Hiking, Rappelling and Climbing, Oh My!

The approach hike to the canyon was rough, but the views made it tolerable. 

The Namaste Wall. Single pitch climbs that go FOREVER.

Take a seat in a hole, shake out your arms.

First rappel into Keyhole Canyon.

Charlie thought he could swing over the water to the other side. He didn't make it.

Last photo I took before soaking my camera.

Canyoneering is awesome. The biggest perk might be the ability to escape the insane crowds throughout the rest of Zion. Despite double bagging my camera in dry bags, it still got soaked and died on me after our first canyon. a few days in the desert sun and a bag of rice thankfully brought it back from the dead. Phew!

Day 1 consisted of Keyhole Canyon and Pine Creek Canyon. Both very fun, very wet and very cold canyons. The water isn't exactly clean, but you get used to the grime and smell quickly. Day 2 was a 10 hour marathon through the Behunin Canyon. Much dryer and much hotter. The approach alone was 3 hours up and around the West Rim Trail. We slept very well that night. Day 3 we climbed at the Namaste Wall to suffer on super tall, overhung sport routes. Parting ways with the group was tough, but I'm on a mission. A conquerer of the useless!!