Icebox Canyon, North Pass variation
July 14, 15, 2001

Getting out of town - another trip to Zion

 

Finally out of town for another zip down to Zion. The monsoon had set in and denied us the previous weekend, but the weather report was favorable so...

Alicia shows off her scratches even before we escape happy valley.

Crack-O-Noon start for a long canyon - Hmmmm, maybe not such a good idea. Loaded up the packs and headed out for the North Pass approach to IceBox Canyon.

A complex pass allows access over into Icebox Canyon.

Two possible routes - North Pass and Slickrock Pass - this trip we are headed to North Pass.

After a pleasant stroll up the canyon, the character building part begins. A long trudge up the steep, brushy ridge, in the heat of the day leads to the pass. Alicia is only smiling because I told her we were close to the top.

Finally at the top, we relax for a while, then head down the other side. The canyon is like a slickrock couloir heading down and dropping out of sight.

 

 

Heading down the slickrock couloir is a little spooky, but it never really steepens up enough to be difficult. A single old bolt with homemade hanger makes a convenient anchor for a handline or rappel down the 4th class slab.

 

The slabs lead down, and down, and down. A few moves of 5th class climbing lead to more fourth class and occasional anchors. Here's the view looking down Icebox Canyon from on high.

A few natural anchors are available, but the first descentionists placed occasional single bolt anchors.