TRIP REPORT PHOTOS
Starting point for the hike which eventually leads into Corridor Canyon is at the Ubehebe Lead Mine:
Taking a closer look at the ore loading structure, which is mostly still intact:
Side view of the ore loading structure:
Our group of Joe Silva, Chase, and Lowell getting ready to head down the first of two side canyons which lead to Corridor Canyon:
The first thing which caught our attention here was the abundance of blooming flowers. This looks like a Hedgehog Cactus:
And this looks like the bloom of a Prickly poppy:
We rounded a bend and had our first view of the vast grand landscape which awaited us:
The walls were majestic and high in this first side canyon:
It was an extremely hot day, even at this higher elevation:
The first side canyon eventually begins narrowing down:
Notice how the canyon walls continue down onto the walking path in some places:
These sections of narrows keep the hike interesting during the three miles each way:
The lighting during my second hike of Corridor Canyon is in the shade, as I started early in the morning:
Small twisting cascades where you can imagine the water flowing down during rainstorms:
Exiting the first side canyon and first section of narrows:
After the narrows, the area opens up wide with two options. Straight ahead leads to the second side canyon which ultimately drains into The Corridor, while turning right leads into Round Valley:
The second side canyon is a bit more interesting overall than the first:
Off in the distance, high cliffs can be seen towering above the canyon:
A narrow passage to walk through with a soft bottom of pure gravel:
The angles of the canyon walls are interesting to check out:
At the start of the second side canyon narrows, there is a dry fall which must be downclimbed. Some people have had trouble with this one, but for most people it is easy:
This picture of Lowell standing at the top of the dry fall gives you a good look at both the height and difficulty:
Walking by some interesting rock formations:
Lowell maintaining a fast pace down canyon while immersed in the narrows:
Polished solid rock forming the canyon floor to walk on:
A nice contrast of the morning sunshine in the distance with some shaded narrows:
The narrows of the second side canyon are considerably higher than those of the first side canyon:
While hiking through these narrows, our group was completely split up and hiking alone due to all the quick turns:
A beautiful section of narrows which we passed through:
The shaded light really brought out the blue colors of the canyon walls:
The second side canyon has a steeper drop as the end of it approaches:
Joe Silva waiting for me with the entrance to The Corridor now in view:
A close-up of this final passage with the beautiful blue canyon floor and white streaks. Note how much the lighting can change the color as you compare this to the previous photo:
The final few feet before entering The Corridor:
Steve finally makes it to The Corridor in central Corridor Canyon on April 28, 2007:
And the next two pictures show Steve's return visit to The Corridor on November 15, 2009:
Looking down canyon from the central Corridor:
We first walked down towards the lower part and turned around and took this picture of the central Corridor:
An even closer look at the lower part of The Corridor. Beyond here, the canyon turns to the right. To see Lower Corridor Canyon, click on my Trip Report on the main page:
From the lower Corridor, this picture is taken once again looking back up towards central Corridor:
Joe Silva standing in the middle of The Corridor for a photo:
Imprinted ancient waves can be seen in several places on The Corridor wall:
This lizard was relaxing in The Corridor and enjoying some morning sunshine:
Off in the distance, there were some jagged peaks above the canyon:
Taking pictures from certain spots makes The Corridor seem like it goes on forever:
The huge massive vertical walls within The Corridor were quite impressive:
Notice how some of the rocks which form the canyon walls seem to bulge out:
Plants are able to find a way to grow at various locations on the canyon walls:
At the end of the upper Corridor, there is this boulder field and the canyon appears to end. However, the canyon turns left with a high dry fall blocking further progress. We do not recommend attempting to access Upper Corridor Canyon from here, as the ledge climb has exposure. Instead, if you would like to see the upper canyon, the safest route is to enter from the head in Round Valley:
On my first trip, I climbed the boulder field and took this picture looking back down the upper portion of The Corridor:
The final three pictures show you some of the abundant fossils throughout the side canyons leading into Corridor Canyon:
