Brownstone Canyon & Lower Dam O&B - 1/16/24

Snack Break at the dry Watering Hole

We tackle the hard scrambles!

Crack Fun!

Arriving at the Kraft Mountain Saddle

Thirteen scramblers arrived at the Kraft Mountain Trailhead for the super-scramble to Brownstone Canyon. We began by climbing up 5-Stop Hill to the Kraft Mountain Saddle. Most of the thirteen charged up the hill to warm up the muscles. At the top, we re-gathered and descended into Gateway Canyon where the scrambling began. Turning to the left in the limestone gravel, we took on the large dryfalls one at a time. Most of us knew the route and different scrambles very well. But, with the rains that we have had in the past six months, some of the dryfalls are deeper. It did not deter us from making the climbs. We always ascend the canyon taking on all the 2-3 class scrambles. It's what we do!

Starting up Gateway Canyon

Cheryl arrives at top of the Slide

Two Goofy Smiles!

This scramble is deeper!

When we all reached the sandstone at the top of Upper Gateway, we climbed up the first level of red sandstone and turned to the left. Here, we climbed up the colorful waterslide about halfway to the top and turned right into a small canyon. This canyon offers a continuation of scrambles until we reach a high pourover on the left side. Up the wall, cross the pourover right to left, switchback, switchback, and over to the top of the pourover! There, we headed into the slot and climbed up to the top of the large sandstone plateau that lays between Gateway Canyon and Brownstone Canyon. We passed the deep tank whose water was mostly covered with ice, and dropped down to the top of the Crack.

Into the Sandstone

Must always wash the stick!

The Pourover Zigzag

Dropping down to the Crack

Everyone enjoyed the Crack descent with different levels of courage! Next, we arrived at the pictographs on the wall at the bottom. Some of the hikers had not seen them before. From there, we continued down Brownstone Canyon wash passing by the high panels of petroglyphs. Soon, we were climbing over the dam wall and into a large dry area that is sometimes filled with water. Back in the earlier 20th century, this was one of two dammed ponds used to water ranchers' cattle in Brownstone Canyon. We sat here in the sun and took our break. The first photo of this entry was taken here as everyone waved to the camera. Eventually, we began our hike back retracing our steps up the Crack.

More Crack Fun!

Taking in the Pictographs

Returning to the top of the Crack

Descent from the Sandstone Plateau

Our route across the sandstone plateau was the only difference in the route back as we headed straight over to the sloped sandstone that led down to the top of Upper Gateway Canyon. Down Gateway and up and over 5-Stop Hill and we were home free! Fantastic day!

Stats: 7 miles; 2000' gain

Sandstone meets Limestone

Down the Scrambles

Returning to Kraft Saddle