Waterhole Canyon - Page, Arizona
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- Опубліковано 10 вер 2023
- Waterhole Canyon - Page, Arizona
This trip was epic. And stressful. I got up to Page, Arizona the day before we were supposed to descend Waterhole Canyon. And it was raining. It was raining a lot.
Did I mention that Waterhole Canyon is a highly technical slot canyon? It is. It takes most people 6~10 hours to get through Waterhole Canyon, depending on conditions, group size and group ability. So I watched the waterfalls forming around Lee's Ferry and Page and thought to myself 'I don't really want to be in a slot canyon right now.' Even though my friends assured me the weather forecast was clear for the next day, I couldn't help but worry anyway.
It was also around this time that Nick said I should bring my wetsuit since the canyon would be full. This was helpful information since I was about a 5 hour drive from home when I learned this. Nick had previously told me that I shouldn't bring a wetsuit because he's been through Waterhole Canyon twice and knew what it was like. So it's really my fault because I listened to him. I dislike hypothermia, so I went to the great outfitter called Walmart and looked for some neoprene. Lucky for me, they had something called a sauna vest. I really don't know why people would wear a neoprene vest in a sauna, but apparently it's a thing. So now I own a sauna vest, which is good, I suppose. I'll never be cold in a sauna again.
Anyway, the next day the sky (and forecast) was clear and into the canyon we went.
By the way, Waterhole Canyon is on the Navajo Nation and permits are required. We had permits, just in case anyone was wondering. (Seriously, we did. I joke a lot, but I do my best to abide by the rules. And I definitely didn't want to end up in a jail cell, regardless of how sharp I looked in my sauna vest.)
The highlight of the canyon is a staged rappel, with the second part of the stage being a massive, 320' rappel. I only panicked slightly. Actually, I panicked a lot, but there really wasn't much choice by the time I got to the big rappel. I feel I did a great job of controlling that fear, but if I'm honest, it was mainly because I didn't want my canyoneering crew to make fun of me.
Oh, and we got a boat ride down the Colorado River back to Lees Ferry because Waterhole Canyon is absolutely incredible.
So I'm gonna wrap this up because I procrastinated and didn't write this until right before I was supposed to publish the video.
The end.
Our boat ride:
Dave with On the Fly 928-380-4504
(Highly recommended.)
Music by Artlist:
Kids Having Fun - MooveKa
Fur Elise - Brooklyn Classical
Nevada - Dan Zeitune
Wolves - Francesco DAndrea
Martyr - Roniit
Howling at the Moon - D Fine Us
A Moment of Peace - Nobou
I'll be Better -UMLALA
That is the kind of weather they warn you about, flash floods possible. Ladders and a wrecked car, wow, just wow. All that water would freak me out. Very impressive canyoneering and the sculpted rocks are spectacular. Rapelling into water of an unknown depth is pretty unnerving. Somebody did their homework with that ladder.
Jerry, that was an absolutely incredible journey and the videography was equally amazing. Thanks for doing what you do.
dude you're videography is nuts. another stellar video. Thanks for being awesome.
Love how you show every detail in the Canyon. You guys are funny having a great time and very professional. Love watching this group. ❤
Whoa! WOW!! What a journey! What a drop!! Safety in Numbers ~ and the chicks are so casually brave... ho hum. I got nervous a few times - like the teeny slivers to descend down - where do they go? How much room is there? I'd be wishing for a helicopter pickup - at the time you were hanging onto that chain before descending down that LONG drop. An EPIC adventure with EPIC filming ~ by EPIC Jerryeee!
This was fantastic! Can’t wait to get home and watch it on the big screen. FYI staged rappels are even more fun with ice and snow.
I was watching this last night and saw you driving down the 51 this morning. Small world.
Crazy, man. Hopefully I didn't cut you off in traffic. Not that I do that.....
WOW!!!! just another beautiful adventure!
For whatever reason I’m craving chocolate milk now. 😂 Your tunes are banger! 🎵
Haha! Yeah, the chocolate milk in Waterhole tasted terrible though.
This is probably the coolest video of yours. I’ve watched it numerous times. I love it.
Thanks! I agree. This was an adventure, start to finish.
You have some crazy friends Jerry.
Yeah....And I hang out with them, so what does that say about me?
Love it!
This was a fun trip. Not in a hurry to get on that huge rappel again, but I'm so glad I did it.
