Taylor Cabin

After I first heard of Taylor Cabin I was pretty excited to get down there and check it out...

The cabin itself is located in the upper-middle section of Sycamore Creek in the Red Rock Wilderness of Sedona. Sycamore Creek is the largest creek in the area and is fed from water from Northern Arizona during the "wet seasons". The Creek stretches all the way from Western Sedona to areas near Flagstaff.
Its a big place.

Taylor Cabin is a historic old rancher's shack that was hand built back in the 1930's. It was used as a resting medium from the long haul between Sedona and Northern Arizona for cattle ranchers and cowboys. The cabin is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and the area is loaded with sites of historical importance including local dwellings.

Just getting to this trail is an adventure.
There are several ways to get to Taylor Cabin. One option is using the 22+ mile mule packing trail that leaves from Sedona. This option is a long one way trip but it is relatively easy travel. You start low and you dont climb a ton in elevation.

Or you can take the Taylor Cabin Trail which is a much shorter but steeper option from Woody Mountain Road in Flagstaff. We had read that this trail was only 3 miles long in one direction and that the elevation change was not out of the ordinary for the topography of the area. The review also mentioned that it was a "grueling trail" but we blew it off. We thought it would still be a better option since we were trying to do the entire trip in one day moving as quickly as possible.

To get to the trail head we started the 24 mile drive out to the end of Woody Mt. Rd. After getting a flat and finding our way around the spider web of forest service roads we made it to the point where we couldn't drive any further. The review said that a high clearance vehicle is required for the last mile or so and they were right. The road got pretty bad and we decided not to push it any further. Soo... We decided to warm up the legs by running to the trail head which was about 1 mile down a rough dirt road.

I was psyched to finally see the trail head sign... now we could finally start the run!
The top of the trail was in such a rad location and oh man was it beautiful!

Top of
Taylor Creek TR.

After some early trail finding issues we were on our way down the canyon. It was steep from the get go and I was almost instantly thinking about the energy needed to get out of the dang thing! The trail is self was decently well kept in the first .5 miles but after that we started to see a significant amount of downed trees and covered trail. We were never too far off from the trail but there were plenty of moments were we had to find our way around some tougher sections.


The upper section of the trail was amazing. Green everywhere! After we passed through the steepest section is was time to find our way down the narrow canyons below. This section opened up to a new challenge. We were not following a specific trail the entire time but we were being guided by some placed cairn markers. This section only added to the beauty! The dark narrow sandstone walls kept us cool and it felt like being in a maze you knew you would get out of.

Chris walking by one of
the many walls

Psyched in one of the
narrows

After a pretty quick decent through the steepest section of the trail it was time to face the next section of the trail. We knew that the cabin was still going to be a bit of a hike from our exit into Sycamore Creek.
This is when it got even more challenging.
We did find a trail marker that mentioned the cabin but once we started on the trail we were just practically bush wacking our way through some hot and pokey conditions (anyone who has hiked in the desert quickly learns its a mean place!). The temperature seemed to sky rocket and we were no longer in the shade of the canyon. We were trying to move as fast as possible but with Chaco practically melting under his black coat we had to slow down and rest a bit.

No shade!

I was starting to get a little anxious to get to the cabin. It was getting really hot, I was starting to worry that Chaco was too hot, I was feeling some blisters coming on, and we still had no rest from the hot sun. Luckily about a hour in we finally reached a huge wall with some clear cool water below for us to rest at! It was like a perfect little oasis and it got me psyched again to make the final push to the cabin where we knew there was water and rest!

A needed break.

After another hour or so of hot river rock hoppin' we made it!

The cabin was amazing! Built right into one of the red wall of the wash. It was a lot more than I expected. There was a tin roof, a wood burning stove, a fireplace, table, chairs, and supplies left from other travelers! There was information on the area and really amazing notes left behind from the years of recreational use. There was also plenty of propane and survival materials stored in the cabin to be able and stay there a few nights. It would be an amazing base camp to use for several nights of exploring in the area.

Chris and Chaco psyched
to be at the cabin

After a short visit in the cabin we decided to check out some of the other cool things near by and finally find some cold water to swim in. First we headed to a cave near by that use to be home to a dwelling. It was a pretty big cave to my surprise! It no longer had any remains of the people living there but instead was home to a new owner...
Bats!!!
They were flying all over the place, in and out of the darkest areas of the cave. I was really enjoying watching them "blindly" fly around and Chaco seemed to be interested also!

Great shot of a
diving bat!

After some cool down time in the cool dark cave it was time to find some swimming. Swimming in the desert is a favorite of mine! When its hot the swimming holes are always a unbelievable and refreshing way to cool down. This one was no different.

Crystal clear, cold, and refreshing!

Chaco and I getting
the first dip.

Chaco being
noble.

After swimming, eating lunch, and filtering some water from one of the clearest pools it was time to make our way out...
I was not looking forward to it.
The sun was still beating down and I already know how steep and grueling it was going to be!
We decided to skip all the bush and cactus by walking the creek back to the canyon trail. The sun was relentless and I was really starting to hate boulder hopping more than I already did. We took plenty of rests to adjust our blistering feet and to take advantage of the shade and cool pools to soak our shirts.

