How to Avoid the Loose Section in Surprise Canyon
Location: From the summit of White Rock Hills Peak you start the Surprise Canyon descent route. There's a tight chute/slot you down climb. Just after that down climb is the loose section.
Descend about 100 feet and look to your right where you will see a cairn and obvious cut marks. You want to get onto the slab of sandstone seen in the photo below. This work around is well cairned, clean of brush, and easy to follow.
Once off the slab of sandstone you are only 50 feet above solid rock in Surprise Canyon and can easily avoid any loose rock.
The fixed rope in Surprise Canyon is just below this area.
Note: The Surprise Canyon route is in great shape now.
Descend about 100 feet and look to your right where you will see a cairn and obvious cut marks. You want to get onto the slab of sandstone seen in the photo below. This work around is well cairned, clean of brush, and easy to follow.
Once off the slab of sandstone you are only 50 feet above solid rock in Surprise Canyon and can easily avoid any loose rock.
The fixed rope in Surprise Canyon is just below this area.
Note: The Surprise Canyon route is in great shape now.
Video of this work around: