Canyoneering Trip Reports for 2000 ... Desert Highlights in Moab, Utah

Desert Highlights • Canyoneering Trip Reports - 2000

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* includes comments from guests
( bold italics are returning guests )

In our Canyoneering Trip Reports you can view the images and read the comments of our guests and guides as they journey through Moab's backcountry. The beauty of the area - with its spectacular canyon vistas and challenges along with the emotions they evoke - is presented for you to enjoy in your home or office.

The trip reports listed below may have been from some of your work mates, friends or relatives. They're likely from people you have no clue of. Then again, they might be from you!

Regardless, we hope the thoughts and images below inspire you to venture out here (again?) and experience the desert's highlights with us.

Finally, a very special thanks goes out to all our returning guests! Their fondness for sharing these beautiful canyons with us time and again is the greatest compliment we could ever hope for. Their trips are noted in bold italics. Thank you!

PO Box 1342
Moab, Utah 84532
(800) 747-1342
(435) 259-4433
www.deserthighlights.com
matt@deserthighlights.com

Waterpocket Canyon ... December 29th, 2000


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Waterpocket Canyon ... December 6th, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... November 14th, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... November 7th, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... November 4th, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... November 2nd, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... October 28th, 2000


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Medieval Chamber ... October 26th, 2000


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Medieval Chamber ... October 25th, 2000


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Medieval Chamber ... October 23rd, 2000


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Medieval Chamber ... October 14th, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... October 9th, 2000


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Medieval Chamber ... October 6th, 2000


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Medieval Chamber ... October 5th, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... October 5th, 2000


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Medieval Chamber ... October 3rd, 2000


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Undercover Canyon ... October 2nd, 2000


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Medieval Chamber ... October 1st, 2000

"Matt and Ed,

When positioned on the edge of the arch about to rappel into the canyon 100+ feet below, AJ summarized the spirit of the trip by saying, "This is a real adrenaline rush."

Four of our group were first time rappellers and enjoyed their adventure tremendously. Z man couldn't believe that he actually completed these dramatic rappels. Michelle is ready for the next adventure. The trip with was beyond Allen and Randy's expectations. The group stayed up late into the night, discussing our trip with Ed. It was too difficult to sleep after all the excitement.

We all enjoyed the hospitality of Desert Highlights and are impressed with the wonderful skills that the guides have working with the first time rappellers."

Victoria Bond
Salt Lake City, UT


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Picobo Canyon ... September 28th, 2000


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Medieval Chamber ... September 26th, 2000


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Medieval Chamber ... September 23rd, 2000


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Odonata Canyon ... September 23rd, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... September 22nd, 2000


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"Hi Matt,

Thanks for a great weekend. Mary and I had a wonderful time.

Steve was an excellent guide. He was so familiar with the canyon, he created an adventure for everyone, with rests for those that needed them and more advanced climbing for those that wanted them. Food was great, gear was great."

Sara Ward
Salt Lake City, UT

Waterpocket Canyon ... September 21st, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... September 19th, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... September 17th, 2000


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Medieval Chamber ... September 16th, 2000


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"Matt,

Send along our thanks to Steve. With his coaching my son overcame his fear of heights and the unknown descending two challenging rappels and the climbs out. City boy meets Moab red rock and the boy wins. He now has bragging rights for life. Nice change from just "saying no" to the challenges confronting a teenager."

Bill Metcalf
Tacoma, WA

Waterpocket Canyon ... September 14th, 2000

"Matt,

Thank you for the wonderful experience; my wife and I enjoyed this part of our vacation the most!"

Jason & Joey Campbell
Lewis Center, OH


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Undercover Canyon ... September 13th, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... September 13th, 2000


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Undercover Canyon ... September 12th, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... September 10th, 2000


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Picobo Canyon ... September 9th, 2000


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"Matt,

Totally out of this world! From beginning to end, the trip was breathtaking. Ed was a fantastic guide; extremely knowledgeable and very friendly.

Thank you again for an incredible day in the backcountry of Moab!"

Richard Gaudet
Quebec City, Quebec

Filming for ESPN2 ... September 6th, 2000


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Waterpocket Canyon ... September 5th, 2000


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Undercover Canyon ... September 3rd, 2000


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Waterpocket Canyon ... September 1st, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... August 30th, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... August 22nd, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... August 19th, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... August 10th, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... August 9th, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... August 8th, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... August 4th, 2000


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Waterpocket Canyon ... August 2nd, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... August 1st, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... July 28th, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... July 25th, 2000

"Matt,

We had a wonderful experience in the canyon with our guide, Eve. She is a special person. The excitement and beauty was beyond words for this bunch of "Southern folks." The rappels were especially fun, but a little scary for the "old mom" in the bunch. Eve was very patient and taught us alot about the area and canyoneering.

Thanks again for a wonderful trip!"

The Kelley's
Birmingham, AL


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Lomatium Canyon ... July 20th, 2000


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"Matt,

Thanks for a great trip. Steve was a great guide and helped us through the hard parts. We really enjoyed ourselves. Thanks for helping us see parts of Moab that we never could have by ourselves!"

Kathy Davia
New Castle, IN

Medieval Chamber ... July 14th, 2000

"Matt:

Just wanted to drop you a line and thank you for providing us with an experience that was a rush on many levels. Our trip into the Medieval Chamber was one of the coolest parts of our visit to Moab. The guides, Matt H and Steve, were extremely fun, knowledgable, and competent. We were in good hands.

Once again, thanks for a great time. I know of some other groups coming to Moab and I'll send them your way."