Chaco also wondering
what could be up there

This tree was just perched there...
not touching the rock.

Then came the final crux...
The trail was very steep. It seemed to just keep coming at you. Every time there was some "level" ground there was a steep section around the corner. My legs were pretty wrecked and my ankles were sore from all the boulder hopping. Luckily the sun was now hidden by the tall narrow walls and the temperatures cooled down. We stopped several times to switch out our wet socks and to explore some of the really amazing amphitheaters of rock.
But it was mostly business... we were still trying to push it.

Again... what an amazing section of trail!

A full and hard day we finally made it back to the vehicle. We estimated we hiked close to 14 miles and took on some major elevation change. I was feeling pretty worked and my feet were killing me. We spent some time stretching out and

finally...
we got to drink that beer we earned!


Few shots from the trip:

Earned.

Winslow Wall

First things first...
I cant believe it took me sooo long to check out the Winslow Wall. Unbelievable.



But recently I finally made it out to do some climbing and check out the area before the Summer temperatures really kicked in.

The Winslow Wall is located just South of Winslow in upper E. Clear Creek Canyon. Most people that head to this area are looking to do some swimming and cliff jumping at the near by reservoir (mostly cowboys and beer). But just a short hike to the south is one of Northern Arizona's most scenic and interesting climbing areas. Full of crazy descents, amazing rock features, flowing water, and exciting rock climbing.

The approach is exciting in itself. You start by driving out into what appears to be the middle of the desert when out of no where comes a huge scar in the earth. Once you start walking the approach trail you quickly realize how deep the canyon really is. 180+ foot tall walls... and only half that wide. You then have to start scrambling down a slightly steep gully to reach the rappel station entrance.

Making our way down the gully

Rappel stations can sometimes be a bit sketchy but I was psyched to see that the station was well kept with healthy looking hardware and some newer ropes to rap off with (thanks to whoever you are).

Looking up at the rappel

Once you are on the ground you are instantly transported into rad beauty! Clear flowing water flowing measly through the canyon walls that tower over you. Green grasses and colorful flowers lining all of the swirling pools of water. And a seemingly endless amount of climbing potential.

Smiling big.

We were a little pressed for time once we realized how long it took us to get there, get in and get ready. So we quickly geared up, chose out climbs, and got to warming up. I chose to head up one of the few easy climbs in the area which was an amazing low angle slab. After a surprisingly hard first few moves off the ground the rest of the climbing was stellar.
Amazing features everywhere!
Each move higher seemed to bring new and crazy holds. The sandstone rock quality felt a bazillon times stronger than some of the sandstone climbing I had been doing all winter down in Sedona. One of my favorite features where the crazy amounts of black patina all over the walls...
really fun but a bit unnerving to be pulling on.

After wondering around a bit...
looking at the huge walls...
dipping our feet in the cool water...
wondering around a bit more...
eating and climbing easy...

we decided to jump on one of the moderates in the area called "The Winsloner"

Since I had not been to the area before I was pretty psyched to jump on it and try to do it first try without falling. Onsight climbing has been a favorite of mine lately. There is something about not knowing whats a head of you, whats going to be hard or where the good holds are. It gets me all fired up! (Its actually fun) It is also a great feeling to be able to figure out difficult sections and keep moving up without leaving the wall.

The climb went well and I really enjoyed my time on the climb. I took my time through all of the tough sections and really used the good rests to my advantage (super balancy no handers!). The climb had tons of super fun techy moves up one of the tallest walls in the area. I was psyched when I finally made it to anchors without falling. It felt like I was on that thing forever... maybe 20 minutes?

Chris practicing the patients of a
belaying monk

Not quite there
still 2 more bolts.

After some more time just enjoying our afternoon in such an amazing place we decided it was time to head back to Flag. I would have to say that the hardest part of the day was probably hauling up that dang rap line back to the top of the cliff after a day of climbing.

I still cant believe it took me so long to get out to the Winslow Wall!
An unbelievable location with something to distract you every moment of the day!
Overall an amazing place.

Getting one last look in
before we head out

Knowledge Is Power!

In the outdoor industry sometimes it feels like most of the things you need to learn only come from experience... not true!

I think it is super important to constantly be progressing my knowledge in helpful tools and am lucky enough to be working for a company that sees the importance of further education which provides me the means to attend such coarses.

I started off with a NOLS Wilderness First Responder recert class down in Sedona. I have held this cert for over 2 years now and it was time for a required recert of the coarse. A WFR is a backcountry emergency medical class which focuses on the first person on a scene in the case of an emergengy, minor or major. In all cases a WFR is taught to assist in medical emergencies with little to no medical supplies. It teaches creativity with rescue and assistance. Really a rad skill to have for anyone who spends a bunch of time in the outdoor setting. I use my WFR every single day I have worked on the mountain for patrol and have used it a few times around town. Its never good to find someone seriously injured but it is amazing to be able to assist them!

