| NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS | SUBSCRIBE | NEWSLETTERS | MAPS | VIDEOS | BLOGS | MARKETPLACE | CONTESTS |
 |
|
|
|
Swamp Pt - Monument Pt
Map Tools
Share Trip
- E-mail Trip
- Embed Map
- Social Bookmarks more bookmarks...
Download To
Create A Trip
Related Topics
Share your tales of travel & adventure with our step-by-step guide. Upload trail descriptions, photos, video, and more.
| Author: | charlesklahm |
| Activity: | Not Specified |
| State: | Arizona (AZ) |
| Distance: |
Total: 18.61 mi Active: 0 mi |
| Difficulty: | 5 / 10 |
| Rating: | Unrated |
This is a great North Rim hike with a good mix of on and off trail segments. We did this in 3.5 days and 3 nights. Saddle Canyon is an amazing slot going through the Redwall. Stina Canyon is a great place to camp on night one. Don't miss Tapeats Cave.
| Position Format: | Datum: |
Points of Interest
Location: 36.389080, -112.508202
Chris gives it a try - notice the wind on his hat Location: 36.389080, -112.508202
Base of the falls - the wind speed prevents you from walking up to the falls! Location: 36.389080, -112.508202
The falls emerge from the Tapeats Sandstone slot canyon Location: 36.388569, -112.509201
I forgot my reel but I still caught a trout hand throwing a line Location: 36.388569, -112.509201
running the small rapid - he's paddling up stream Location: 36.389671, -112.508904
Another upstream view Location: 36.389671, -112.508904
Looking downstream Location: 36.389671, -112.508904
lots of river runners today Location: 36.389080, -112.508202
Deer Creek Falls crashes 100 feet to the Colorado River Location: 36.389671, -112.508904
Dale hiking down to the beach Location: 36.399940, -112.502502
you can fill water bottles on a ledge behind Dutton Falls - expect to get wet Location: 36.399940, -112.502502
another view of Dutton Spring Location: 36.405300, -112.473297
Ascending the Redwall up to the Esplanade at dusk - note the moon Location: 36.408699, -112.468102
Lazy dogs! It's already 6am - note feat to hang these hammocks in the rocks Location: 36.405300, -112.473297
great shot to the East from the Esplanade rim on the Thunder River trail Location: 36.388569, -112.509201
A view of the Falls from the beach Location: 36.388569, -112.509201
The bigger raft hits the rapid - it's a supply raft Location: 36.391609, -112.507698
Ancient indian hand prints on the cliff wall - they used reeds to blow paint Location: 36.399940, -112.502502
The king is in Location: 36.391609, -112.507698
Dale and Chris hiking the ledge above the Deer Creek slot Location: 36.399940, -112.502502
The Throne Room - note chairs made out of rock slabs - this under a huge ledge Location: 36.399940, -112.502502
View of Dutton spring descending down to Deer Creek valley Location: 36.399940, -112.502502
A better view of Dutton Spring errupting from the rock wall Location: 36.392010, -112.506699
Chris wading up stream to the water fall Location: 36.392010, -112.506699
Great view of the famous Deer Creek "Patio" area Location: 36.395199, -112.462097
A look across Surprise Valley after topping out from Thunder River Location: 36.395100, -112.459999
Rich and Chris with the falls in the background Location: 36.398720, -112.481697
Our pack stash in Surprise Valley - we day hiked to Deer Creek Location: 36.400589, -112.501503
The trail hugs a ledge here with Deer Creek's lush green in the Valley below Location: 36.398220, -112.489998
Heading out of Surprise Valley toward Deer Creek Location: 36.391232, -112.507797
More river runners - If you have never rapelled into this slot it's just incredible Location: 36.391232, -112.507797
Looking into the slot at some river runners that rapelled in Location: 36.391232, -112.507797
view through the narrows to the main canyon with the Colorado far below Location: 36.389671, -112.508904
Looking up stream in Granite Narrows towards Tapeats Canyon Location: 36.389671, -112.508904
Colorado from above is emerald green today-Water visibility is the best I've seen Location: 36.392078, -112.506401
walking from the "shower" waterfall toward the patio Location: 36.392010, -112.506699
Rich fresh from a shower Location: 36.392078, -112.506401
Another patio view Location: 36.391232, -112.507797
Hiking in the Tapeats slot toward the Colorado River Location: 36.392078, -112.506401
A river runner is testing a rope rapel into the Deer Creek slot Location: 36.349880, -112.367401
Setting a rapel anchor - we found a way around but it's a good place to practice Location: 36.347809, -112.363998
The thick brush finally lets up in front of Fire Point Location: 36.349880, -112.367401
Since I set the anchor I have to go first - it's about a 15 to 20' rapel Location: 36.349880, -112.367401
Dale's turn - it's tricky when the wall disappears part way down Location: 36.349880, -112.367401
Hey, that anchor really was bomb proof! Whew Location: 36.335800, -112.349297
View off Swamp Point looking down Saddle Canyon Location: 36.335800, -112.349297
View of Steamboat Mountain - also note Monument Pt and Bridgers Knoll in dist Location: 36.333778, -112.354202
