OK, so we chickened out the first day making the treacherous climb to the base of Mooney Falls. Hope you didn’t think we’d blow it off completely.
Jake climbing down behind me
We returned the next day to meet the challenge.
Top of Mooney Falls
Just wait until you see this.
Mooney Falls from the, trail
After walking down stone carved steps into the dim light of travertine cave formations the sun shone on a narrow chain-protected, shall we call it, trail, for about 15 feet (4.57 meters) before climbing through another dark and slippery space.
Someone else where I was for the previous photo
Jake below me
I couldn’t decide whether to turn around and go backwards almost straight down very slippery carved stone steps with the assistance of chains and metal pegs or face my certain death straight on.
These folks chickened out
All this made the ladders seem easy, at least once negotiating getting on them.
And finally on the bottom looking back up where we just came from.
Was it worth it? You decide.
The water was 70F (21C) which felt nice, but not for too long.
We wandered downstream sometimes following a faint trail on dry land but mostly walking in Havasu Creek.
To visit more people and places from around the world go to My World Tuesday by clicking here.
BTW, this is my 500th post!
Happy 500drth!!
Beautiful falls and I am thinking well worth the scary climb/descend. My old knees wouldn't make I am sure. But what a Falls. I am glad you did it for me. LOL!!!
MB
Oh yes, it was definitely worth it!! We did not have to do all the climbing you see and just have the benefit of all your wonderful photographs, so please do this climbing all the time for us!! LOL!! Oh but I am NASTY!! LOL!!
Another beautiful part of your world Gaelyn. I think after that hike I would just fall down in that water to cool off. 🙂
Congrats on 500! I'm not there yet.
Beautiful shots of the falls, and scary ones of the trail! Definitely worth it, though, now that we know you survived…
It's worth it to your readers, we didn't have to do it. Would I do it? That would be a tough call, it's beautiful and I would love to go play in the creek once it warms a bit more.
I could not make such a climb. So your photos will do nicely.
Too much for me. I would chicken out for sure. (bad knees)
No doubt about it that it was worth the risk, we would never get to see such amazing photos otherwise. diane
Really fun post! I'm marveling at all the rich colors, the weird rock formations, the waterfall and most of all the treacherous trail you braved to get there. 😀
Wow – looks like another world. What brilliant formations and what a place to adventure into.
21 degree water – definitely warm enough.
My feet are itching to travel again.
Great set of photographs Gaelyn.
It was well worth it sweeite!
But that sign at the begining is totaly crazy! How can you use extreme caution when you are exercising?
"Jumping Jacks, Ready, Begin!…
One and two and three and AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
I'm not sure I would have done that climb, but I'm certainly glad you did!
Happy 500th Gaelyn! I really enjoy reading your blog and seeing your incredible pictures.
As for whether it was worth it to do this climb–yes, I'm very glad you did! It is absolutely awesome! As for me, I would have never made it, forget about my bad knees, but the height challenge would have had me frozen in place just like the rock formations. Subsequent visitors would marvel at the unique formation, and shake their head at how lifelike it looked…..
Terrific post.
Sydney – City and Suburbs
Happy 500!! Hope you make 500 more! And what a fantastic post and photos — not that that is unusual for you, but these really are something else!!! And that waterfall takes my breath away! What a great, scary adventure! Have a great week, Gaelyn!
Sylvia
aloha,
thanks for showing us your world today, i like all the hike, scary, but yes worth it to me, i would love to do it!
i enjoyed the show and tour
Oh my goodness – that looks death-defying! And gorgeous – just stunning.
Well…you lived to tell the story with marvelous photographs! So, I guess that means it was worth it. But, I am starting to worry about you! I probably would not have gone on…I would have bagged the idea and used my good ole 250mm zoom lens…wishing I had a 300mm!
Happy 500 posts. You are hot on my heels. Now to head fro 1000.
I think the climb was well worth it. I would have wanted to do it. I just find it strange that there isn't an easier way down.
Definitely worth it for these beautiful photos you've shown us…I think I may have chickened out somewhere…
It's stunning..but you really did take your life in your hands so to speak..glad there were no falls…
Sure it's worth it – that waterfall is gorgeous!-, but I probably would have chickened out:)
Moony Falls is a very fitting subject to celebrate your 500th post, me thinks. Congratulations and what an awesome place!