I also began my outdoor climbing guide training through the American Mountain Guide Association. The AMGA a leading association pushing the standards and requirements of outdoor climbing guides. They focus on necessary skills needed to "safely" and efficiently guide any number of outdoor climbing guests on single pitch terrain. I was lucky enough to take the class from a fellow co-worker who is a wealth of knowledge and I felt urged to do a really good job. Its hard sometimes to be working high off the ground, near the edge of a cliff, knowing any mistake could have catastrophic results for your climber below.

Andrew, Kevin, and I
gettin geared up

Overall the class was amazing, the other "students" were really great to work with and I learned a ton of information.
Now I just have to practice it in my personal climbing...

Hanging out at our bottom site
after our last day

Getaway to Eastern Arizona

Spent the last week in Eastern Arizona with Ashley climbing and exploring around the infinite limestone potential. It was our last weekend before Ashley left to work her Summer fire job out in Yosemite...bummer.
But... we didnt let that bum us out too much and we spent our time hanging out drinking coffee, bouldering on some of the local boulders, and exploring some of the cliffs I had seen in the area.

We spent the first two days at a local spot that I have been developing some boulder problems on. The rock is super fun to climb on and has some of coolest features! The area is littered with huge limestone blocks that seem to be there to climb on...pockets galore!

I have spent about year in the area (on and off) exploring, cleaning and re-cleaning about anything I come across. Every time I make a trip out there I seem to find the next best thing... I predict I will have many, many more problems to discover. Ashley and I cruised through the majority of the easy to moderate problems on the first day. It was super sunny the whole day... and I ended my day with a pretty gnarly sunburn...no fun.

On the second day we had a slower morning full of coffee (like 4 cups!), yummy homemade breakfast burritos and then headed out to the boulders again. Spent the middle part of the day climbing around and enjoying each others company.

Tennessee Tanner
and Candy Corn

The next morning we woke up did the morning routine...coffee and burritos etc. and headed out to a near by canyon full of limestone rock climbing potential. Unfortunately the weather was a little pooey and the wind was super intense... When we got to the parking lot it was whipping around and I thought that Chaco might blow away! But...we (I) sucked it up and we started out on the road that lead through this massive area of limestone. The walk only took us about 10 minutes to reach one of large walls that I had seen in the distance many times before.

Upon walking up to the wall I became very excited at what we were standing below. The walls were low angle to overhung, decent quality of rock, and crazy features everywhere...

Ashley and Max

making the approach

We decided to climb a very short crack line we saw on one of the shorter cliffs nearby. I would say that the climbing was very neat but I unfortunately was not having that much fun on that side of the wall. The wind was whipping all around me, I was climbing like an elephant on the rock and my mental game was completely off.

The result...
a complete and total temper tantrum at the base of the climb. I completely lost my cool and got super upset with myself and had a silly attitude. I was acting like an ass. Looking back on it Im not sure why it all happened...maybe the crazy weather or maybe I just woke up on the wrong side of the bed... I love climbing so much that sometime I put too many expectations on my climbing and performance. Luckily I have a rad girl in my life that understands when Im not having fun and makes it better in her own way...

After a few minutes I calmed myself down and we decided to check out a different part of the wall. Since the rock was still virgin we decided to set up a top rope from the top of the cliff using some natural protection. When I finally made it to the top of the wall I was greeted by some of the strongest winds I have ever experienced. The ropes were blowing all over the place, I couldn't control any of the anchors, and I seriously thought I was going to blow off the damn cliff...

Me taking on Mother Nature

Ashley standing in one
of the limestone pockets
awesome.

The climbing was super fun and had some of the coolest features I have ever climbed on. HUGE huecos, tiny crimps, perfect pockets... in all of the right places... and tons of potential. After a full morning at the wall it was time to leave the crazy wind behind and use our hike back to the truck to explore the other side of the canyon valley.


I was equally as excited to get over to the other side of the canyon because as far as I could see I saw orange and black streaked walls!! And sure enough the rock gods provided! I found several steep walls that I cant wait to get back out to and throw a rope off of. Its really nice to have soooo much virgin rock right at my finger tips...

Steep and tall section of rock
covered in perfect pockets
and tiny crimps

Endless steep climbing with
cake easy access

After our long day of exploring, climbing, and hiking we decided to head our t butts back to town and head over to one of my favorite places...
the local cowboy bar "The Cabin".
Its really funny to be a "out of towner" in E. Arizona... Most of the local folk are long time family cowboys, like small town life, and love their local bar. So you can only guess their natural reaction to a couple of sandal wearing, dirty climbers coming through the front door... every one was staring at us (I think the jukebox even turned off). But... we broke the ice by playing some really fun and rowdy games of pool (I was sailing balls off the table), drinking their cheap beer, and mixing up the jukebox with ridiculous tunes (Madonna, Michael J. and sorts).

Me paying my dues
$1 in the jukebox
for every ball on the floor

Over all it was a great trip with great company, awesome climbing, and tons of fun!
Here's few extra photos:

Chaco and our "dog for the
day" Max cooling off in
some water

Roadside bouldering

Last look up

So much rock... so little time