Zion Canyoneering with Nolan and Kristy

Fun adult weekend getaway with Nolan and his new wife Kristy.  We packed it in for two and a half days.  Woke up early on Friday morning and drove straight to Water Canyon.  It is a super popular canyon with the guides so we missed the missing morning and just had to hike in in the heat.  It wasn't too bad.  We had some lovely shade.  We had the whole canyon to our selves.  We loved the tad poles, the frog that peed all over Kristy, and the seeping rocks.  We made it out just as the sun was setting.  It was wonderful.  One of the only places open at 11:00 at night was Taco Bell.  so we sat on the curb- since Covid shut down the inside of the restaurant.   We sat on the curb and just ate and ate.  Eager to get to bed so we could do it all over again the next day. 

Water Canyon- It took us 7-8 hours.  

12 rappels, 11th rappel is 105 feet, can refill water at small waterfall on the way out, canyon is mostly wide open  with many areas of sun.  Do in cooler temps, possible waist deep pools, no wetsuit needed.   Get GPS since finding the drop in can be tricky. Super busy.  Start early or late afternoon 

https://www.roadtripryan.com/go/t/utah/zion/water-canyon

Saturday we were up early to get to the trail head.  We knew it would be another hot day and a long day.  The approach to the canyon was a good few hours.  But we loved the cooler morning weather.  We loved our Gaia GPS app to help us easily navigate our way around.  Its priceless.  Misery was a neat canyon because you went from canyon walls to open sunshine and then back into canyon walls with Rappels.  Kristy got a tarantula picture. We loved making it to the confluence.  Sit in the river.  cool off.  filter water.  and then.... Hiking out wasn't terrible.  I don't get bothered by the heat as much as Darren does.  We were all motivated to get out and get to a place for dinner. We made it to Springdale and ate!

Misery Canyon/Fat Mans - West Fork

Start early so you can be in the slot during the heat- and exit in the evening. Plan on 12-13 hours with the group

Water filter at confluence. Some really cold spots.  but no wet suit needed.  It was refreshing to get into the cold water. 

Sunday- We enjoyed a slight sleeping in!  Then set off on our drive to Toquerville Falls.  I didn't think it would be that bad but it was.  I was grateful for Nolan and Darrens mnt biking experience to navigate the best lines to make it up the dirt/rock/sandy road.  The falls were lovely.  We swam, jumped off the cliffs, and people watched.  It was getting more crowded by the minute.  IT was a lovely weekend with good company.  As we drove back into the SLC valley we could see the smoke filling the ski from the fire near our home in Lehi.