rcwild
06-23-2008, 07:58 PM
Benson Creek is a fun half day adventure for the summer time. Photogenic
Rating: 3B II
Time Required: ~3-5 Hours
Longest Rappel: 100 feet
Permit Information
No permit required
Camping/Lodging
Within a few miles of Parowan and Brian Head
Preferred Season
Summer/fall. Spring may have snow, high water flow and may be uncomfortably cold.
Water Concerns
All rappels follow directly down the course of waterfalls. The amount of water may vary. There should never be more than ankle deep pools at the base of the rappels.
Special Challenges
Moderate route finding. Loose rock and steep inclines on the approach hike
Equipment Suggestions
Standard technical gear (harness, descending device, helmet, multiple locking carabineers, slings, etc), 200’ rope, ~ 30 feet of webbing, rap rings/links
Topographic Maps
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Directions to Trailhead
From I-15, take the Parowan exit and follow the signs through Parowan toward Brian Head. Shortly after mile marker 8, look for the Hidden Haven trailhead on the left. The parking area will accommodate several vehicles.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
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Approach
Follow the trail from the trailhead. At the first fork, bear right and cross the bridge. At the second fork, stay left. Stay left at the third fork. Within a few yards you will see a picnic table and benches. The trail to the left will be your return route when you finish the canyon. Stop here to scan the ridge in front of you for your route to the top. Look for a steep talus slope through the trees. Your route up this talus slope will include a short section of class 3 climbing. Once you are above the talus, continue up the ridge through the trees and look for an old over-grown road bed. Follow this road bed for a few hundred yards until you find a way down to your left. If you start down too early, you will encounter the rim of the canyon below. Not really a problem. Just follow the rim up canyon, but not too close.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
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Description
The technical section of Benson Creek has four rappels. The first rappel is the longest at just over 100 feet. With a little rope stretch, you can do it with a 200 foot rope. The anchor for this rappel is a large ponderosa pine on canyon left. The second rappel is a 2-stage rappel that drops about 8 feet, then another 30 feet around the corner. Chockstone anchors were always possible here, but there are now two [poorly placed] bolts. The third and fourth rappels are approximately 30 feet each with stout trees available for anchors.
Exit
Once down the final rappel, follow the stream down canyon until you reach the area with picnic table and benches. Follow the trail back to your car.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
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Rating: 3B II
Time Required: ~3-5 Hours
Longest Rappel: 100 feet
Permit Information
No permit required
Camping/Lodging
Within a few miles of Parowan and Brian Head
Preferred Season
Summer/fall. Spring may have snow, high water flow and may be uncomfortably cold.
Water Concerns
All rappels follow directly down the course of waterfalls. The amount of water may vary. There should never be more than ankle deep pools at the base of the rappels.
Special Challenges
Moderate route finding. Loose rock and steep inclines on the approach hike
Equipment Suggestions
Standard technical gear (harness, descending device, helmet, multiple locking carabineers, slings, etc), 200’ rope, ~ 30 feet of webbing, rap rings/links
Topographic Maps
- -
Directions to Trailhead
From I-15, take the Parowan exit and follow the signs through Parowan toward Brian Head. Shortly after mile marker 8, look for the Hidden Haven trailhead on the left. The parking area will accommodate several vehicles.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Approach
Follow the trail from the trailhead. At the first fork, bear right and cross the bridge. At the second fork, stay left. Stay left at the third fork. Within a few yards you will see a picnic table and benches. The trail to the left will be your return route when you finish the canyon. Stop here to scan the ridge in front of you for your route to the top. Look for a steep talus slope through the trees. Your route up this talus slope will include a short section of class 3 climbing. Once you are above the talus, continue up the ridge through the trees and look for an old over-grown road bed. Follow this road bed for a few hundred yards until you find a way down to your left. If you start down too early, you will encounter the rim of the canyon below. Not really a problem. Just follow the rim up canyon, but not too close.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Description
The technical section of Benson Creek has four rappels. The first rappel is the longest at just over 100 feet. With a little rope stretch, you can do it with a 200 foot rope. The anchor for this rappel is a large ponderosa pine on canyon left. The second rappel is a 2-stage rappel that drops about 8 feet, then another 30 feet around the corner. Chockstone anchors were always possible here, but there are now two [poorly placed] bolts. The third and fourth rappels are approximately 30 feet each with stout trees available for anchors.
Exit
Once down the final rappel, follow the stream down canyon until you reach the area with picnic table and benches. Follow the trail back to your car.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
- -