National Trails Day June 7th - Go Vertical

Online, May 9, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Ready to truly take your hiking to the next level? Celebrate June 7, 2014's National Trails Day in Moab, Utah. This year seek "Vertical Trails", an introduction into canyoneering and an opportunity to visit seldom seen sections of desert canyons that are inaccessible without the use of ropes and technical gear. The trip, "Ephedra's Grotto", begins with a short hike across ancient petrified sand dunes, leading into a dry rock wash. Quickly the wash turns into a dry waterfall that seems to almost disappear into the tightest, deepest rain gutter imaginable. "We go down there?!" is the usual question after peering over the edge, and indeed, the trail descends into that slot. This exquisite rappel is the first obstacle in reaching the entrance to the amazing and not-at-all-famous Grotto.

Now, totally enveloped in a small stone room, whose floor rarely sees the light of day, it is time to exit to find the next challenge… a jaw-dropping rappel into the alluring green canyon below next to an enormous natural stone bridge! A cool spring-fed stream parallels the rest of this outstanding hike, exiting into the Colorado River corridor.
When you go:
Duration: 4 - 5 hours
Drive from Moab: 10 minutes
Guide to client ratio: 1:7
Technical: 2.5 miles easy-to-moderate down-hill hiking, 2 rappels (95′, 120′)
Minimum age: 10 years

This event is registered with AHS, the American Hiking Society, look for a link on the American Hiking org website soon, or contactMoab Cliffs and Canyons directly today for more information.

Moab Cliffs and Canyons
435-259-3317
877-641-5271