Horsetail Falls
One of the most magnificent slot canyons in the Grand Canyon is located between segments of the busiest trail and it hides a stunning gigantic waterfall. We joke that this is slot canyon is a trail “shortcut” although it takes 5 hours to navigate with ropes and technical gear. When we first rappelled through this canyon we were shocked to find no evidence of prior technical activity given that thousands of people walk past the foreboding entry each year. On our first attempt the rope was too short leading to more excitement than we bargained for. This image of Horsetail Falls is a stunning 400’ rappel. The upper 200’ of this rappel is in a narrow watercourse and your feet can be literally blown off the wall from the immense force of the water. During the last 200’ of this rappel the water fans out, like a Horsetail, creating a gentle hushed flow. We later discovered that a few Park Service rangers attempted this slot canyon in the 1990’s escaping out the side on a difficult scramble when their rope also proved to be too short. Never underestimate the scale of the Grand Canyon.