Holy crap this is the first time I’ve gotten anxious with one of your videos. Beautiful as always. But the deep water and slick rocks, wow. And whatever you were doing around 8:30 in the tight compress with a drop, oh my…
I’m guessing that was chimney-ing down a tight slot. You use the friction and kinda just slide down. North Wash canyoneering! I’m a lot more comfortable doing that than the big rappels, but it can get in your head. A few of the crew weren’t fans of those parts.
Great editing. Cool AF!
One of my favorite canyons....Not sure I could get myself to do that big rap again though. (Of course, I said that after Insomnia and still did Waterholes.)
Wow Homie! One of your best!!! Great site, Edit and Brave Music mix!!! I'm sort of going the other. . . come see. . . Sundays. . You are the man!
I’m not usually claustrophobic but holy crap I was anxious during a couple of those shots. Great video as always.
Thanks! Definitely sections that aren't for the claustophobic.
Jerry, that's just awesome and amazing!
I’ve been there! But did not go as far as you. Gorgeous place. No one there.
That was the best fun you can have, with good friends, really enjoyed the vid, thanks for taking us along.
My eyes didnt leak with joy for you, nope...I started watching your botg videos about a month ago...brilliant, stunning, fun..thank you
#Meltology
This was a special kind of adventure. Great crew, beautiful and challenging canyon, huge staged rappel and a boat ride down the Colorado River. Hard to beat.
amazing, terrifying, beautiful - all around bad ass! Thanks for sharing Jerry. As usual, you visit incredible places and make great recap videos
Absolutely hilarious! From the opening scenes and throughout. Music taste excellent. I had the thought, “I wonder why he is not repelling?” just before the “terrified” caption, which made me bust out laughing. Tremendous editing Jerry - thank you for this.
Man I appreciate these videos! As a native of Arizona this channel has inspired me more than any other backpacking channel out there! Can't wait to see more of this beautiful land!
Awesome Jerry!
This is your best video so far!
Great crew!
They're the best. Walked me through the big rap when I was close to panicking.
Jeeeeesus, that was a long drop down, I would be scared to death. Jerry, you should be so proud of your abilities and camerawork, this video was spectacular.
I was terrified, but I didn't have any other options, so I had to do it. Probably should've done a shorter rappel for my first staged rap, but luckily I had a great crew with me to walk me through it.
If you weren't scared there would be something wrong with you. Looked like a fun adventure and we saw you flip someone off on video for the first time. Thanks for sharing
Nick deserved it. Nick always deserves it.
Gorgeous! Great videography, as usual.
Thanks! Scenery like this makes it pretty easy.
Wow! Very cool. Way beyond my comfort zone and ability but fun to watch.
This canyon taught me that a 320' rappel is way beyond my comfort zone too! Worth it...now that I'm done.
As an ex rock climber, I can say that crack you rappelled down would be a great climb. 5.12 at least.
Rock climbers are crazy. (Pretty sure rock climbers think canyoneers are crazy.) We did see some anchors down there that looked like where climbers rappeled down though. Not on the big rap, but down toward the bottom.
That was a tough one. Really tight places. Can't see where your feet are in muddy water. Multi-pitch rappel on a wall. Really beautiful though. Thanks for taking us along.
We had a great time as usual bro! Looking forward to our next adventure.
Absolutely! Good times as usual.
I have watched a great ton of your canyoneering videos and they are always awesome in different ways but this one just hits all sorts of different. It gives such an incredible contrast to the fact that canyons can be dirty, muddy, messy... how water shapes them and that rappel towards the end..... I had to stop and feel my pulse because I was equally terrified and I was not even there and I am not even afraid of heights. Daaaang!
Yeah, this trip was intense. And so much diversity. Absolutely loved it. Probably won't do it again though. That's a little higher than I like to rappel.
Another incredible video. And I'm impressed at how the group handled that staged rappel. It was terrifying just watching it. :)
They’re such a great crew. Josh up top giving a pep talk, Nick at the stage area walking everyone through it and Eric on belay. Love those guys.
EPIC!!! thanks for the vid Jer! that 320' drop is no joke! You could hear it in your voice but glad you got through it! (although part of me wishes Tina was up top yelling down at you.. ' So how do you feel about waterhole canyon now Jerry???' at each section of that rappel lol. Great work!!
Setting up and getting people through that staged rappel gave me a little too much time up top to think about what I was doing. And I'm pretty sure if Tina went, she'd still be at the top of that rap. Being on rope isn't her cup of tea on short rappels, much less that monster.