Dale and Chris - almost down to Muav Saddle from Swamp Point Location: 36.337440, -112.357300
Found a Swiss Army watch after stepping over a log - still ticking! Location: 36.337440, -112.357300
Man, it's bushwacking getting through here Location: 36.361599, -112.380798
made it down and packs back on - to the next obsticle Location: 36.361599, -112.380798
View down stream in the narrows from the down climb spot Location: 36.364079, -112.382103
cool place where the Redwall has been eroded Location: 36.368031, -112.383598
Location: 36.366570, -112.383003
More acrobatics to get around another pour off Location: 36.353001, -112.370300
Saddle Canyon has a number of pour offs to navigate early on Location: 36.349880, -112.367401
Chris's turn - not bad for a Brit :) Location: 36.355240, -112.372704
first sign of water - it's not very inviting so we'll wait for Stina Canyon Location: 36.361599, -112.380798
Pretty narrow huh - If Dale gains any weight he'd get stuck! Location: 36.361599, -112.380798
Entering the Redwall narrows - down climb and then rope the packs down Location: 36.419209, -112.459503
another shot of the Esplanade rock foundation Location: 36.419209, -112.459503
cool rock formation on the Esplanade - we have camped around here several times Location: 36.426659, -112.455002
Here is where we get on the Bill Hall trail to exit Monument Point Location: 36.433231, -112.446701
This is skull face across the Canyon on the side of Great Thumb Mesa Location: 36.433231, -112.446701
View looking back to an Esplanade rock formation on the ascent out Location: 36.408699, -112.468102
Anchor on the other side is around a huge boulder Location: 36.408699, -112.468102
on the first try this boluder moved! So we anchored this boulder to a larger boulder Location: 36.408699, -112.468102
keeping the webbing from slipping over the big boulder Location: 36.413422, -112.460098
Infamous "Spider Cave" - we camped here one night and found tons of spiders Location: 36.408699, -112.468102
nice view from camp on the Esplanade Location: 36.333950, -112.356102
Teddy Rosevelt's cabin just off Muav Saddle - safe shelter in a storm Location: 36.434441, -112.429199
Having the celebratory Fosters at the end - about 30 miles total over 3.5 days Location: 36.333950, -112.356102
Plaque explaining Teddy's connection to the cabin - this is a rebulid after a fire Location: 36.335800, -112.349297
View from Swamp Point across to Powell Plateau - note that a faint trail is visable Location: 36.333950, -112.356102
Dale standing beside the cabin - note - NPS folks carried the ladder down! Location: 36.426559, -112.440903
Ok - the last push to top out - I'm leading for now but Dale and Chris beat me out Location: 36.426559, -112.440903
Group photo with about 600 feet to go to top out on Monument point Location: 36.430462, -112.440300
This is the top of Monument Point Location: 36.434441, -112.429199
Sign at the parking lot Location: 36.430462, -112.440300
A view back to Swamp Point where we started 3.5 days earlier Location: 36.406311, -112.428802
Someone setup a cairn in the cave at the first branch - we went our own way Location: 36.406311, -112.428802
Night vision shot of Chris - this cave is pitch black here Location: 36.406311, -112.428802
first sign of cave "life" Location: 36.406311, -112.428802
Wow - I found this large column Location: 36.406311, -112.428802
The further you go back the better the formations - very cool Location: 36.402729, -112.428101
Nice shot at the head of the canyon - notice the waterfall that must pour during rain Location: 36.400490, -112.428596
Never far from your food supply - they'll tear your pack open to get your food! Location: 36.405640, -112.429298
The final scree ascent up to the cave entrance Location: 36.406311, -112.428802
Inside the cave we found a nice clear water pool - camera is on night vision Location: 36.406311, -112.428802
This is Tapeats Cave - we think water comes out of the mouth out the cave at times Location: 36.375671, -112.381798
The moon rises over the canyon wall at Stina Canyon camp Location: 36.375671, -112.381798
We have the hammocks up and we're all enjoying a "warm" beer Location: 36.375130, -112.383598
At the bottom of the scree pile we found the Big Horn head we found previously Location: 36.374668, -112.384201
A view of the pour off from the left side downstream - note trickle of water Location: 36.374668, -112.384201
you descend down a very steep scree slope once around the 90' pour off Location: 36.406670, -112.430000
Chris takes a very cold shower Location: 36.406311, -112.428802
notice that the cave is getting wetter the further you are going back too Location: 36.406670, -112.430000
It's my turn - and yes it was very cold! Location: 36.374889, -112.380798
The hike up Stina Canyon has a lot of pleasant surprises - like this cave with H2O Location: 36.374889, -112.380798
Location: 36.384232, -112.414299
Now he's starting to rattle and move into a defensive position Location: 36.384232, -112.414299
Walking down Tapeats Canyon and we spotted a Western Diamond Back rattler Location: 36.384232, -112.414299
