Snow Canyon Exploratory: The Black Hole

Rating: 4 miles, easy to strenuous, about 1000 feet of climbing and descending. Some bushwacking and rock climbing. About 5-6 hours with a nice slow pace.

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This hike is in conjunction with Mindful Scramblers.

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Note that this hike will require a car shuttle between Tuacahn school and the middle of Snow Canyon, which is a fee area. The drive time is roughly 15 minutes one way.

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Note: This is an exploratory hike, so only those with experience on difficult terrain should attempt it. Even the known portions of the route have a couple of spots where beginners are somewhat challenged.

But assuming you are an agile hiker with good arm and leg strength, and plenty of stamina, you'll do fine.

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The hike starts at the Butterfly trailhead in central Snow Canyon and travels southwest across typical Snow Canyon redrocks to the mouth of a narrow canyon called "The Black Hole" by the canyoneers who descend its upper reaches using ropes and such.

We won't be doing that, but we will follow their standard climbing route up the lower half of the canyon and out to the side. Once there we'll be on familiar terrain. We'll explore around a little and see the elevated views, and some interesting side pocket ventures as energy and curiosity lure us. Photogenic rock formations and layers abound. Then we'll descend the well-known "rebar route" to Padre Pass Trail and thence to Tuacahn.

We've never done the climb up this route
but it's well described by the canyoneers and the approach trail is beaten down enough to be easily seen on google earth photos from space. Should be pretty easy to follow.

That said, we expect it will be pretty rough and steep in places, so you will need stamina, leg strength, and reasonable pucker resistance.

The traveling up top is fine and easy, and the descent is only moderately hazardous. The rebar section does have one spot with a "move" on a rock platform next to a 15 foot drop. We've taken several groups though this route without issues, but yes, it is kinda scary. If you're comfortable with a little exposure and have good poise, you'll be okay.

In short, a good solid full body workout with scenery galore!

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Prep: The usual, gloves, 1 big bottle of water, and food. It could be crisp at first so layers are called for, and a hat too. A hiking pole is nice but could get in the way during the rock climb segments.

Meetup: We meet in the Tuacahn Parking lot on the right side, a few rows back from the school where there's room to park.

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See you there! M+J :)

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Notice:
Meetup organizers are not tour guides and are not park rangers. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being.

By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other outdoor activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. The organizers of this group and current and former members cannot be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant - including you - at any event.

All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or injury to themselves or their guests.

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