want a small pack that can get worn/shredded/possibly destroyed.  Probably around 1500-2500 cubic inches would be a good size; which is a decent sized daypack.  You need enough to carry some approach/emergency clothing (ex: windbreaker, possibly windpants, etc), some webbing, group gear, a decent amount of water (1-2L?), and some food.  You can use a webbing harness for these canyons just fine; or a real harness is likely more comfy.  (But don't bring your favorite harness, as it will likely get a little scraped up....)  Make your pack size as small as possible.

Everyone will also need a short piece of webbing or cord so they can lower their backpack if necessary.  I use a 15ft piece of parachute cord, with loops tied into it.  You can use 5-6mm cord, or webbing too; a daisy chain works really well too.  Make sure you have at least a 10 ft piece that you can tie to your pack to lower it.  I have spools of cord at my place, so if you want to buy some cord from me, just let me know.

Shoes.  Bring shoes that you don’t mind getting trashed.  When I do aggressive canyons; a pair of shoes lasts a weekend if I’m lucky…  The stickier sole, the better; approach shoes work well but pretty much any kind of tennis shoe will work.  NO SANDALS!

 

Rappelling Gear:

- Harness

- Belay device

- 2 large locking carabiners (mandatory), 2-4 normal sized carabiners (optional)  – Optional can be locking or non

- A small sling/cord/shoelace to secure your belay device, so you don't drop it (optional, likely not really needed for these canyons since they have drier conditions)

- Some kind of a rappel glove is recommended; the Atlas ones mentioned above will work, however they are pretty sticky so they will wear quicker than a leather/bike glove.  One option is you can bring a bike glove and wear it over your Atlas glove for rappels.

- Helmet: bring some kind of a helmet!!! (a bike helmet works fine.)  A helmet is MANDATORY.  If you don't have one, you aren't going in the canyon with me.

- Prussik slings:  I would also like some folks to bring prusik slings.  These are just two loops of cord that you attach to your harness.  They allow you to climb up a rope if you need to.  They are also useful for connecting yourself to an anchor.  They are very easy to make.  Just go to any mountaineering store and buy *two different colors* of 6 or 7 millimeter climbing cord (one should be ~6 ft, one ~10 ft). (around $5)  I can show you how to make, and use, the slings when we are out there.

  

Recommended Non-Canyon Gear and other info:

Bring enough water for the weekend (see Water section.)  Bring firewood if you have room in your vehicle; and hopefully we can have a fire in the evenings.  This is car camping at it's finest; so bring a chair, table, cooler, food/drink to share, etc.

 

Pitching In:

I usually ask for a $5/day for gear used/destroyed on the trip.  Plan on pitching in $20 for the whole weekend and the way it will work is that the people that provide ropes will get some money; regardless of signs of wear.  If a rope gets a coreshot, etc; then they will get more money.  Those who leave anchor gear in the canyons will be re-imbursed (webbing, R/QL’s, etc.)  I keep a kitty of money from canyon trips; and the rest gets saved for the next trip.  If we have other group gear destroyed (water filters, etc. – shouldn’t on this trip) then we’ll pitch in more so that person isn’t footing the bill by himself.  Feel free to pitch in extra if you would like.

 

E-mail me if you want my cell phone number (I don't want to post it on the internet.)   We don't have a cell signal out at camp (closest signal is about 5 miles from Hanksville).  As always, feel free to e-mail me or give me a call prior to departing to discuss any questions you might have.

                       

Looking forward to a fun time canyoneering!

A.J.