Hi ya! That is an amazing adventure. I mean really!

Here, that would be called a 'slot canyon' and would be in red sandstone. Also wouldn't have water running because the sandstone doesn't last all that long...

Many of the parks here in the Western US have bears and the tactics to keep out of trouble are well known. There are a couple of bear incidents every year that are deemed bear inspired. In which case the bear is captured and relocated or in very rare instances destroyed. Most of them are caused by stupid people actions and the bear is not a fault.

Thanks for a truly great adventure! And you got the boots in early!