Fletcher Canyon (In the Rain) - 5/30/09

"Neither rain, snow, sleet or hail can deter the Around the Bend Friends Hiking Club from accomplishing their mission." The quote is from Chris after a very cold soaking morning in Fletcher Canyon.

Twenty
-seven hikers started out on a hike to the canyon and the weather seemed like it would hold up for a while. We got about halfway to Obstacle Rock and the rain started with pea-sized hail and a steady sprinkle. When the thunder began rumbling through the surrounding mountains, most of the hikers decided to turn back to the safety and dryness of the cars. Five hikers that had come prepared with rain gear continued on, anxious to see the beautiful slot canyon under different conditions.

A surprised hiker peers out from under his trusty unbrella showing some of the hail that had been falling.

The five of us that continued up to Obstacle Rock were treated to beautiful colors in the limestone walls, shiny rain-soaked rocks strewn about and a small amount of water in the wash. The plant life in the canyon was an emerald green as they basked in the nutrient filled raindrops.


When we made it to Obstacle Rock, we were rewarded with this scene of water coming down the rock trough amid waterlogged canyon walls. The rain let up for a few minutes after we started our hike out. The thunder was still rumbling but we rarely saw any flashes of lightening. It sounded like the thunder was about 4 miles away. The hail started again with an increased fury and we increased our speed. Approximately 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile from the parking lot, a downpour ensued. The five of us began half running and half race-walking to the finish line. This blogger's hands and fingers were frozen as the gloves hung off the back of her pack. Finally, we reached the cars where we practically threw ourselves inside! Another magnificent hike in the Spring Mountains!

The hike to Obstacle Rock in Fletcher Canyon and back is about 3.8 miles with a minimal 500-600 feet of elevation gain.