Two weeks spent exploring the slickrock benches and verdant canyons of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
On one of our last days, Stephen followed a hunch to drive out a road, located at about mile 32 and not shown on most maps, that would take us from Hole In The Rock Road and out past Chimney Rock.  From there, by following GPS-guided cross-country course for less than a mile, we could drop down a shortcut into Hurricane Wash on our way to Jacob Hamlin Arch, shaving at least 3 miles off the typical backpacking route through this canyon.

His hunch was correct!

  • We found it! Dropping down the shortcut into Hurricane Wash
Hurricane Wash quickly deepened from a relatively shallow dry wash to a deep, verdant canyon with copious amounts of water flowing through it.  A series of huge, parabolic alcoves provided resonant venues for Shawn to vocalize.

  • Hurricane Wash becomes Hurricane Canyon
  • Each turn in the river unveiled yet another gargantuan alcove
  • Shawn found the the focus point of a 10-story acoustic bowl that perfectly amplified her singing