47.25: Arizona, Marble Canyon: Lower Cathedral trail to reach the Colorado River.

Jen enters the canyon...the fun begins.

Are you looking to make your own way, within limits, to the river? Which one? We thought there was only one in the west...the Colorado, of course. A person makes his/her own way through the slot canyon, heading in one direction between the walls. Obstacles present themselves, usually in the form of dry-waterfalls, for want of a better term, and getting past, below or over them is the challenge. In addition, narrow edges keep one on one's toes or least, feet on the small cliff edges otherwise, the way to the canyon floor will be quick and mostly, painful. There's always a way down (or up) but sometimes it involves using a rope, ladder or the seat of the pants. Fortunately, during the hike, there was a reasonable route although often it required thinking of the options. We would say that on each occasion, a person is likely to vary the route for it's impossible to repeat an exact path. The challenge is terrific adding to the variety of hiking experiences. Truth be told, until about twenty years ago, we had never been in a slot canyon. Not to experience one would be another pity.

  

At times it looks worse than it is and other times, just the reverse.

Not unlike golf, keep the head down.

Double reflections.

You don't want to slip from there: The fall is short and sharp.

Soon after the exit, the Colorado confronts one. Always a superb sight, always a great experience.

 

Rapids begin.

 Cheers,

 Jenni and Jeffrey