Bogley

[trackrunner]

During my in-laws get together I wanted to do a close by canyon. After doing some research, and helpful info from others, I decided on Red Cave. One problem, access crosses private property. I could poach it or I could get permission to cross their land. I’m not the law breaker type, so I got permission. To my surprise no one wanted to do the canyon with me on the 4th but would on the 5th. Not wanting to sit around the house all day I left for a quick scouting trip.

The most annoying buzzing sound insect was out in the thousands. On the 4th, I hiked the road to the deep sand wash to Upper Red Cave. The slot felt like a nice comfortable air condition. The towering red cliffs dance and swirl as it reach towards the sky. The spattering of sun shine appears to dances across the vibrant red, oranges, pink, on several curves. Normally I understand there is water but today no water.

Progression up canyon was limited to several up climbs, I love it. Eventually I climb higher and come to an 8ft dry fall. At its base is a huge spider, I hate spiders. Can’t go through it, can’t go under it, got to stem over it. Unfortunately I can’t stem too well here caring my back pack, which has my camera, so I leave it in a safe location away from the crawly thing.

Afterwards there is a quick succession of short drops and I notice the immediate cliff walls become shorter and shorter until it’s about 12ft over my head. One more up climb and I smell something awful. I look and notice a dead dear rotting (sorry no pics I left my pack down canyon). It must have down climbed/fell in and was unable to climb out sealing its death in the canyon. I figure here must be the last up climb and it appears so now that cliff is only 8 feat tall.

I take a look at my watch and the appointed meet up time for dinner was approaching. Since I thought I have virtually made it all the way I leave to meet up.

The next day started out raining. It wasn’t a down poor but a sprinkle. I kept pushing back the start time waiting to see if it cleared up. Eventually my brother-in-law and I decide to get started anyways and if the rain continues to be bothersome we wouldn’t enter the slot.

By the time we arrived at the junction the rain had stopped while still overcast. The dirt road showed every spot from the rain. It was nice to have cloud cover for the approach hike. We came across a rattle snake, tried to take a good picture of it in defensive striking pose but the focus was on the bush.

The long sand wash hike to lower red cave was painfully slow because of the deep soft sand had no traction. By the time we reached the lower slot the temperature had gone from a pleasant cool temperature to the sunny heat of the day. We take a breather in the shade and admire the name “Zack” carved numerous times all over the walls. Thanks Zack!

After the brake we enter the dark lower slot taking brakes to admire how the sun bounces off the canyon walls until we reach the 15 foot dry fall. I read that locals would hang a rope as an aid to climb from a bolt anchor, though I wouldn’t have trusted had it still been there. We descend down canyon to the by pass on the left LDC.

After gaining the rim there are several false entries to the slot that cliff out. Eventually a third class entry provides easy access.

We decided to hike down canyon, down climbing obstacles, to see what we bypassed. This section of canyon is amazing. The narrow canyon opens up and reveals the upper dry fall. After snapping pictures we continue on our journey climbing back up canyon.

The upper part is a series of narrows and open canyon. We continued to explore passing the suggested cross country exit point for Upper Red Cave.

After more of the same narrows and open canyon we decided to leave and find the route to Upper Red Cave. When we gained the rim there was no trail to be found. We followed washes and game trail in the general direction of our map until we reached the ATV road. Only after a few minutes hiking on the road we come to entry to the wash for upper red cave.

We hike for an unusually long time in the Upper Red Cave wash. I start to second guess my self if I’m in the right wash. Eventually we make it to a drop. This was not the drop I spotted the day before. It was much steeper and higher. I down climb a little to look deep into the slot and do not see the dead dear. I realize that I can down climb this drop but will not be able to climb back out.

We decide to bypass the drop by hiking to the north rim to another wash at the same junction (beta suggested this as an option). On the north rim there is no immediate entry (cliffs) to the slot. We continue hiking north and east (away from where we should be going).

Again I second guess myself if I read the map and beta wrong, If I’m lost. It just didn’t feel right so we stopped immediately and take a break.

We get out our water and I notice something important. While we have good level of water we don’t have enough water reserves to get lost/side tracked/for exploring. It’s important to get going in the right direction and the only known right direction is the south rim.

We reach the rim and notice that we where in the right place but because of time, water, and heat we decide to head back to the trail head by descending the gully near Upper Red Cave and the sand wash.

We take a 20 minute break from the heat in the cool air of Upper Red Cave entrance and then continue on to the car. Waiting is more water cooking in the sun. It tasted like a hot tub but on the drive home after our other water ran out it tasted refreshing.

[trackrunner]

Upper Red Cave

[trackrunner]

Lower Red Cave

[trackrunner]

:popcorn:

[trackrunner]

upper portion of Lower Red Cave
:popcorn:

[Iceaxe]

Thanks for the TR :2thumbs:

I think Red Cave is one of the prettiest slot canyons around.

[trackrunner]

Iceaxe wrote: Thanks for the TR :2thumbs:

I think Red Cave is one of the prettiest slot canyons around.

:nod: :nod: :nod:

I wanted to get more pics of Upper Red Cave on the second day, but thought water > than pics.