We Do Stuff: Not Mindbender, Little Blue John, Blue John Main Fork, Three Canyon

November 10-12, 2023

Not Mindbender Canyon

Little Bluejohn and Bluejohn Canyons

Three Canyon

Meeting up in Green River, the weekend crew stayed in a hotel this time as the weather was predicted to be a bit chilly for camping with the kids. We laughed when Hazel mentioned something about eating at the campsite and we told her we were staying a hotel this time. She wanted to know why we wouldn't camp. She didn't understand why we would stay at a hotel; it clearly wasn't what she expected.

We eyed moderate canyons and chose Not Mindbender for our first day. After the hour-long drive on rough dirt road, we set up a shuttle between the trailhead and exit points of the canyon and were off sometime around 8:30 am. After a few miles of hiking, the group reached the entrance to Not Mindbender and geared up with harnesses and helmets. Everyone made their way down the canyon, and Hazel, at just 3 years old made most of the canyon on her own as well, only needing assistance on the downclimbs and stemming areas. After exiting, we found the petroglyphs and then hiked out.

Headed into the start of Not Mindbender Canyon.

Hazel negotiated most of the canyon on her own and in many cases was faster than the adults.

Hazel waiting for Dad to get out of her way.

Hazel decided to go ahead of Dad.

Mom goes over, Hazel goes under.

Hazel even did some stemming.

Cool drop into a cavern in Not Mindbender.

Hazel rappelling into the cavern

Isaac and Mike catching Justin

Continuing downcanyon.

Hazel navigating through a narrow dark section of canyon.

Hazel trusts and looks up to Kayla and Taylor and enjoys their company. You will almost always find her tagging along with them wherever we are.

Hazel telling Dad something.

The guys coming out of the narrows

Most of the group continuing downcanyon

Mom and Hazel having fun

The crazy anchor on the last rappel in Not Mindbender

Everyone waiting their turn as the rappel anchor gets set up.

Mom and Hazel starting down the rappel.

Our amazing canyon team.

Cool view of the last rappel from under the overhang.

The scramble out of the canyon.

Relaxing back at the car after a fun day in the canyons.

Day 2 we again headed into Robbers Roost. We descended Little Blue John and ascended the main fork of Blue John. While the climbing up was pretty easy and could easily be soloed, I set up a rope from above, helping the kids out for a few of the more difficult sections.

We passed neat hoodoos on the way into the canyon.

Hazel walked with Taylor most of the day.

Having fun early in the canyon.

First rappel into Little Bluejohn

Justin found a neat chair to rest in.

Hazel was super excited.

Family stemming practice in Little Bluejohn.

Lots of smiles and laughter

Hazel showing the girls the way.

Hazel having fun in Little Bluejohn.

Dad gives Hazel a boost.

Hazel leads the way.

Can I eat an apple while rappelling? Yep, for sure.

Yep, for sure

Hazel telling Mom something.

That was awesome! High five.

Neat section of Little Bluejohn.

Interesting rock patterns in Little Bluejohn.

Headed into the narrow section on the way up Bluejohn canyon.

Deep section of Bluejohn.

Narrow section of Bluejohn.

First obstacle on the route up Bluejohn.

Looking back down canyon into the narrow section.

Hazel climbing up out of Bluejohn canyon.

Hazel and Isaac celebrating a fun climb.

Part of the group waiting in the sun on the climb up Bluejohn.

Last day we hiked Three Canyon. Mike and I set up a fixed line at the exit, but it is unlikely that it was necessary. The climbing out was easy and there are a few bolts along the line up the exit.