Now he's pretty pissed because he's cornered. We are actually far back on zoom Location: 36.391258, -112.426903
Nice pools along the way Location: 36.391258, -112.426903
We hit running water about 1 mile from Tapeats creek Location: 36.374889, -112.380798
Location: 36.374889, -112.380798
Stina is incrediblly lush - we have always found water here when we hike up Cyn Location: 36.374889, -112.380798
Location: 36.374889, -112.380798
A look up Stina Canyon beyond the water fall grotto Location: 36.374889, -112.380798
This is the end of the line without climbing gear - a pretty water fall grotto Location: 36.395550, -112.429901
Next we ran into a striped racer - this thing bolted and moved incrediblly fast Location: 36.395550, -112.429901
We encountered a bug Chuck a Whala lizard - look closely under the big rock Location: 36.395550, -112.429901
This creek is moving - you must be very careful fording it or you're going swimming Location: 36.396839, -112.429398
Dale is pointing out trout in the water to Chris - amazing how they got up the falls Location: 36.396839, -112.429398
Some tough terrain up to Tapeats Cave Location: 36.392639, -112.431602
This is camp for the night - some good trees for hammocks Location: 36.391258, -112.426903
This one is deep enough to swim in Location: 36.392639, -112.431602
YEAH - we still have beer - the 25oz Fosters - we will sleep good tonight Location: 36.394779, -112.430000
Beautiful rugged cascades all the way down this canyon for around 1 mile Location: 36.394779, -112.430000
Tapeats Creek starts up this canyon and has quite a head of water Location: 36.392609, -112.450500
Incredible - the ram went right over this cliff out of view - these things can climb! Location: 36.392609, -112.450500
Dale spotted this nice ram across the Canyon for our position Location: 36.392330, -112.451103
This is Thunder River intersecting Tapeats Creek Location: 36.393501, -112.454399
Beginning the climb up to Thunder River - the Worlds shortest river at 1/2 mile Location: 36.393501, -112.454399
Nice lizard enjoying the sun Location: 36.392960, -112.438103
we've gone as far as you can - it's time to get wet Location: 36.393391, -112.434998
rare flat ground! heading into the Tapeats slot Location: 36.393360, -112.441803
At times you walk a hundred yards through water Location: 36.392960, -112.445297
You get an idea of how swift Tapeats Creek is here Location: 36.392960, -112.445297
this creek gets deep in places so fording gets tricky when you run out of trail Location: 36.395981, -112.458504
A shot of the upper cascade just before the first big plunge Location: 36.395981, -112.458504
An amazing amount of water shoots out of solid rock to form Thunder River Falls Location: 36.395981, -112.458504
Dale taking a shower Location: 36.395100, -112.459999
looking back at Thunder River Falls Location: 36.395100, -112.459999
Dale and Chris ascending up to Surprise Valley Location: 36.393749, -112.457001
zoom up canyon to see the first part ofthe falls Location: 36.393139, -112.456200
Nice view up Thunder River Canyon before the falls become visible Location: 36.393749, -112.457001
here's a shot of the upper falls Location: 36.393749, -112.457001
zooming back out gives a view of just how small Dale and Chris really are here Location: 36.393749, -112.457001
Dale and Chris are on the shelf that enters the Falls area - 10x zoom from 1/3 mile Location: 36.373291, -112.383698
A recent flash flood has coated the edge with fine power - we get wet instead Location: 36.373291, -112.383698
Chris is wading through - it's not deep but you sink in the mud on the bottom Location: 36.373291, -112.383698
Dale tries to edge around - he's made this before Location: 36.373291, -112.383698
Chris shows how it's done to stay dry Location: 36.373291, -112.383698
chris does more maneuvering - Dale is at the beginning of the "slicky slide" Location: 36.374668, -112.384201
Dale and Chris ledging around the 90' poor off Location: 36.374668, -112.384201
A view off to the bottom of the pour off Location: 36.374279, -112.383202
A great view of Crazy Jug Point (10x zooom) standing on top of the 90' pour off Location: 36.374279, -112.383202
We take a quick break before the 90' pour off - you must ledge it to the left Location: 36.374279, -112.383202
Heading up to the left to ledge around the 90' pour off Location: 36.402760, -112.427696
Unbelievable! We found two rafts and oars all the way up here near the cave Location: 36.368031, -112.383598
Location: 36.402760, -112.427696
Or...they were thinking they could raft down the creek (suicidal) Location: 36.402760, -112.427696
People must have planned to raft in the cave and found it dry Location: 36.369770, -112.383904
looks like he made it. Note Chris's mud foot print Location: 36.370762, -112.383499
Constant down climbing as Saddle Canyon cuts through the Redwall Location: 36.371861, -112.383499
What a beautiful place - we saw lots of water in big pools Location: 36.369770, -112.383904
That mud at the bottom of this pour off looks deep - Dale tries to avoid it
usually water here - even one July 4!
