FreezeFest: Black Hole of White Canyon, Cedar Mesa, UT

“We all want to get through this safely.” Ram’s cinematic voice rang through my head as I stuffed my helmet into my pack. “Figure out your system: ask around.” I slipped on my second pair of neoprene socks...

Hogwarts Canyon, and more, North Wash, Freezefest

FF XIV: After a frosty Inferno, came back to camp to find Alane had arrived from Colorado. Next day we joined Ram and others to do a super-duper, double-cross-your-heart secret canyon, which of course was totally wonderful (400 foot rappels next to hot-water waterfalls, dolphins in the pools, a couple 40 foot jumps... you know, all that secret canyon stuff)...

Freeze Fest XII: The Black Hole Canyon in Cedar Mesa for New Years

The big day was upon us. Yes, the night was cold and we rang in the new year at the appropriate hour --- for New York. Off to Hite it was, fairly early.

Freeze Fest XII: Trail Canyon

Sitting in the comfort of my Mount Carmel palace, it is easy to come up with a list of "canyons I want to do at FreezeFest". Unfortunately for me, there are people at the Fest who have read my list and gotten psyched to do canyons that involve snow, ice, swimming in icewater plus lots of climbing up and over and through. Trail was at the top of my list because I don't get to do it often, it being somewhat harder than most things in the area; an area I often visit with less-experienced canyoneers.

FreezeFest XII: Paradiso Canyon in the Dantes, Ticaboo Mesa Canyoneering

It is hard to get psyched for FreezeFest, living in a heated house with a plush, warm bed each night. But --- certain traditions MUST be followed, and FreezeFest is one of them. After a visit from the Ramoo for a snowy canyon in Zion, all that was left was to avoid packing

Anchors, Canyoneering, Ticaboo Mesa, Trip Report, Freeze Fest, WinterTom JonesDecember 30, 2013Freeze Fest, paradiso, dantes, freezefest, ticaboo, ticaboo mesa

FreezeFest XI - The Black Hole for New Years!

Freezefest is an annual gathering of hearty (ie, foolish) canyoneers for canyoneering at the turn of the year. Camping out in single-digit temperatures may not seem like it would be fun, but with proper preparation, plus lots of firewood, fine spirits and good friends, it works out to be one of the funnest events of the year.

Paradiso on Ticaboo Mesa - Utah Canyoneering at its finest

Our annual INSANE canyoneering festival called FreezeFest is held in North Wash for a good reason - there are a LOT of good canyons within easy reach. For this day, we chose Paradiso out on Ticaboo Mesa, one of the Dante Canyons, possibly the funnest of the Dante Canyons.

FreezeFest V: Upper Stair Canyon

The Freeze Fest Camp - the morning after. After the big day, a get away canyon. A few years earlier, on a Freezefest, we had done the complete Stair Canyon. It was great fun

FreezeFest V: The Black Hole for New Year's Day!

Finally the big day dawns. No sense getting an early start, we mosey around camp awhile, then pack for the drive to the Black Hole. Mr. Dave Black joins us once again. Here's Malia's group shot, in the parking lot.

FreezeFest V: Hard Day Harvey in Wet Conditions, Ticaboo Mesa, UT

“No Stefanos, you won’t need a wetsuit”
“Ram, are you sure?”
“Yeah, it is a dry canyon, except after real storms and there haven’t been any for awhile”
“I don’t mind carrying it”
“Don’t bother”
Then Tom pipes in “But Ram is often wrong”

FreezeFest V: Sandthrax Canyon, North Wash, UT

Yes, a couple other canyons were done. But the next BIG EVENT of note was a descent of Sandthrax Canyon by most of the gang on the 30th. Hank got a bunch of great pictures, and Ram wrote a wonderful trip report.

FreezeFest V: Escaping Shenanigans Canyon in Winter, North Wash, UT

I woke up feeling mean. The sky did not look so friendly either, so I ducked out and headed home to rest up for a few days. Ram and crew headed off to do Shenanigans Canyon, a canyon near and dear to my heart. Photos by Hank and Bruce.

FreezeFest V: Limbo Canyon, Ticaboo Mesa, UT

I dropped in on the night of the 26th, for the next day's exploration - Limbo Canyon. We had explored the slot next door in November, and it was good. So we wanted to get back and see what was next door.

FreezeFest IV: No Kidding, Leprechaun, Stair, Hog, Achilles, Fooling' Around

Black Hole, New Year's Day - Truly, this IS The High Life! Thank you all for a wonderful Freezefest. Heck, we even had WOMEN! See ya in the New Year. (FreezeFest IV)

FreezeFest III: The Black Hole for New Years!

You get to sleep in on Hole day. After sipping scotch at midnight and a restful sleep, the call went out at 8 AM. The sun was up, offering one of the few sunrises of note, on the trip.

FreezeFest III: Rock Art in the Swell

Now two plus days removed from any substantial weather, it is time to say adieu to Arches. She has served us well, provided treats, kept us safe, while the rest of the canyon world found its way back "into condition."

Hiking, Ruins & Art, Steve RamrasRamDecember 31, 2004Wildhorse panel, art, freezefest, freeze fest

FreezeFest III: A Visit to Finland, Arches National Park, UT

The next day was in the Fractured Fairyland. We awoke to low clouds and drove back towards the park. This Fairyland is a complex area of passage ways. It can be quite physical and is a ton of fun.