Long Canyon - Cedar Mesa
(1 Ratings)
RATING: 3A/B
LENGTH: 10-12 hours (or 2 day backpack)
GEAR: Wetsuit in cooler temps or by the cold sensitive
RAPPELS: 4+ to 30 m ( 99 ft. )
WATER: Wading, generally little swimming.
FLASHFLOOD: High
SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall
NOTES: This canyon requires a long car shuttle. It is generally passable in any vehicle.
Hype
Like Long days? Then this is the canyon for you! And yes, the pun was intended. Long Canyon is actually not the longest tributary of White Canyon, but at 12 miles or so, it is definitely far reaching. The canyon, although it can be done in one day, makes for a very full day. Many would enjoy the canyon more as an overnight backpack. Non-technical visitors can use this write-up in reverse and visit many of the best parts of the canyon from below. If coming up from the bottom, expect a fair bit of problem solving needed to climb up or around obstacles.This is very typical of Cedar Mesa canyons. The canyon alternatives between wide, deep sections of canyon and short sections of narrows and slot where the canyon changes layers. This combination makes for a sublime trip. Given the canyons length, it offers surprisingly easy passage with only a handful of rappels high in the canyon. Most the day will be spent hiking and scrambling.
Due to the length, remoteness, and probability of needing to build a dead-man or two for anchors, this is best suited to intermediate or better canyoneers. It also requires a rather lengthy car shuttle (1-2 hours) that is best set up the day before.
Photos (click on photo for more detail)
