Category Archives: Escalante

“Escalante Canyoneering” Airs Tonight on Live Well Network!

Posted on October 17, 2011 by

In May, Tom Jones and I led a three-day Escalante Canyoneering trip for Motion TV. Along with host Greg Aiello and two guest hikers, Anna and Futch, we hiked in from the Escalante’s Egypt Trailhead, set camp along the Escalante River, and explored Ringtail Canyon and Neon Canyon. We enjoyed a spectacular backcountry experience, opening wide doors to new sights and skills for the entire Motion team, and enjoying some fantastic laughter and stories to boot. Great weather, amazing canyon light, and a top-notch film crew made the event a success, and now that editing is finished, you can experience our trip from your favorite arm chair. Live Well Network airs Motion’s Escalante River Canyoneering tonight, between 7 & 9 PM, depending on your area. Check the Live Well homepage to see the viewing schedule in your city… Or just watch the embedded video above! If YOU would like to join us for this trip in 2012, pencil the below dates into your calendar and rally some friends together to start planning soon: April 20-22 May 4-6, 12-14 June 1-3 Sept. 7-9, 21-23 Oct. 6-8 For complete trip details, see our Escalante Canyoneering page.

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Guest Blogger Myra Yanke: Adventures in Zion and Beyond

Posted on September 1, 2011 by

Once upon a time, I thought a Rick Steves guidebook was the key to adventure.  This is the story of how my horizons have broadened since then. August 2007: I come back to America from my second trip to the Jungfrau region of Switzerland and rave to my parents about the fabulousness of my trip. I shake my head sadly when they counter with descriptions of their second trip to southern Utah. Why are they so insistent on staying in America, land of Wal-Mart and McDonalds? There’s a whole world out there! August 2008: I come back to America from hiking the Haute Route, Chamonix-Zermatt, and rave to my parents about the fabulousness of my trip. Glacier hiking! High-mountain hostels! I shake my head sadly when they repeat that I really should try Utah. Staring at a bunch of rocks? I think not. May 2009: I board the plane to Las Vegas with my parents, hoping I won’t be too bored over the next 17 days. The itinerary: Bryce – Moab/Arches National Park – Havasupai – Zion. I reason that by going, I’ll be strengthening my position that my parents should get passports. I’ll be able to say “I’ve been … Continue reading →

Posted in Canyoneering, Escalante, Guided Events, Reflections, Zion, Zion National Park | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Trip Report: Battling Bugs Near Choprock & Neon Canyons

Posted on June 9, 2011 by

Just back from Neon/Choprock area. Near the river, the green flies are swarming and totally vicious. I cannot recommend camping anywhere near the river, in fact, we planned to stop at Fence camp to pump water and could not. Up above, the Cedar Gnats are similarly swarming and biting. Very difficult. We found a few places with enough wind to keep them off us, but in general with a 20 knot wind we were being devoured. The river is up about a foot from two weeks ago. We found a crossing just upstream from Fence Canyon where we just barely made it across without being swept off our feet. So, waist deep and flowing strong. Doing the direct line (bee line) to the mouth of Neon, you can walk upstream a bit and there is a crossing there which is among the shallowest. At this point, though, it still might sweep you off your feet, so I would recommend drybagging your gear. The river is fairly warm at this point. We “pack-rafted” from Choprock down to Neon, and it was great fun. The river is deep enough to only bounce painfully off the bottom once in a while. The temperature is … Continue reading →

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Coming to a Theater Near You?

Posted on May 5, 2011 by

Came across this very fun video from canyoneer, Forrest Kleinman. Much more entertaining than most canyoneering videos I’ve seen… Makes me excited for the inevitable feature film. Check out Forrest’s complete pictorial trip report from his recent trip to Escalante.

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