Finally! The illusive classic grand canyon loop of tatahatso canyon has been complete.  After 2 attempts, first attempt being too hot and the second attempt being too cold, we were finally able to circumnavigate the Grand canyon Classic canyoneering route. 

When I think about how this trip was, I think about how the overall variation of activities made this trip a fun route to complete.  

If I am thinking about just the canyon itself and all the effort that went into the trip to visit the canyon, I can see how some might be a bit discouraged on the fun factor. 

Canyons in the grand canyon are not only about canyoneering, its about beautiful hiking, camping, backpacking, pack rafting, navigation, and the technical aspects that go with canyoneering, all in one. 

This canyon is in the Marble canyon range and requires a permit from the Grand Canyon back country office and a permit from the Navajo nation which can be a bit ambiguous to figure out but if you are looking for a fun canyon with a 7 mile pack raft through manageable riffles and a few rapid portages, than this is a good contender.  

After stopping by Coal mine canyon, we headed over to meet up with the rest of the group to drive 13 miles on dirt roads to the trailhead for tatahatso canyon.



We got there somewhat early which was helpful for the drive and for preparing to get soem good sleep for the following days activiteis.


We got an early start with some sunny and ideal conditions, 40 and sunny at the rim.


We headed down and around the rim to a steep break that allowed for entry into Tatahatso Canyon but the entry was steep with some down climbing and pack passing in a couple sections.


Once we got down into the tail of the canyon, the steep down climbing boulder hopping began with some knee jarring workarounds.


This actually took longer than I anticipated and eventually we came to the first major confluence and took a break in the shade as the sun started to blaze through the clouds.


We continued down the, now more gradual and less boulder stricken canyon and eventually made it to the tail end of tatahatso canyon .

It took us around 4 1/2 hours from the car to get to the tailend of the canyon but we made it and now its time to enjoy the canyon .


We encountered raps up to around 75 feet in length.


This is not official and this post or blog website shall not be used for beta or for anyone looking to plan a trip through this canyon. please refer to other sites and books for the correct information to prepare yourself for this canyon.



Some of the raps needed a curiosity so we set up as needed and also replaced on rap.  


The canyon narrows in some scenic sections and opens back up.


I think the beginning segment of the canyon was nice and towards the end has some scenic sections. 


The final rap was also nice to see the pool below and the river in front of us.


We made it through the canyon in good time and had enough time to get over to buck farm canyon for a place to camp for the night.

We all completed the rap and headed over to the put in site for pack rafts to float down the river.


We proceeded down the river and encountered 4-5 riffles and one mandatory portage before the buck farm take out.


We were all able to make it to buck farm just before the sunset and got to get set up before darkness fell upon us.


It was quite at the campground and everyone ended up going to sleep early to prepare for the weather the following day.


photo by Ben Bickel



We woke up early to explore up buck farm canyon and found the weather changing quite rapidly from sunny to rather winder with moisture in the air.


We set off for eminence break and found that the river has gone up and the headwinds were fighting against us in the calm sections.

We made it to eminence break and hiked out in good time but the rain started and as we ascended up 3k ft of gain, so did the cold weather.  By the time we got to the top it was sleeting out and gale force winds.  Wooohoo! what a trip that was.