Well, there are hikes that don’t involve any real exposure. Try some easier ones first. Good luck.

Have a great trip, Shelly.

Hi Pam,

I haven’t hiked that route into Coyote Gulch before, I have only read about it. It does sound like some people would prefer having the safety and reassurance of a rope as a handline or, better yet, on belay. I’m sure a 9mm rope would be adequately strong and safe for simply lowering or belaying someone. While tubular webbing is quite strong, you can’t use it as a safety backup to belay a person down-climbing a steep and difficult route because it can’t be run through a belay device, like a rope can. You’d have to fix the webbing to some kind of anchor (maybe around a large, immovable rock) and have the person downclimbing use it as a handline; but that relies on them not letting go of thin, slippery webbing, which is risky. With a rope, you can put a harness on a person and belay them; and if they use it as a handline, it’s easier to grip than webbing, especially with gloves on. You might only have to carry one belay device and one harness and haul it back up for subsequent people who want it. The last person descending would have to remove and carry the rope and gear down and be comfortable with that.

I hope that helps. Good luck.

It’s not required but from most blogs I’ve read for the sneaker route (dropping in from 2-mile path from parking at water tank into gulch by Jacob Hamlin Arch) that most people like having a rope as I read it’s class 3 to 4 for bouldering so pitch is very steep especially difficult with backpack if not a climber. I never have used webbing but lighter cheaper option for the 160 meters I need so wanted to see if tubular webbing ok as everyone said rope (although someone said 9mm rope fine as 11 mm+ is overkill). Of course your family is experienced so wouldn’t even need assurance of a rope/webbing that’s why I was asking you as you seem the most experienced climber of all people I’ve read that have done this hike!!

Hi Pam,

I’m confused by your question. What part of Coyote Gulch do you think you need a rope for? My family did not encounter any section of that hike that required protecting with a rope for anyone, and our kids were young when we backpacked it. Please explain, thanks.

Well, maybe you’ll do this hike and others in the future.

The entire trail must be fascinating but dont have the courage to complete it with my family. 🙂

The other suggestions too look awesome.

Hi Scott, the Rogue has been on my list of river trips for a while. Hope to get there soon.

I haven’t yet been to Isle Royale, though it has been on my list. I’ve heard and read good things about the place. We’ve been talking about a family trip to the Boundary Waters and Quetico, possibly even next summer. Thanks for the suggestions and following The Big Outside.

Yellowstone has always been on my wishlist, and with the little one the short hikes makes it attractive