Flyboarding

Flyboarding is a relatively new sport, invented in 2011. A flyboard is a device that allows a person to be propelled through the air as well as underwater. It is a board with wakeboard style bindings hooked to a wave runner by a large hose. When the wave runner hits the gas, the jet propulsion goes through the hose and shoots down directly below the board propelling the board and rider into the air. The hose is 55 feet long allowing the rider to soar up to 40 feet in the air.  Popular tricks include backflips, spins, and dolphin dives. A few tips for the first timer: keep your legs straight, keep your eyes on the horizon (don't look down), and if you're falling try to right yourself, don't bail.

  

  

  

Video courtesy of Jason Williams. Subscribe!

 Rocky Mountain Flyboard is the exclusive flyboard dealer for most of the United States. You can schedule a time to rent one near you on their website rockymountainflyboard.com. They provide and operate all the equipment. All you have to do is show up. 

Neon Canyon

Neon Canyon is home to the Golden Cathedral. This is the most beautiful feature in any slot canyon on 

the Colorado Plateau which makes for an unforgettable rappel.

Make sure to check out the video below. 

Neon Canyon is located in the Escalante Grand Staircase. 

It is roughly 30 miles southeast of the town of Escalante. 

 We pulled into the trailhead around 1am and just camped there. There are no signs saying no camping so I assume it's allowed. There is also decent primitive camping along Egypt road. If you're looking to backpack in and do a few canyons, there are some good camping spots throughout the Escalante river basin shown in the map below.

 Fence Canyon is in the upper left corner and Neon Canyon is in the lower right. 

It had rained for a few days before we went through the canyon and it was full of water. The water was actually pretty warm and I had no problem without a wetsuit. However for those with less tolerance for the cold, a wetsuit would probably be a good idea. Keep in mind that August conditions are a lot different from spring or fall conditions.

We were wading or swimming through water for probably 2/3 of the canyon, but water levels can change in a matter of days. There are two keeper potholes, but the water was so high we weren't even sure when we went through them. Apparently when the water is lower they can present quite a problem. On a less important note, that was the most disgusting water I've ever been in.

Swimming through that water was worth it for the rappel through the Golden Cathedral at the end.

It took us just under 10 hours to complete the route stopping to take a few breaks to eat and wash off the smell in the Escalante River on our way out. For GPS waypoints of the route, join the "circle of friends" at climb-utah.com.

Video courtesy of Jason Williams

Burned Down Lodge above Bridal Veil Falls Hike

The Eagles Nest Lodge above Bridal Veil Falls was opened in 1967 and boasted the steepest aerial tram in the world. It had a Sky Top Restaurant, visitor's lodge, and dance hall. It was destroyed by an avalanche in 1996 and was left abandoned until finally burning down in 2008. There's not much left up there, but it is fun to look around and the view is spectacular. All that remains is the foundation, fireplace, concrete stairs, and some of the steel framework for the building and the tram.

The hike up to the lodge is not for the average adventurer. The three of us who made it up are highly experienced climbers and canyoneers. There are some climbs into the 5.9 range with a lot of exposure and nothing but sketchy hand lines for protection. There is a lot of loose rock that can be very unpredictable. The rock is also very slippery in places where there is water flowing down. I imagine the climbs would be impossible in spring and early summer when there is more water flowing down. Also climbing down is much more difficult than climbing up so make sure you have plenty of time to come down in the light. Plan for about 4 hours. Bring some water, snacks, and some webbing or old climbing rope that you can use to set up hand lines if need be.