Canyoneering in Capitol Reef: Cottonwood and Five Mile Canyons

The usual traffic jam getting around the point…

We drew the long straw, and got to do the famed Cottonwood / Five Mile loop with Sir Ram.

Le gang heading into a short slot, Ram in the lead.

First obstacle up Cottonwood. Nothing like those October swims.
Thankfully most of the swims were short.

Music Arch, and a brief stop in the sun before heading out of the canyon for an intricate cross-country route over to Five Mile.

Across Cottonwood, some interesting side canyons come in.

Really fun to escape the confines of the canyon, then delicately traverse the complex “mountaineering” terrain of the uplands, to find a route into another canyon to take us back home. A fine sport it is, reef-walking.

Alicia and some guy enjoying the narrow confines of Five Mile. (Capitol Reef)

A short slot-swim in Five Mile. Brrrrr. (Capitol Reef)

And we made it out just as darkness descended. A perfect day. Back to camp for a bratwurst prepared by Sir Brezovec. Next day, the search for bolts in Ding and Dang (none found).