Morning Glory Arch with 2 people

[ropdoh]

I am going to be going to visating Moab on the weekend, with a friend of mine. We are keen to do the simul-abseil off the Morning Glory arch. However, there are only two of us, and one 60m rope. I hear that it is poor form to just abseil and then pull the rope, as it causes grooves in the arch.

Is it possible to walk back to the top of the arch, collect the rope and walk back down again. I am a reasonably experienced rock climber, so I don't mind if it involves some scrambling.

Any suggestions / advice would be greatly appreciated.

Gordon

[charlybldr]

Gordon,

Unfortunately with only two of you, doing the simul rappel will require pulling the rope over Morninglory Arch which will only contribute to the unsightly grooves already there.

I might suggest you round up a third person who could pull the rope up and rap from a sling on the juniper tree anchor (you will need to leave a long sling) or wait until another party comes through and ask them to drop your rope (good chance you'll see another party on the weekend).

You might also consider hiring a guide from Desert Highlights. They use the retrievable "Slick" at this drop to avoid damaging the arch.

[ropdoh]

Thanks for the advice.

How long a "long sling" do you need to rap off the juniper tree?

[CDarr]

Hey, What day are you planning to do this canyon? I'll be down there this weekend and was planning on doing the canyon as well. Perhaps we could meet up - we have an odd number so a last rap could help us all out.

[charlybldr]

Thanks for the advice.

How long a "long sling" do you need to rap off the juniper tree?

It's been a while but I remember the juniper tree to be about 20 ft. back from the edge. Might be a bit further.

Desert Highlights guides get through there on a regular basis and routinely clean out any slings left on the juniper tree. Matt is happy to return 'em.

[ropdoh]

@ Cdarr
Thanks for the invite, well will probably be going on Saturday morning, but our plans are not definite, and subject to change, so if we see you, that will be cool, but I wouldn't want to slow you guys down with our current indecision.