Chris Madsen
Las Vegas, NV


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Lomatium Canyon ... July 10th, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... July 4th, 2000

"Dear Matt,

We had such a great time on our trip - If we ever get to Moab again, we will definitely go on another one! We loved the pictures on your website. Thanks loads."

The Clark Family
Deltona, FL


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Lomatium Canyon ... July 3rd, 2000


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Sun Dance Canyon ... July 1st, 2000

"Matt,

We are finally decompressing from our adventure in early July with Steve, Joe, Earl and you. Here we are, pushing fifty and forty, respectively, fighting the high tech wars, reflecting on a physical experience that was extraordinary.

Flying in a 4-seater single prop plane over a rugged landscape that is among the most beautiful I have ever seen (and I have traveled around the world). Landing on a road fifty miles from nowhere. Then taking a jeep another hour to really nowhere, passing the carcasses of bovines that didn't have guides as good as your's. And then the adventure begins. Five rappels, and one that should have been but wasn't. Narrow passes for which we had to take off our packs while we shimmied along 20 feet above the canyon floor. A twelve-hour hike including flash floods, hail and rainbows. Ascending up a 200-foot sheer cliff, then hiking 2 hours over moonscape to return to camp.

After a great meal, we then relaxed in the harmony of a challenge successfully completed. The sky was so beautiful that night I went to sleep with my glasses on, mesmerized by a sky so clear the center of the Milky Way was prominently displayed.

We're already planning next year's adventure."

Steve Abramson
Penn Valley, PA

Bruce Goldstein
Wynnewood, PA


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Lomatium Canyon ... June 29th, 2000


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"Matt,

You have outdone yourself, even with your broken leg.

Michele was once again a fabulous guide in a fabulous new place (Lomatium 06/29/2000), and the Maiden voyage into Sun Dance with Steve (07/01/2000) was nothing short of fantastic.

This was my third trip with you in less than a year, and we are already planning next year's outing. Can't wait. See ya."

Bruce Goldstein
Wynnewood, PA

Steve Abramson
Penn Valley, PA

Lomatium Canyon ... June 21st, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... June 9th, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... June 4th, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... June 3rd, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... May 31st, 2000


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Medieval Chamber ... May 29th, 2000


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Medieval Chamber ... May 25th, 2000


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Medieval Chamber ... May 23rd, 2000


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Medieval Chamber ... May 21st, 2000


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Medieval Chamber ... May 19th, 2000

Lomatium Canyon ... May 13th, 2000


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Undercover Canyon ... May 12th, 2000


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Waterpocket Canyon ... May 11th, 2000

"Hi Matt,

We just got back from our trip to the southwest so this is the first chance I've gotten to tell you how much we enjoyed our trip to Waterpocket Canyon with Michele. It was the highlight of our month long trip.

I know we were a challenge with our ages and apprehensions but Michele was wonderful and the feeling that we had of overcoming our fears and knowing we did it is a once in a lifetime sensation. I would recommend your trips to any and everyone.

Thanks again and hi to Michele."

Kay McFarland and group
Nordland, WA


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Lomatium Canyon ... May 10th, 2000


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Medieval Chamber ... May 9th, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... May 6th, 2000


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Medieval Chamber ... May 5th, 2000


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Medieval Chamber ... April 29th, 2000


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"Hey Matt,

You've got a tremendous guide in Earl. When we were heading to the trailhead that morning I was asking Earl about some of his climbing experiences. His stories kept us riveted (and amused!) and his gentle, patient manner - always upbeat - was much appreciated, especially when our asses were hanging out over the edge.

I'd recommend your company in a heart beat (and I already have to several of the people I work with here). I hope to be using your services again just as soon as I can find the vacation time to head back to Utah.

Thanks again for a wonderful trip!"

John Saxe
Lakewood, CO

Lomatium Canyon ... April 21st, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon... April 20th, 2000


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Lomatium Canyon ... April 8th, 2000


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Medieval Chamber ... April 5th, 2000


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Medieval Chamber ... March 29th, 2000

"Thanks again for the great trip.

We thoroughly enjoyed the job Earl did for us."

Bob Mecklenburg
Albuquerque, NM


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Medieval Chamber ... March 25th, 2000


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Undercover Canyon ... March 15, 2000

"Congratulations on just finding this place. It's a feat in itself. Undercover Canyon is a spectacular example of what Utah canyoneering is all about. Challenging route finding over slickrock slopes and cliffs to experience adventure in a stunningly beautiful and remote canyon. It has everything for the slot canyoneer fan, including free hanging rappels from dryfalls, chimney and spider walking between narrow slots that converge to a width less than your shoe, and an eye popping 150 foot rappel down from an overhang with an awesome view. All without seeing a single other soul, except the occasional crow or eagle.

I just completed a canyoneering course in Arizona a week after this trip, and I now have the technical knowledge to appreciate the backup belay systems and anchor techniques you used to assure a safe and enjoyable trip. Getting the guts to do your first 150 foot rappel doesn't come easy, and thanks to your guidance, I not only was able to overcome the initial fear and enjoy the descent. I became hooked and can't wait to descend even more remote, technical and beautiful canyons! I'm from Miami, and I see canyoneering as a lot like scuba diving. If you don't do it, you're missing out on truly experiencing a different world. Thanks for the adventure!"

Eugene Ahn
Salt Lake City, UT


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Lomatium Canyon ... March 9th, 2000


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"Thanks again for the great trip. It was the "highlight" of our vacation. I am pleased to report that Jennifer is now bugging me daily to go vertical caving.

Thanks again and you'll be hearing from us when we come back to Moab."

Ryan Groat
South Lyon, MI

Lomatium Canyon ... February 21st, 2000


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Medieval Chamber ... January 15th, 2000


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Medieval Chamber ... January 6th, 2000


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