South Canyon is a serpentine drainage that wends its way to the Colorado River in the upper reaches of Marble Canyon. It provides relatively easy access to a number of amazing points of interest.

The class will begin with a rendezvous in the small community of Marble Canyon, a visit to Lees Ferry (where the river begins its carving of the Grand Canyon), and a possible “warm up” hike down a slot canyon named Cathedral Wash to the Colorado River. The next day the class will carpool to House Rock Valley and hike eight miles to the Colorado River. Themes during the three-night stay on the riverbank will include the rich ecology, geology, and human history of this significant corner of the park. The entrance to Stanton’s Cave, numerous ancestral puebloan ruins, and the perennial spring called Vaseys Paradise lend themselves well to days of discovery. On the final day participants will retrace its steps, return to Marble Canyon for a wrap-up session where the class will adjourn.