That looks amazing! Impressed with that rappel, that would have a little scared me as wel 😛 I was kayaking on the river from horseshoe bend to Lees Ferry on the 11th, mainly because of a previous video of you that really impressed me. Great experience and would love to do that again sometime. Got very lucky with the weather, it was afwul on the 10th en great and sunny on the 11th. Keep it up with the great vids, always inspiring!
Glad you got to do that trip and had good weather. I've done it twice now. Once in perfect conditions and once where I learned that wind and rain plus kayaking is not a great combination. Still a great time both trips though.
You and your friends do the coolest shit...
I can’t argue with that. I’ve got some really great friends.
Can’t believe I’m the first to give props for the “Always Sunny” intro. LMAO. Now, time to watch the vid.
Right? I expected more comments about that.
Wow, well done Jerry. Beautiful tight slots and long rappel, just what I don't like. So, I will live those moments vicariously through you on your journey. Too bad you didn't include some "Muddy Waters" music that would have fit in well, but that would have demonetized you in this crazy social media world..... Carry on.
Man, I wish I could use licensed music.......Artlist is pretty decent though.
What to say, I am speechless. I learnt rappelling just recently, 25 ft max this was awesome where do you get so much energy? I know there is lot of work, though it looked easy... it was awe and fun watching it. Keep rocking 🎉❤
That's the joy of editing. I can cut out all the parts where I'm huffing and puffing.
Cool video, I grew up in Page and used to hike this canyon all the time growing up. Before they required permits and such. Think some local businesses ruin nature with adding ladders and such just to make a quick buck to take tourist groups down there.
Lucky! I love that area. It is a shame about the ladders. I guess they had some race that went through that section for some reason and put them in for that. They'll all wash out eventually.
so very incredible more rock and less people
Great video! Now, imagine a hole 8'x6'. It's dark, you have no way of knowing what's down below you. It could be dry or standing water. Maybe there's a drift to explore where you can take a break. Rats are scurrying around. Squealing cause you just invaded there place. Watch out for the loose rocks or rotted timbers. You can't trust nothing but your intuition. Hold on, it's a long way up.🙂
Wow… you are really making me wish I wasn’t 64 and fat. Not sure I could make myself do any of that stuff, even so… 💁🏻♀️😳 but wow. Can’t really come up with adequate descriptors for any of this trek. I just wish I could’ve come along.
Thank you so much for the vicarious experience !!
Glad to take you along!
Ahhhhmazing
Minute 11. 😬 I can't believe you went down that. I would die on that hill before I'd have the guts to go down .
There was way too much time up top waiting for people to get down where I could think about what I was doing. Only reason I could make myself was that I didn't have any other options by that point.
You guys and gals are the bomb. How cold was the water? Great video Jerry.
Thanks! They’re a great crew. It was pretty cold. Only Nick brought a wetsuit but rain jackets helped keep in the heat so it wasn’t too bad.
Awesome, I’ve only ever hiked into the lower portion while kayaking Glen Canyon. Nice to see the “meat and potatoes” of the technical sections. How high was that large repel? Reminiscent of Insomnia Canyon. And the middle finger emerging from the water actually made me laugh out loud🖕😂👍
I know the second stage was 320'. Not sure on the first. Maybe 100~150ish? It was about 120' longer than I think I'm comfortable with.
@@JerryArizona Well played sir👍
Great video. The big rappel was terrifying. Who's the buff gal? More please.
That’s Nick’s girlfriend Jes. She’s a certified badass.
Any suggestions on a good action like camera to film canyoneering? We are headed to the Kanab area in early October and planning to hire a guide to take us canyoneering. Any suggestions on good canyons in the area are also appreciated. (We have climbing/repelling experience, but not much with canyoneering.) Thanks for all your awesome videos and the fabulous description on this one that made me laugh out loud repeatedly.
I'm currently using a GoPro 11 and absolutely love it. Haven't had the 12 before, but I've used about all since the 5 and the 11 is my favorite to date. Hard to beat. Get a helmet mount so you can go hands free.
For Kanab, there are a lot of slot canyons out there. I'm sure your guide can recommend some. I think Diana's Throne is one a lot of guides do up there. It's a fun little canyon. I have a video of it somewhere on the channel. Keyhole is always a solid choice for beginners. I really loved Orderville & of course there's always the Zion Subway top down. I don't know if guides can operate inside Zion, but those three are very, VERY beginner friendly. Misery is another good one, but it's a long day. Worth it in my opinion.
@@JerryArizona thanks so much! I really appreciate you taking the time to respond and am looking forward to exploring out near Kanab and the North Rim.
