The Black Hole of White Canyon

The Black Hole of White Canyon is probably one of the most renowned and most dangerous canyons in San Juan County.  This canyon is spectacular in nature, awesome in landscape and deadly if not treated with the respect that it deserves.  The White Canyon complex is a canyon extending approximately 40 miles.  White Canyon stretches all the way from Natrual Bridges National Monument, coming out of Dark Canyon, and extends into the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (Lake Powell). 

This spring, I decided to get into the Black Hole on a free day and see how it was.  Due to scheduling this year I was unable to attend the annual Freeze Fest trip of the Black Hole, taking place on January 1st.  The weather had been decent and was starting to warm up, this lent to a hope that the day would be nice for a trip through the Black Hole.  The day chosen was March 7th, having time off and the freedom to be able to go through was chosen.  Unfortunately the day chosen wasn't as free as I had thought.  It happened to be my oldest daughter's Birthday, and there was a party planned for 3:00 that I was supposed to be there for.  This required an earlier than planned start, fortunately Bluff isn't too far from the Black Hole. 

I left Bluff at 7:00 am and picked up Dave Black in Blanding and leaving Blanding by 8:00 we headed out to the Hole.  Arriving around 9:00 we, suited up and headed down the trail into White Canyon.  I think I'll let the pictures do most of the talking from here.  The trip was fun.  I didn't want to put my wetsuit on until absolutely necessary, and managed to hold off putting it on until just before the "Hole" itself.  This was accomplished with a lot of stemming, and a bit of wading.  We did encounter some ice in a few of the holes.  Once to the "Hole" it was tip top full with long swims as usual.  Needless to say the water was frigid as expected.  We got through it, and hit the sun as quick as we could.  We finished the trip around 1:00 and then headed for the cars.  Walking back to the car park took about 45 min. and we headed out.  I managed to make it home just before 4:00 and my daughter's party was waiting for me to get there to start.  A fun trip, a great canyon with some cooooold water.

Canyoneering Course Photos

For the past several years during our Canyoneering Courses, we have found it fun to take pictures during our courses for the students to have later.  Our students have also graciously allowed us to use these pictures for you to get more insight into the world of canyoneering training.  Our blog now allows us a better place to keep track of our online photo albums and for former students to view and make comments about the photos and courses.  We will be periodically adding new albums here as courses continue and taking off some of the older ones as we fill up our space.  Enjoy, and thank you to our students who make each class fun and enjoyable.

Technical Canyoneering	Ladies Canyoneering
2008 April 2008 #2 April 2008 2007 October 2007 September 2007 May 2007 April 2007 March 2007 2006 September 2006 June 2006	2008 March 2008 2007 August 2007 March 2007 2006 October 2006
Advanced Canyoneering	Canyon Rescue
2007 September 21-22, 2007 September 17-18, 2007 April 2007 2006 September 2006 June 2006	2008 March 2008 2006 August 2006

North Wash Outfitters is seeking part time Canyoneering Guides

As the 2008 season begins to get underway, North Wash Outfitters is looking for part time Canyoneering Guides.  We will be posting more information here as the process gets under way.  All those interested must have transportation to Bluff Utah where the trips start from and be competent in your rope skills, or a quick learner.  If you are interested in a position with us please contact us directly either via e-mail or by phone.

Jared Hillhouse
NORTH WASH OUTFITTERS LLP.
jhillhouse@northwashoutfitters.com
435-672-9942