What a fine day to do one of Zion's most difficult canyons. We had blue skies and warm temps in the 90s. Despite the warmth, Imlay Canyon starts up at around 7000', and most of the canyon is so narrow, twisted, deep, and dark, that it seldom sees the sun, which means cold temps--especially in the countless dozens of swimming potholes & scumholes that require multiple problem-solving, down & up-climbing, rope work, swimming, rappelling, etc. The final rappel is a fun free-hanging rap 140' straight down into the bowels of the Narrows, where a handful of tourists photographed and gawked at these stealthy but grungy guys who came floating down from the heavens. Bo led the hike with me, Shawn and Deanpaul. We left the Grotto at 6AM in the dark for the climb up the West Rim, and didn't get back until 6PM, so it was a long, challenging, and very rewarding happy day!
After hiking over 3 hours, we got to the beginning of Imlay Canyon here where we took a break in this little alcove before the canyon slotted up.
One of the first of dozens of rappels.
Deanpaul took the pictures of me. Here I am climbing over a barrier that separates two pools.
Swimming in scum. Even with full wetsuits, I got a little chilled by the end.
The final rap down into the Narrows.
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