Further up on Mosaic

[Bluegreen kayak]

Assuming Mosaic Canyon is open by November, I would like to get past the second dry fall and go further up. What would be the best bypass for a short person, who will hopefully be accompanied by a helpful son? How do I find it? Thank you!

[MojaveGeek]

I'm not sure of the numbering. Digonnet is pretty solid here. I don't recall any particular navigation issues and I've been a good part of the way to Twin Spring (the cross over from the side canyon is very loose and I almost slid off a 15 foot cliff, so I'd recommend caution there!). Anyway, he says "To continue walk back 120 yards to just before the last narrow stretch, and look for a faint trail on the steep slickrock on the east side". This goes up to a trail along the rim. Go right, and you go up canyon. Go left, and you actually go all the way down to the "island" in the broad part of the canyon above the first narrows.

It is worthwhile to go up there. Much less traffic. But that crossover above that he describes... it is clearly traveled but once I started sliding I was very very glad I as not solo, as I am not sure I could have extricated myself without sliding over the edge. But I don't think you were planning on going there.

[Kauri]

If I recall correctly, the first major dry-fall (about 18 feet) can be bypassed on the right side, then the next major dry-fall is actually a larger set of dry-fall's and can be bypassed on the left side. This second bypass I recall being a bit nasty (steep, loose, slippery, and exposed) to get out of the canyon, though I'm sure by now the trail is a bit more worn in. The other option, which I recall doing more frequently, is to bypass both the first and second dry-falls by taking the "rim trail" that starts in one of the side canyons branching off to the left before I think the second narrows. Digonnet's book has an excellent map, as Geek mentioned, so if you have a copy of his book that would be your best reference.

[Bluegreen kayak]

Back from my 50th high school reunion (do the math and you'll know my age), and dusting off my Digonnet to see what he has to say. Thank you both for your advice; I leave tomorrow and am looking forward to it mostly (the road closures have me a bit sad).

[Daymoth]

Back from my 50th high school reunion (do the math and you'll know my age), and dusting off my Digonnet to see what he has to say. Thank you both for your advice; I leave tomorrow and am looking forward to it mostly (the road closures have me a bit sad).

Have fun and report back please!