The Crawl

The Crawl is a semi-secret adventure that takes you underneath the talus of one of the canyons that feed into Indian Cove. This route spends a good amount of the journey in the cool depths of the canyon making it a great activity for hot days. While I consider this a very accessible adventure, there are some safety aspects to consider before going:

• 1) Body Size - This route consists of numerous tight squeezes. Shorter, thinner people will be more comfortable in the crawl.
• 2) Enclosed Spaces - There are stretches of tight spaces in pitch black darkness. This route isn't recommended for folks who are claustrophobic. Also, make sure to bring a headlamp (even if you don't use it).
• 3) Flash Floods - This canyon does experience flash flood events during periods of high rain. Don't go here if there is rain in the forecast.
• 4) Off-Trail Travel - This route requires off-trail travel and some route finding. While these challenges are not too advanced, it's important to be aware that this is NOT a designated or maintained trail.
• 5) Snakes - I have seen rattlesnakes inside the crawl. These are somewhat uncommon occurrences, but it's a good idea for the leader to have a light on just to make sure the crawl is snake free.

So, having heard all of those considerations -- here is The Crawl!

This adventure begins across from site #15 in Indian Cove Campground. As you enter the campground turn left (east) and continue to the day-use parking found at the Short Wall. Look for a yellow sign that says "Locked Gate Ahead (1)." A faint social trail heads towards the rock walls to the south of the sign. Follow this trail for 1200 feet until it overlooks a large wash. Just ahead is a huge, clean cut rock that looks a little like lips (2) -- this is your landmark as you drop into the wash. You want to make your way up canyon and traverse along some low-angle slabs just past the base of this rock, but stay on the northern side of the canyon. Just before the slabs disappear, look for a huge boulder with a notable opening underneath (3) -- this is where you will exit the crawl. Duck underneath this boulder and take a few moments to enjoy the shade. This is a good place to leave your backpack, sunglasses, hat, and anything else you don't want to take into the crawl with you. Take a big drink of water before leaving your stuff behind. It's also a good idea to wear long sleeves and long pants to help reduce abrasion from the sand and rock found below.

Once you're done resting, it's time to begin the more advanced off-trail section. Cross the canyon directly from the boulder/cave and scramble up a subtle notch in the rocks. Continue up canyon for about 1000 feet. There are just traces of a path through this section, and in general you want to stay fairly high and always on the south side of the canyon (left side as you travel up). Move carefully through this area -- there is a good amount of sand covering the rocks and sections with notable exposure, but no real climbing obstacles. A huge cave is a landmark you might hit that signals it's time to start dropping back into the canyon. A series of cascading slabs guide you directly into the heart of the wash. You can continue up canyon if you'd like, but the fun part starts here (4)!

Enter the crawl (5). From here on out you will be weaving under and over the talus that covers this canyon. I am going to leave the exploration up to you as you head back down canyon, with three general instructions:

• 1) You don't ever need to leave the lower level of the canyon. When you hit a section that seems impassable look all around you for small gaps in the rocks. Often times the obvious way isn't the route that will keep you in the canyon, embrace the tight squeezes!
• 2) The rocks are more slippery due to flooding lower in the canyon, so watch your step.
• 3) Look for the exit 20 feet past a notable watery section where the rock becomes very smooth and braided (6). The exit route climbs through an opening on the right side, then traverses over the boulders to the cave where you left your bag.

Congratulations! You've finished The Crawl! Retrace your steps back towards site #15 and your car or campsite.