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| Canyoneering | 7.00 Miles |
1,000 AEG |
| | Canyoneering | 7.00 Miles | 6 Hrs | | 1.17 mph |
| 1,000 ft AEG | | | | |
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| | Basic Canyoneering - Scrambling; easy climbing/downclimbing; frequent hand use; rope recommended; easy exit | | A - Dry or little water; shallow or avoidable water; no wet/dry suit | | III - Normally requires most of a day |
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| no partners | | I made arrangements for a guided hike through Cardiac and X. Our guide, Barry, was just as excited as we were to get in there. He was mostly happy that it wasn't another overcrowded tourist-fest into Antelope. Barry did a great job of getting our group of six into the canyon. He mostly kept a low profile, allowing our group to explore the canyons any way we like. Sometimes its like he was hardly there. Every now and then he would offer some new bit of information about the history of the area, or share some other canyon facts. This is the first time I've ever paid money for a guided hike. I can tell you, the money was well spent. I would definitely do it again.
The descent into Cardiac Canyon down a very steep sandy slope was worth the price of admission alone. I found myself crouched down, leaning backward, and literally surfing down the edge of the canyon, occasionally reaching into the sand with my trailing hand for balance. The descent was borderline out of control but seemed relatively safe at the same time...I loved it.
Once at the bottom of the canyon, the first order of business was to dump the 1/2 cup of red sand out of my shoes. Then it was on to the first narrows of twisted and contorted sandstone walls. Getting into a few impressive parts of the canyon required some awkward climbs. Some chimneying required. Sounds easy, but challenging as it is hard to find good hand and foot holds in the smoothly sculpted sandstone. Regardless, everyone (novices included) was able to make it up and down the climbs, some with a little help from others in the group.
The hike is not all narrows. At times it opens up pretty wide and seems very much like the hike to Coyote Buttes North. The twisted narrows only made up about 20% of the total distance, but wow are they good.
Overland Canyon Tours provided water for the trip and a hefty sack lunch. Kudos to whoever prepared the sandwiches and snacks. We found some shade, enjoyed our energy rebuilding meal and continued on towards Canyon X.
Canyon X was even more beautiful than Cardiac Canyon. Impressive deep narrows, and spectacular colors and dramatic rock formations that left you wondering if nature had an intelligent hand in the design of this masterpiece.
After about 6 hours we made our way up and out of the canyon across a steep staircase of loose rock. We drove back into town, learning more about the town of Page along the way. Barry even took some extra time to show us a few extra sites including a quick touristy stop at the lookout near Glen Canyon Dam. From there, he led us off trail to a vertical cliff where he and his friends used to climb 600 feet down a rope ladder to go fishing.
I took many photos along the way and also took home some great memories of our journey into this incredible place. |
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| This is my gym. I have to travel down a bumpy road to get there. There are no treadmillls, no machines, and no personal trainers. I walk..I run..I breathe the fresh air. I can go any time I want, as much as I want and there is no membership fee. |
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