Wire Creek Pass and Edmaier's Secret

Our #1 priority in the Kanab area (and later, in Page) was to apply to the lottery for a much-sought-after permit for The Wave. This amazing-looking rock formation got onto the world's bucket list from being on the Windows opening screen. Permits are required, and strictly enforced. Some are released 6 months in advance (or something like that), but a few are released one day before the trip. We had tried to score one on our previous trip to the area, but weren't selected. The current lottery process requires you to be in the Kanab/Page area to even apply. So we applied the first day, and (unsurprisingly) didn't win.

So, after a night in Kanab (complete with shower and good food), we awoke early to hit #2 on our list ... Buckskin Gulch. It's one of the premier slot canyons in the world, and our visit a few years ago was amazing (of course). The weather was cooperating (i.e., no rain anywhere in sight), so we didn't want to miss our chance. We took the standard approach to Buckskin Gulch through Wire Creek Pass, which has a very nice slot canyon before actually connecting with the Buckskin River. After navigating the slot and heading down the Buckskin for 15 minutes or so, we encountered a blocking pool of water. No problem, right? Swap boots for water sandals, grab the trekking poles, and wade through, right? Well, it only took 3 or 4 steps into the pool before the pole nearly disappeared into the depths ... close to waist deep. And the pool just kept going. So, we opted to keep ourselves mostly dry and retreated. Our attempt to go upstream from where we had connected with the Buckskin was quickly thwarted by a giant mud hole blocking our way. Oh well. But did I mention ... Wire Creek Pass was incredibly beautiful!

But never fear, researcher Tom had found another option in the area, and, more importantly, had the foresight to bring the info with us. This alternative involved driving back about 5 miles to the crossing of the Buckskin River, and hiking downstream for a couple miles before heading off a side wash to Edmaier's Secret. Off we went in the heat of the day, though we weren't really quite sure what we were getting into. It wasn't much of a gulch in that area, but a nice walk down a broad flood plain with rock outcroppings on either side. The offline map helped us figure out where to turn up the side wash, and we soon arrived at our destination. And, wow! We were totally surprised by the enormity and beauty of the place. Lots of Brainrocks. An excellent recovery from a somewhat disappointing morning.

After returning to Kanab, we once again applied to The Wave lottery, but again, no luck.