Usually water here - even one July 4!
Chris gives it a try - notice the wind on his hat Location: 36.389080, -112.508202
Base of the falls - the wind speed prevents you from walking up to the falls! Location: 36.389080, -112.508202
The falls emerge from the Tapeats Sandstone slot canyon Location: 36.388569, -112.509201
I forgot my reel but I still caught a trout hand throwing a line Location: 36.388569, -112.509201
running the small rapid - he's paddling up stream Location: 36.389671, -112.508904
Another upstream view Location: 36.389671, -112.508904
Looking downstream Location: 36.389671, -112.508904
lots of river runners today Location: 36.389080, -112.508202
Deer Creek Falls crashes 100 feet to the Colorado River Location: 36.389671, -112.508904
Dale hiking down to the beach Location: 36.399940, -112.502502
you can fill water bottles on a ledge behind Dutton Falls - expect to get wet Location: 36.399940, -112.502502
another view of Dutton Spring Location: 36.405300, -112.473297
Ascending the Redwall up to the Esplanade at dusk - note the moon Location: 36.408699, -112.468102
Lazy dogs! It's already 6am - note feat to hang these hammocks in the rocks Location: 36.405300, -112.473297
great shot to the East from the Esplanade rim on the Thunder River trail Location: 36.388569, -112.509201
A view of the Falls from the beach Location: 36.388569, -112.509201
The bigger raft hits the rapid - it's a supply raft Location: 36.391609, -112.507698
Ancient indian hand prints on the cliff wall - they used reeds to blow paint Location: 36.399940, -112.502502
The king is in Location: 36.391609, -112.507698
Dale and Chris hiking the ledge above the Deer Creek slot Location: 36.399940, -112.502502
The Throne Room - note chairs made out of rock slabs - this under a huge ledge Location: 36.399940, -112.502502
View of Dutton spring descending down to Deer Creek valley Location: 36.399940, -112.502502
A better view of Dutton Spring errupting from the rock wall Location: 36.392010, -112.506699
Chris wading up stream to the water fall Location: 36.392010, -112.506699
Great view of the famous Deer Creek "Patio" area Location: 36.395199, -112.462097
A look across Surprise Valley after topping out from Thunder River Location: 36.395100, -112.459999
Rich and Chris with the falls in the background Location: 36.398720, -112.481697
Our pack stash in Surprise Valley - we day hiked to Deer Creek Location: 36.400589, -112.501503
The trail hugs a ledge here with Deer Creek's lush green in the Valley below Location: 36.398220, -112.489998
Heading out of Surprise Valley toward Deer Creek Location: 36.391232, -112.507797
More river runners - If you have never rapelled into this slot it's just incredible Location: 36.391232, -112.507797
Looking into the slot at some river runners that rapelled in Location: 36.391232, -112.507797
view through the narrows to the main canyon with the Colorado far below Location: 36.389671, -112.508904
Looking up stream in Granite Narrows towards Tapeats Canyon Location: 36.389671, -112.508904
Colorado from above is emerald green today-Water visibility is the best I've seen Location: 36.392078, -112.506401
walking from the "shower" waterfall toward the patio Location: 36.392010, -112.506699
Rich fresh from a shower Location: 36.392078, -112.506401
Another patio view Location: 36.391232, -112.507797
Hiking in the Tapeats slot toward the Colorado River Location: 36.392078, -112.506401
A river runner is testing a rope rapel into the Deer Creek slot Location: 36.349880, -112.367401
Setting a rapel anchor - we found a way around but it's a good place to practice Location: 36.347809, -112.363998
The thick brush finally lets up in front of Fire Point Location: 36.349880, -112.367401
Since I set the anchor I have to go first - it's about a 15 to 20' rapel Location: 36.349880, -112.367401
Dale's turn - it's tricky when the wall disappears part way down Location: 36.349880, -112.367401
Hey, that anchor really was bomb proof! Whew Location: 36.335800, -112.349297
View off Swamp Point looking down Saddle Canyon Location: 36.335800, -112.349297
View of Steamboat Mountain - also note Monument Pt and Bridgers Knoll in dist Location: 36.333778, -112.354202
Dale and Chris - almost down to Muav Saddle from Swamp Point Location: 36.337440, -112.357300
Found a Swiss Army watch after stepping over a log - still ticking! Location: 36.337440, -112.357300
Man, it's bushwacking getting through here Location: 36.361599, -112.380798
made it down and packs back on - to the next obsticle Location: 36.361599, -112.380798
View down stream in the narrows from the down climb spot Location: 36.364079, -112.382103
cool place where the Redwall has been eroded Location: 36.368031, -112.383598
Location: 36.366570, -112.383003
More acrobatics to get around another pour off Location: 36.353001, -112.370300
