Conditions:Water Pockets Canyon-20250502040308
Latest: |
27 Apr 2025 (1 month ago) |
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| Reported by: | RFontaine (280 reports) | |
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| Quality: | Amazing |
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| Waterflow: | ||
| Wetsuit: | ||
| Water temperature: | ||
| Difficulty: | ||
| Time: |  9 hours
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Team: 5 people
Trip report URL:
Comments: Back again! 30min approach, 5hr canyon, 3.5hr exit. Water was cleanish and low, multiple wades up to chest deep, 1 brief swim, no wetsuit needed, neo booties were nice. Elbow pads and knee pads are nice to bring for the tight section. Fixed or replaced a few anchors. Many anchors are natural, Challenging to inspect and easily washed out (rock chocks nestled down in the crack) The webbing monstrosity is still holding strong at the last rap, still havent core shot my rope here… fantastic run as always, a top notch slot!
All condition reports
| Date | Quality | Waterflow | Wetsuit | Difficulty | Time | Team | Reported by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazing | | | | 9 hours
| 5 people | RFontaine (280 reports) | |
Comment: Back again! 30min approach, 5hr canyon, 3.5hr exit. Water was cleanish and low, multiple wades up to chest deep, 1 brief swim, no wetsuit needed, neo booties were nice. Elbow pads and knee pads are nice to bring for the tight section. Fixed or replaced a few anchors. Many anchors are natural, Challenging to inspect and easily washed out (rock chocks nestled down in the crack) The webbing monstrosity is still holding strong at the last rap, still havent core shot my rope here… fantastic run as always, a top notch slot!
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| Amazing | | Thin wetsuit 
| | 11 hours
| 3 people Advanced | RFontaine (280 reports) | |
Comment: Another incredible run through Pockets! Water was much cleaner this time and didnt stink of death! No flies! Keepers not in play yet. All anchors in good shape. Final anchor not deteriorating as fast as I first anticipated but one should still come prepared with 30’ to replace if needed… Wore a 3/2 and felt good about that decision! We did not use rope pro on the big drop and my 8mm Slyther did not suffer any damage. I feel that the edges are not as bad as described but smooth rappelling is key, know your friction settings, do not bounce or feed the rope and you’ll be fine. We took our time to soak up the beauty of this canyon. Truly a special and worthwhile trip!
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| Amazing | Deep pools 
| Rain jacket
| | 11 hours
| 5 people Advanced | RFontaine (280 reports) | |
Comment: Stunningly gorgeous, fun, and engaging! Some of the prettiest sections of slot Ive seen, some parts even prettier than Water Holes!
We dropped our shuttle vehicle night before at Lee’s Ferry. Almost 2hrs from Lee’s to drive to camp at the top. The dirt road was long but not bad, high clearance recommended for the last portion. Started hiking from camp at 6:38am. Approach was about 45mins, fairly easy. Tip toe around the crust, down-climbing on loose terrain. The canyon had mosquitos and some of the most putrid, horrible smelling pothole water Ive ever experienced. Still totally worth it!! There are alot of North Wash style sections requiring stemming, spicy moves, elevator downclimbs and moving through very tight sections of slot. We replaced and rebuilt a few anchors. We didnt need our sandtrap or pothole escape tools. All potholes had water but were able to be climbed out of with minimal effort. The water temp was very bearable and I am glad I did not bring a wetsuit. The final rappel has new webbing, but it will probably crisp up quick as it is in direct sun. Roughly 30’ would be needed to replace it. We protected 3 edges with rope pro. Top edge, 2nd ledge, and the edge right before it goes free hanging. Hike out is 9 miles and took us 3.5hrs. The trail came and went, crossing the Paria river periodically. It rained on us while on the exit, making for lots of muddy sand to hike though. Definitely a long tough slough. Overall, it’s an incredible canyon, very worthwhile, a must do for the advanced canyoneer! | |||||||
| Great | Deep pools
| None 
| Special challenges  | | Donwolfkonecny (9 reports) | ||
Comment: On the big rappel our rope got cut. Not on the top ledge, which we protected. Not on the second ledge. But on the third lip, it seems some rock recently detached leaving an edge at the last place the rope touches before free-hanging. Recommend protecting top edge and third edge.
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| Good | Dry
| None
| Normal | 10 hours
| 7 people Intermediate to Advanced | Rocknbob33 (10 reports) | |
| Amazing | Dry
| None
| Normal | 10 hours
| 7 people Intermediate to Advanced | Erek (206 reports),Canderson (21 reports) | |
Comment: Let me just say this now: the hike out was long! 9 miles along the Paria River after the technical section made for a long day. We pulled rope at 2 and were done after 6. I'd do it this way again though and shuttle back to the approach instead of obtaining permits and hauling camping gear through Water Pockets. The canyon itself was amazing. Scenic, narrow, fun downclimbs, one small avoidable pool deep in the canyon, and the big rap at the end. The pot holes were easily escapable with partner assists. All anchors were rebuilt, replaced, or backed up with new webbing. Water was flowing at the river but very silty. Fun but long day!
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