Tag Archives: Misery canyon

Trip Report: Misery Canyon, March 3rd

Posted on March 7, 2012 by

March 3rd, 2012 proved to be a beautiful day. Stetson, Ben, Zach, Jake, Brandon, and I starting off through the pass west of Checkerboard Mesa around 8am. We had snow here and there, with the occasional posthole-worthy pile. The backside of the pass was sunny and dry. At the start of the canyon, we waded through pools with 1/8″-thick ice on top. The water splashed up on the walls of the canyon would usually freeze before the next person went through. We also enjoyed a few swims, breaking the thin ice as we went. Most wet sections ended in sunny exits that helped you forget how cold they were, right before you got to the next one. We got into the grotto section around 1pm and the canyon was beautifully lit with the little light that was able to get in. We had a nice cold swim under the natural bridge and welcomed the warm spring just below. The East Fork of the Virgin River was flowing just enough that we were able to float out when we stayed in the main channel. The canyon was gorgeous and made for a wonderful day not to be forgotten! Dustin Hymas

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Prime Spring Canyoneering Conditions in Fat Man’s Misery

Posted on May 3, 2011 by

One of my favorite things about canyoneering is the living, changing nature of the canyons themselves. By visiting canyons across the seasons, we get to see all the different personalities they can take on, which create really fun reactions inside US. I noticed this great example on the Yahoo Canyons group of a guy who visited an “old” canyon and found something completely different from his expectations. This in from canyoneer Mike Schasch, via the Canyons Group: Was in Misery yesterday with a shortie wetsuit. 4th time in there and it was the most full I’d ever seen it. 4-5 swims, lots of deep water, very cold. Full wetsuit is ideal. The river looked doable, levels have been dropping, but we took a gully to the right at the confluence so we didn’t have to go down it. Mike Canyon conditions continue to be wet and cold, but don’t let that stop you from heading to Zion for some great fun. Prepared with a good wetsuit or drysuit, a flowing canyon means great adventure. Flowing water provides great canyon “music”, fun challenges, interesting obstacles, and plenty of opportunities to splash around like you’re a kid again.

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