Saddle Canyon has a number of pour offs to navigate early on Location: 36.349880, -112.367401
Chris's turn - not bad for a Brit :) Location: 36.355240, -112.372704
first sign of water - it's not very inviting so we'll wait for Stina Canyon Location: 36.361599, -112.380798
Pretty narrow huh - If Dale gains any weight he'd get stuck! Location: 36.361599, -112.380798
Entering the Redwall narrows - down climb and then rope the packs down Location: 36.419209, -112.459503
another shot of the Esplanade rock foundation Location: 36.419209, -112.459503
cool rock formation on the Esplanade - we have camped around here several times Location: 36.426659, -112.455002
Here is where we get on the Bill Hall trail to exit Monument Point Location: 36.433231, -112.446701
This is skull face across the Canyon on the side of Great Thumb Mesa Location: 36.433231, -112.446701
View looking back to an Esplanade rock formation on the ascent out Location: 36.408699, -112.468102
Anchor on the other side is around a huge boulder Location: 36.408699, -112.468102
on the first try this boluder moved! So we anchored this boulder to a larger boulder Location: 36.408699, -112.468102
keeping the webbing from slipping over the big boulder Location: 36.413422, -112.460098
Infamous "Spider Cave" - we camped here one night and found tons of spiders Location: 36.408699, -112.468102
nice view from camp on the Esplanade Location: 36.333950, -112.356102
Teddy Rosevelt's cabin just off Muav Saddle - safe shelter in a storm Location: 36.434441, -112.429199
Having the celebratory Fosters at the end - about 30 miles total over 3.5 days Location: 36.333950, -112.356102
Plaque explaining Teddy's connection to the cabin - this is a rebulid after a fire Location: 36.335800, -112.349297
View from Swamp Point across to Powell Plateau - note that a faint trail is visable Location: 36.333950, -112.356102
Dale standing beside the cabin - note - NPS folks carried the ladder down! Location: 36.426559, -112.440903
Ok - the last push to top out - I'm leading for now but Dale and Chris beat me out Location: 36.426559, -112.440903
Group photo with about 600 feet to go to top out on Monument point Location: 36.430462, -112.440300
This is the top of Monument Point Location: 36.434441, -112.429199
Sign at the parking lot Location: 36.430462, -112.440300
A view back to Swamp Point where we started 3.5 days earlier Location: 36.406311, -112.428802
Someone setup a cairn in the cave at the first branch - we went our own way Location: 36.406311, -112.428802
Night vision shot of Chris - this cave is pitch black here Location: 36.406311, -112.428802
first sign of cave "life" Location: 36.406311, -112.428802
Wow - I found this large column Location: 36.406311, -112.428802
The further you go back the better the formations - very cool Location: 36.402729, -112.428101
Nice shot at the head of the canyon - notice the waterfall that must pour during rain Location: 36.400490, -112.428596
Never far from your food supply - they'll tear your pack open to get your food! Location: 36.405640, -112.429298
The final scree ascent up to the cave entrance Location: 36.406311, -112.428802
Inside the cave we found a nice clear water pool - camera is on night vision Location: 36.406311, -112.428802
This is Tapeats Cave - we think water comes out of the mouth out the cave at times Location: 36.375671, -112.381798
The moon rises over the canyon wall at Stina Canyon camp Location: 36.375671, -112.381798
We have the hammocks up and we're all enjoying a "warm" beer Location: 36.375130, -112.383598
At the bottom of the scree pile we found the Big Horn head we found previously Location: 36.374668, -112.384201
A view of the pour off from the left side downstream - note trickle of water Location: 36.374668, -112.384201
you descend down a very steep scree slope once around the 90' pour off Location: 36.406670, -112.430000
Chris takes a very cold shower Location: 36.406311, -112.428802
notice that the cave is getting wetter the further you are going back too Location: 36.406670, -112.430000
It's my turn - and yes it was very cold! Location: 36.374889, -112.380798
The hike up Stina Canyon has a lot of pleasant surprises - like this cave with H2O Location: 36.374889, -112.380798
Location: 36.384232, -112.414299
Now he's starting to rattle and move into a defensive position Location: 36.384232, -112.414299
Walking down Tapeats Canyon and we spotted a Western Diamond Back rattler Location: 36.384232, -112.414299
Now he's pretty pissed because he's cornered. We are actually far back on zoom Location: 36.391258, -112.426903
Nice pools along the way Location: 36.391258, -112.426903
We hit running water about 1 mile from Tapeats creek Location: 36.374889, -112.380798
Location: 36.374889, -112.380798