Absolutely one of your best canyoneering films ever. That was incredible. Do you think Tina could have done it?
She's pretty capable, but she would not have liked that staged rappel. It was enough for me to decide I don't want to do any drops that big again.
Yes, they are scary for sure. I was once stuck on a rock climb in Colorado and had to make a multi pitch repel down a vertical cliff in the dark. Scary stuff. Three of us ended up hanging in a number 8 hex placed in the only spot on a cliff we could find to set up a belay. We all kept our cool though but super scary. Looks like you had a real good set up though with the bolted chains. Great video, great canyoneering partners and great camera work as always. I tell everyone I know or come across about your site. I know a lot have subscribed. They just love your work. @@JerryArizona
That was a big ass repel
About 100' longer than I'm comfortable with.
WoW! I had no idea lower Waterhole was like that.
It's a trip. One of the best technical canyons I've done and I've driven right over it a hundred times and had no idea it was this epic.
No pudgy people in that group. I would be Pooh Bear stuck in Rabbits door.
Great Video Gerry. Can you recommend 1 or 2 great quality dry bag backpacks that would keep your gear dry on this type of adventure. Thanks
I haven't had any luck with dry bags. For stuff like this, I use a canyoneering pack with grommets in it. Water gets in, but drains out quickly. I had a canyon keg I put in the backpack that kept things dry that I needed to keep dry. Or you can just use a good quality dry bag INSIDE your pack. The few 'waterproof' packs I've tried leaked and slowly just filled with water.
I just started but I know that canyon and I'd hate doing it after a rain. That clay sucks! Hopefully the flooding is better for it. There is another probably unnamed canyon west of Page in UT that is great to explore too. It also has stuck car bits in it.
Also, you missed a decent Mexican food joint in Page!
Pretty sure I know the canyon you're talking about. I was surprised. The rain actually made more swimming and less slogging in the mud from what the crew (who'd done it before) were saying. And I need to know the name of that Mexican place. I don't have a favorite in Page.
@@JerryArizona it's Fiesta Mexicana. Last time I ate there was before COVID but I remember it being good!
One short corny word: Awesome...there is a great Mexican restaurant in Page
Alright, I need to know. I don’t have a good Mexican joint in Page.
El Tapatio on Lake Powell Blvd@@JerryArizona
This video gave me serious anxiety. Awesome nonetheless!
It gave me anxiety too!
I tell Everybody about your channel....when the heck do I get my Tshirt...??!! Timmy C Arizona
If I ever get around to merch, you'll be at the top of the list!
Do you just need Navajo fee permits or is a specific one needed for the canyon?
It’s a specific permit for this canyon. I believe it comes from the Lake Powell chapter. They list the different phone numbers on the tribe’s website. I just called them and arranged to pay for my permit over the phone.
If you want to do the non-technical upper section, you need a Navajo guide.
4:33 All Hail The Hypnotoad.
I am not a fan of heights either.
So what part of no trespassing do you guys don't understand?
Permits are available through the Navajo Nation. We all had permits. I say that and put a note about it in the video and re-iterated it in the description. I believe the no trespassing signs are mainly there to prevent people from going into the upper portion of Waterhole which is non-technical. You used to be able to do that without a permit but now they require you to have a guide. (No guides required for the lower route that we did; only the permit.) I thought it was funny that you still need to climb a fence with no trespassing posted all over it, but I'm glad the Navajo allow us to enjoy their land, so we were sure to follow the rules.
Oh my god. Repeat.
…So on that 320, is that a fixed rope that everyone uses ? If so, who is responsible for it, the Navajo nation ?
You bring your own along with a pull cord the same length. Last guy down brings the pull cord with them that’s used to retrieve your rope from the bottom. I missed the rope pull though
@@JerryArizona So, a “stop knot” at the top that the pull cord is attached to…then pull the pull cord. Got it. Thx.
way too claustriphobic for me. otherwise this was epic!
I know you're always given credit for the rest of your crew but don't ever take away from how much of a bad as you are too bro
I appreciate that. They definitely have the ropework and overall experience on me and I'm glad they take me along. But you're right; I still have to be crazy enough to go.
So did you end up below GlenCanyon Dam? I guided there back in the 80’s the 15 1/2 mile between Lees Ferry and the dam. Looked like you took out at the ferry. Wow what a trip through Waterfall you had. 👍
Yeah, waterhole comes out right by the last bend before Lees. I've kayaked from the dam a couple times. Love that area.