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(2022-08-21, 08:19 PM)netllama Wrote: Depending on whether my planned, insane November trip deep into the Sahara happens, I might do a Death Valley trip instead. Its amazing what the perspective of a 30 mile death march and driving the worst roads of my life, provides...
I really hope the insane happens. Nothing can replace that.
Death Valley feels like a small, very well traveled, completely reasonable place that's virtually impossible to get lost in now right?
Even just being on the road in the US for 4-5yrs full-time shrank everything in ways I never expected. I've only put a toe in Africa and I get what you're talking about.
Hope that works out for you. Just post up with the stories!
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2022-08-22, 01:41 PM
(This post was last modified: 2022-08-22, 01:41 PM by Brice.)
(2022-08-21, 10:42 AM)TacoLand Wrote: Might have a gap in my schedule from late December thru the beginning of February, and the one thing I'd still really like to see is Corridor Canyon. Last few trips to DVNP have been really frustrating due to backcountry impact and lack of etiquette from other visitors, so would probably focus on the Owlshead area as it attracts the least amount of idiots. Other than that ... we shall see!
I went to check out Corridor Canyon in April this year, starting from the east. However, just before the interesting bit of canyon I got to the first dryfall of consequence, about 15 feet of slick rock. I was not confident that I would be able to scramble back up once having dropped down. Plus, the prospect of having to hike all the way to Saline valley road and hope I could hitch a ride before nightfall didn't feel worth the risk. So, I ended up turning around. Whenever I go back I think I'll hike in from the other direction.
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(2022-08-21, 08:46 PM)Beardilocks Wrote: (2022-08-21, 08:19 PM)netllama Wrote: Depending on whether my planned, insane November trip deep into the Sahara happens, I might do a Death Valley trip instead. Its amazing what the perspective of a 30 mile death march and driving the worst roads of my life, provides...
I really hope the insane happens. Nothing can replace that.
Death Valley feels like a small, very well traveled, completely reasonable place that's virtually impossible to get lost in now right?
Even just being on the road in the US for 4-5yrs full-time shrank everything in ways I never expected. I've only put a toe in Africa and I get what you're talking about.
Hope that works out for you. Just post up with the stories!
Thanks. Assuming I make it back, I will definitely post a trip report.
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(2022-08-22, 01:41 PM)Brice Wrote: I went to check out Corridor Canyon in April this year, starting from the east. However, just before the interesting bit of canyon I got to the first dryfall of consequence, about 15 feet of slick rock. I was not confident that I would be able to scramble back up once having dropped down. Plus, the prospect of having to hike all the way to Saline valley road and hope I could hitch a ride before nightfall didn't feel worth the risk. So, I ended up turning around. Whenever I go back I think I'll hike in from the other direction.
That dryfall was the only thing I was a bit nervous about on that hike. It's really only weird because it's the only dryfall that I've ever approached from the top first. It turned out to be an easy climb down and an even easier climb back up. Plenty plenty of solid holds and steps. I think the intimidating part is that it is harder to assess from the top than it is from the bottom with a full view.
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Thanks for all the info on that dryfall. I'm curious if I'll be a little gunshy since my last falling accident in DVNP, but fsck it ... at least I know crawling back to the truck is a viable option. Will be fun as these dates approach to see who ends up doing what – definitely no shortage of new adventures down there based upon the above comments.
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We turned around once at that dryfall ourselves. I am relieved to find that we are not the only ones. The hike to that point was great in itself, but it's like eating an appetizer and not getting the entree.
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There were some rocks stacked at the bottom of the fall when I was there in April which helps. It’s def easier going back up than it appears from the top.
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(2022-08-23, 07:07 AM)Beardilocks Wrote: That dryfall was the only thing I was a bit nervous about on that hike. It's really only weird because it's the only dryfall that I've ever approached from the top first. It turned out to be an easy climb down and an even easier climb back up. Plenty plenty of solid holds and steps. I think the intimidating part is that it is harder to assess from the top than it is from the bottom with a full view.
Thanks for the info. Next time I'm in the area I'll give it a go. I probably sat there for 30 min evaluating the risk. It looked OK to go down, but it just wasn't worth the consequences if I was wrong. Now that I know it's do-able it will be no problem!
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Been out of town so I missed this. I'd say that dryfall on the way to Corridor looks worse than it is really. From the top you drop down a bit and then slide over to your left (as you're going down canyon). The exposure is not bad at all. But with everything like that, always rely on your own judgement. I will agree, it is easier going up than down, because of course you then see the route more clearly.
