2015 Hike #51 - Seven Cataracts, Mount Lemmon, Tucson, AZ

Seven Cataracts is an intermediate canyon with several waterfalls and approx. 7 rappels. Paul and I did this canyon in October.  There was plenty of water but we did not need our wet suits.  It took us awhile to find the best place to descend into Willow Canyon from Windy Point Vista on Mount Lemmon.  Once we reached the bottom, we scrambled over boulders until we reached the first rap.  Some of the rappels were more technical than I was expecting but we managed to safely get through the canyon with no issues.  We exited the canyon by following a trail around the mountain that ended with a VERY steep climb up Bear Canyon to the Seven Cataracts overlook.  Since our car was back at Windy Point Vista, we caught a ride with some other canyoneers that exited the same time we did.

2015 Hike #50 - Buckskin Gulch, Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness/Paria Canyon, UT

Paul Pastore and I hiked in Buckskin Gulch on our way home from Zion National Park in late August, 2015.  This beautiful slot canyon was well worth visiting.  The recent rains had left pools of water and mud making it challenging in some places to traverse.  I was also slowed by my recent shoulder and knee injury at Mystery Canyon.  Hiking poles were a lifesaver for balance as we maneuvered through the mud and boulders.  The canyon is 21 miles long and extends to Lees Ferry.  We hiked only a couple of miles before turning back due to the slippery and sinking mud.  We may return another time when the conditions are better.  For more information on this slot canyon see:
http://www.zionnational-park.com/buckskin-gulch.htm

2015 Hike #49 - Pa'rus Trail, Zion National Park, UT

The Pa'rus trail was named after the Paiute word for bubbling water.  The trail parallels the Virgin River and is one of the newer and accessible trails.  It is 1.7 miles one way with little shade but some nice views including bridges, wildflowers and occasionally mule deer.  We hiked this the end of August 2015. 

2015 Hike #48 - Mystery Canyon, Zion National Park

  
                                                                                 August 28, 2015   Paul and I love this canyon! It has a little bit of everything and at least a dozen rappels. We obtained a permit 4 months in advance and scheduled with a shuttle company to drop us off near the trail head. After walking 2 miles there is a distinctive trail leading down into the canyon.  It is just past an area that looks like the trail but doesn't have a path or trees to hold onto.  In order to descend down the steep canyon you have to hold on to trees, roots, bushes etc. and there is a very distinctive trail.  We almost missed it this time.  We had a sunny warm day and since we had hiked it before, we were prepared for what was ahead.  Another group of 4 people from UT caught up with us and eventually passed us.  After the 10th rappel, I was straddling a water hole and just at the last step, I slipped and fell into the deep hole, cracking my shoulder and jamming my right knee into the side of the hole.  I could not move my arm and my knee was bloody.  Fortunately I could still walk just fine and my shoulder/arm was not that painful.  The others made a sling for me and helped me make it down the final 2 100' + rappels and boulder hope the final 1/2 mile.  The final rappel into the Virgin River was so slippery I did not even try to walk down it.  I made it down safely with a lot of people watching from below.  I was relieved to reach the shuttle after walking the last 1/2 mile in the river and then one mile on the path.  We were able to get some ice and stopped at the urgent care place but there wasn't much they could do.  My x-ray later showed the ulnar bone was cracked and the doctor said it would heal on it's own after 6 weeks.  I was able to use it but just not put pressure on it.  My knee, although badly scarred healed in a couple of weeks. Mystery takes approx. 5 - 8 hours but I would plan on 8. For more info on this canyon see:
http://www.canyoneeringusa.com/utah/zion/technical/mystery-canyon/

This is the path out from the Virgin River to the Shuttle.

View from the top before descending into the canyon.

This is how the trail looks from the rim starting down into the canyon.  Lots of trees.