Stina is incrediblly lush - we have always found water here when we hike up Cyn Location: 36.374889, -112.380798
Location: 36.374889, -112.380798
A look up Stina Canyon beyond the water fall grotto Location: 36.374889, -112.380798
This is the end of the line without climbing gear - a pretty water fall grotto Location: 36.395550, -112.429901
Next we ran into a striped racer - this thing bolted and moved incrediblly fast Location: 36.395550, -112.429901
We encountered a bug Chuck a Whala lizard - look closely under the big rock Location: 36.395550, -112.429901
This creek is moving - you must be very careful fording it or you're going swimming Location: 36.396839, -112.429398
Dale is pointing out trout in the water to Chris - amazing how they got up the falls Location: 36.396839, -112.429398
Some tough terrain up to Tapeats Cave Location: 36.392639, -112.431602
This is camp for the night - some good trees for hammocks Location: 36.391258, -112.426903
This one is deep enough to swim in Location: 36.392639, -112.431602
YEAH - we still have beer - the 25oz Fosters - we will sleep good tonight Location: 36.394779, -112.430000
Beautiful rugged cascades all the way down this canyon for around 1 mile Location: 36.394779, -112.430000
Tapeats Creek starts up this canyon and has quite a head of water Location: 36.392609, -112.450500
Incredible - the ram went right over this cliff out of view - these things can climb! Location: 36.392609, -112.450500
Dale spotted this nice ram across the Canyon for our position Location: 36.392330, -112.451103
This is Thunder River intersecting Tapeats Creek Location: 36.393501, -112.454399
Beginning the climb up to Thunder River - the Worlds shortest river at 1/2 mile Location: 36.393501, -112.454399
Nice lizard enjoying the sun Location: 36.392960, -112.438103
we've gone as far as you can - it's time to get wet Location: 36.393391, -112.434998
rare flat ground! heading into the Tapeats slot Location: 36.393360, -112.441803
At times you walk a hundred yards through water Location: 36.392960, -112.445297
You get an idea of how swift Tapeats Creek is here Location: 36.392960, -112.445297
this creek gets deep in places so fording gets tricky when you run out of trail Location: 36.395981, -112.458504
A shot of the upper cascade just before the first big plunge Location: 36.395981, -112.458504
An amazing amount of water shoots out of solid rock to form Thunder River Falls Location: 36.395981, -112.458504
Dale taking a shower Location: 36.395100, -112.459999
looking back at Thunder River Falls Location: 36.395100, -112.459999
Dale and Chris ascending up to Surprise Valley Location: 36.393749, -112.457001
zoom up canyon to see the first part ofthe falls Location: 36.393139, -112.456200
Nice view up Thunder River Canyon before the falls become visible Location: 36.393749, -112.457001
here's a shot of the upper falls Location: 36.393749, -112.457001
zooming back out gives a view of just how small Dale and Chris really are here Location: 36.393749, -112.457001
Dale and Chris are on the shelf that enters the Falls area - 10x zoom from 1/3 mile Location: 36.373291, -112.383698
A recent flash flood has coated the edge with fine power - we get wet instead Location: 36.373291, -112.383698
Chris is wading through - it's not deep but you sink in the mud on the bottom Location: 36.373291, -112.383698
Dale tries to edge around - he's made this before Location: 36.373291, -112.383698
Chris shows how it's done to stay dry Location: 36.373291, -112.383698
chris does more maneuvering - Dale is at the beginning of the "slicky slide" Location: 36.374668, -112.384201
Dale and Chris ledging around the 90' poor off Location: 36.374668, -112.384201
A view off to the bottom of the pour off Location: 36.374279, -112.383202
A great view of Crazy Jug Point (10x zooom) standing on top of the 90' pour off Location: 36.374279, -112.383202
We take a quick break before the 90' pour off - you must ledge it to the left Location: 36.374279, -112.383202
Heading up to the left to ledge around the 90' pour off Location: 36.402760, -112.427696
Unbelievable! We found two rafts and oars all the way up here near the cave Location: 36.368031, -112.383598
Location: 36.402760, -112.427696
Or...they were thinking they could raft down the creek (suicidal) Location: 36.402760, -112.427696
People must have planned to raft in the cave and found it dry Location: 36.369770, -112.383904
looks like he made it. Note Chris's mud foot print Location: 36.370762, -112.383499
Constant down climbing as Saddle Canyon cuts through the Redwall Location: 36.371861, -112.383499
What a beautiful place - we saw lots of water in big pools Location: 36.369770, -112.383904
That mud at the bottom of this pour off looks deep - Dale tries to avoid it
Water 1
Location: 36.384941, -112.385803usually water here - even one July 4!
