Medieval Chamber - Moab

RATING: 3A

LENGTH: 2-4 Hours

GEAR: Standard Technical Gear

RAPPELS: 2 - Bring 2-50 m ( 165 ft. ) Ropes if doing the simultaneous rappel, otherwise 1-60 m ( 197 ft. ) & 30 m ( 99 ft. ) of webbing.

WATER: Little/none. No wetsuit needed.

FLASHFLOOD: Moderate / low.

SEASON: Any, no snow.

Hype

Medieval Chamber is a short route just outside of Moab. Although not very long, it is renowned for it's last rappel, which can be done as a simul-rap off an arch. The last rappel, Morning Glory Arch, is very popular with tourists, so expect a crowd awaiting your dramatic entrance from above.

Note: To access the the trailhead, you have to enter Sand Flat Recreation area. There is a fee you will need to pay as you enter. (currently less than $10).

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Photos (click on photo for more detail)

looking down into the bottom of the rappel

Videos

Comments

Poison Ivy --And lots of it. Great little canyon though.

by: stevelawyer [Sep 27, 2007]

Sounds like the rope grooves are getting pretty bad from simul-rapping. Better to use a sling over the arch, or maybe a pad with a pull cord.

by: ffelix [Feb 25, 2010]

Great point! I have always set the rope length so one side is just barely touching the ground, the pulled the other side. This minimizes the amount of rope pulled over the arch. Walking back as far as possible, before pulling, will also help minimize damage. Last fall, the rope grooves were becoming more noticeable. Rapping off the tree is also a great way to go, and protects the arch.

by: roadtripryan [Feb 26, 2010]

A better simul-rap anchor that doesn't cause as much damage is described here: http://canyonwiki.com/wiki/index.php/Advanced_Canyoneering_Anchors#Simul-rap

by: pothole [Mar 24, 2010]

04/23/2011-This was very fun, the simul rap is rad, and the tree now has a permanent set of webbing anchors as of 4/23/2011 but 2 ropes are still needed. The first rap is showing a lot of rope wear.

by: chrisstromberg [Apr 26, 2011]