Cove Canyon 3BVI, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Approaching the next set of rapids with a pack raft full of water, one paddle, a 30lb pack, an overly buoyant bow and diminishing stern — I'm funneled into standing 3's and 4's while boils push me back into the current. Cove Canyon is a Grand Canyon Classic 3BVI canyoneering route in the Toroweap region, with everything from hiking to pack rafting to canyoneering through almost every layer of rock in the Grand Canyon. Team: Scott Swaney, Daniel Elson, Pat Winstanley, Hollon Kinney, Mike McKenzie, and myself.

We bivyed under the stars at temperatures that challenged even 10-15 degree sleeping bags — it was cold! The Tuckup Trail follows the Tuckup layer (esplanade plateau) for 8.7 miles to the top of Cove Canyon, then 13 rappels through the canyon. First 3-4 raps featured spring travertine hanging garden falls and Muav Sandstone formations. After tedious boulder hopping we reached the Redwall Limestone with a 180ft drop and 20ft follow-up — beautiful cream-colored stained walls with a red shadow hue.

We slept under clear night stars in the ancient confined walls of Cove Canyon. Following day: last three rappels — 150ft down a dry waterfall with cream-to-yellow brick-like wall texture, absolutely beautiful. Pack rafted the Colorado River out — fighting through ripples with one paddle and a top-heavy raft. Got washed off and swam to an eddy before pushing on for four more miles to the take-out. An unforgettable Grand Canyon 3-day experience — every layer, every mode of adventure all in one route.