Water 2
Location: 36.388771, -112.386902Usually water here - even one July 4!
Routes
Day 1
Distance: 4.01 miOff Swamp point down a decent trail to Muav Saddle. Stop and see Teddy's Cabin. It's off trail from here to Stina canyon for camp on night one - distance is about 6 miles. Bring a rapel rope for safety. Great slot canyon through the Redwall.
| Distance | Name | Location | Distance to next |
| 0.00 mi | WPT0 | 36.335548, |
Then go 0.30 mi |
| 0.30 mi | WPT1 | 36.333771, |
Then go 0.38 mi |
| 0.69 mi | WPT2 | 36.338779, |
Then go 0.44 mi |
| 1.13 mi | WPT3 | 36.344791, |
Then go 0.63 mi |
| 1.76 mi | WPT4 | 36.351501, |
Then go 0.31 mi |
| 2.07 mi | WPT5 | 36.354950, |
Then go 0.30 mi |
| 2.37 mi | WPT6 | 36.357578, |
Then go 0.08 mi |
| 2.45 mi | WPT7 | 36.357471, |
Then go 0.16 mi |
| 2.61 mi | WPT8 | 36.359638, |
Then go 0.49 mi |
| 3.10 mi | WPT9 | 36.365990, |
Then go 0.55 mi |
| 3.64 mi | WPT10 | 36.373878, |
Then go 0.12 mi |
| 3.76 mi | WPT11 | 36.375198, |
Then go 0.05 mi |
| 3.81 mi | WPT12 | 36.375408, |
Then go 0.07 mi |
| 3.88 mi | WPT13 | 36.376369, |
Then go 0.12 mi |
| 4.01 mi | WPT14 | 36.375408, |
Day 2
Distance: 2.90 miLeave Stina Canyon and hike down the remainder of Saddle Canyon to the Crazy Jug - Tapeats Canyon Junction. Travel down Tapeats Canyon to camp at the intersection with Tapeats Creek at the point you would turn to ascend up to Tapeats Cave
| Distance | Name | Location | Distance to next |
| 0.00 mi | WPT0 | 36.377129, |
Then go 0.36 mi |
| 0.36 mi | WPT1 | 36.381321, |
Then go 1.32 mi |
| 1.68 mi | WPT2 | 36.384159, |
Then go 0.76 mi |
| 2.44 mi | WPT3 | 36.389771, |
Then go 0.47 mi |
| 2.90 mi | WPT4 | 36.392609, |
Tapeats Cave
Distance: 0.96 miDay hike up to Tapeats Cave. The Cave goes back over 6,000 feet. We have only been back around 1,000 ft or so. One of these times we'll come prepared to go all the way.
| Distance | Name | Location | Distance to next |
| 0.00 mi | WPT0 | 36.393002, |
Then go 0.19 mi |
| 0.19 mi | WPT1 | 36.395729, |
Then go 0.03 mi |
| 0.22 mi | WPT2 | 36.396091, |
Then go 0.22 mi |
| 0.44 mi | WPT3 | 36.399212, |
Then go 0.02 mi |
| 0.46 mi | WPT4 | 36.399319, |
Then go 0.14 mi |
| 0.60 mi | WPT5 | 36.401272, |
Then go 0.07 mi |
| 0.67 mi | WPT6 | 36.402302, |
Then go 0.12 mi |
| 0.79 mi | WPT7 | 36.404011, |
Then go 0.17 mi |
| 0.96 mi | WPT8 | 36.406460, |
day 3
Distance: 3.03 miWade down Tapeats Creek to the Thunder River junction then hit the trail up to Thunder River. Take a break then head up to Surprise Valley and stash packs. Day hike to Deer Creek. Back to packs and camp on the esplanade for night 3.
| Distance | Name | Location | Distance to next |
| 0.00 mi | WPT0 | 36.393101, |
Then go 0.27 mi |
| 0.27 mi | WPT1 | 36.393501, |
Then go 0.27 mi |
| 0.54 mi | WPT2 | 36.394630, |
Then go 0.24 mi |
| 0.78 mi | WPT3 | 36.392960, |
Then go 0.14 mi |
| 0.92 mi | WPT4 | 36.394489, |
Then go 0.21 mi |
| 1.13 mi | WPT5 | 36.392540, |
Then go 0.21 mi |
| 1.33 mi | WPT6 | 36.393749, |
Then go 0.07 mi |
| 1.41 mi | WPT7 | 36.392960, |
Then go 0.24 mi |
| 1.64 mi | WPT8 | 36.395378, |
Then go 0.07 mi |
| 1.72 mi | WPT9 | 36.394669, |
Then go 0.11 mi |
| 1.83 mi | WPT10 | 36.395802, |
Then go 0.06 mi |
| 1.89 mi | WPT11 | 36.395020, |
Then go 1.14 mi |
| 3.03 mi | WPT12 | 36.398109, |
Deer Creek
Distance: 2.36 miWe stashed our packs and did a day hike from Surprise Valley into Deer Creek. Deer Creek is a gorgeous part of the Canyon.
| Distance | Name | Location | Distance to next |
| 0.00 mi | WPT0 | 36.397690, |
Then go 0.58 mi |
| 0.58 mi | WPT1 | 36.398960, |
Then go 0.48 mi |
| 1.06 mi | WPT2 | 36.400280, |
Then go 0.10 mi |
| 1.16 mi | WPT3 | 36.401379, |
Then go 0.08 mi |
| 1.23 mi | WPT4 | 36.400280, |
Then go 0.21 mi |
| 1.44 mi | WPT5 | 36.399460, |
Then go 0.16 mi |
| 1.60 mi | WPT6 | 36.397369, |
Then go 0.34 mi |
| 1.94 mi | WPT7 | 36.392609, |
Then go 0.23 mi |
| 2.17 mi | WPT8 | 36.389671, |
Then go 0.09 mi |
| 2.25 mi | WPT9 | 36.389992, |
Then go 0.10 mi |
| 2.36 mi | WPT10 | 36.388851, |
Day 3 - Esplanade
Distance: 1.24 miLast leg of the trip today from Surprise Vgalley, up the Redwall, to the Esplanade to camp.
| Distance | Name | Location | Distance to next |
| 0.00 mi | WPT0 | 36.398659, |
Then go 0.30 mi |
| 0.30 mi | WPT1 | 36.401249, |
Then go 0.22 mi |
| 0.52 mi | WPT2 | 36.403702, |
Then go 0.33 mi |
| 0.86 mi | WPT3 | 36.408421, |
Then go 0.38 mi |
| 1.24 mi | WPT4 | 36.408031, |
Day 4
Distance: 4.11 miIt's about 5 miles from here (Esplanade) to the Monument Point parking lot with about 1800' vertical
| Distance | Name | Location | Distance to next |
| 0.00 mi | WPT0 | 36.408031, |
Then go 0.16 mi |
| 0.16 mi | WPT1 | 36.408489, |
Then go 0.75 mi |
| 0.91 mi | WPT2 | 36.419312, |
Then go 0.23 mi |
| 1.14 mi | WPT3 | 36.418461, |
Then go 0.46 mi |
| 1.60 mi | WPT4 | 36.424179, |
Then go 0.21 mi |
| 1.80 mi | WPT5 | 36.426731, |
Then go 0.74 mi |
| 2.54 mi | WPT6 | 36.433651, |
Then go 0.55 mi |
| 3.10 mi | WPT7 | 36.426338, |
Then go 0.12 mi |
| 3.22 mi | WPT8 | 36.428051, |
Then go 0.06 mi |
| 3.27 mi | WPT9 | 36.427341, |
Then go 0.21 mi |
| 3.48 mi | WPT10 | 36.430279, |
Then go 0.62 mi |
| 4.11 mi | WPT11 | 36.434219, |
Related Trips
Comments Post a comment
0 Trip Comments
National Parks Hall of Fame
The best videos, photos, and beta
from Denali to the Smokies.
GearFinder
Find all the outdoor equipment you need.
Photo & Video Center
Essential gear, instruction, and more.
GPS Trails App for iPhone & Android
Locate, research, plan, and save trips on your smartphone.
