rcwild
06-25-2008, 07:50 AM
A fun, scenic, and challenging technical canyon on the Moroni Slopes. Lots of rappel’s, downclimbs, scrambling, swimming, pothole escapes… everything you could hope for.
Rating: 4B IV
Time Required: ~7-9 Hours
Longest Rappel: ~70 Feet
Permit Information
No special permits required for canyoneering.
Camping/Lodging
Primitive camping along Factory Butte Road
Preferred Season
Spring to autumn, when rain isn't threatening. Summer is ok but can be hot.
Water Concerns
Waist deep wading in the canyon, occasional swims, water filled potholes. High flash flood potential, check the weather.
Special Challenges
Many potholes, potentially keeper potholes. Rappelling from one pothole into another. Lots of water. Downclimbing and scrambling.
Equipment Suggestions
Standard Technical Gear (harness, descending device, helmet, multiple locking carabineers, slings, etc), 200’ rope, ~ 70 feet of webbing, rap rings/links, ascenders/prussiks, pothole escape kit- hook kit, aiders, etc… wetsuits, possibly only a shorty in warm weather
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5' Maps ‘Hunt Draw’ and ‘Factory Butte’
Directions to Trailhead
To get there, take the Factory Butte Road (a dirt road that meets the highway about 10.5 miles west of Hanksville). Continue for over 9 miles and take the left fork in the road. You will be on this for maybe 1 mile, and then turn left (west). It is just under 2 miles from this tee to Salt Wash. As you near Salt Wash the road will get rough. Find a safe parking spot and walk the last mile or two. Your goal is to reach the mouth of Cable Canyon, where it drains into Salt Wash.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
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Approach
Hike to the mouth of Cable. The Hunt Draw USGS map is indespensable for this navigation. Hike up Cable Canyon a few hundred feet, passing a broad nifty slickrock ramp. Leave the canyon and find a way to the south rim (left rim, looking up canyon). Hike along the rim of the canyon on broad slopes for a mile or so. The ridge between Cable and the next (unnamed) canyon south will become quite thin just below a steep step upwards. On your right (north) will be Cable Canyon. At the ridge's thinnest point (just below the 5976T point on the map), look for a gully that provides access (some rotten, loose rock and scrambling required) to the bottom of the canyon. Scramble down some slickrock ledges just down canyon from here, then traverse into the gully (3rd class, light exposure). Boulder hop to Cable's floor.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
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Description: Standard Route
Two major pothole sections. You will need to set up anchors and practice your pothole escape techniques. After the first pothole section, enjoy your hike to the next. Each section has 5-6 potholes. You may have to use the same rappel to conquer more than 1 pothole.
Exit
After the final section of potholes, you will have a little more hiking/scrambling/swimming ahead of you. You will exit the canyon, find Salt Wash and head back to the trailhead.
Variation
You can also descend this from the top with a (long) car shuttle or long return hike from the Moroni Slopes.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Rating: 4B IV
Time Required: ~7-9 Hours
Longest Rappel: ~70 Feet
Permit Information
No special permits required for canyoneering.
Camping/Lodging
Primitive camping along Factory Butte Road
Preferred Season
Spring to autumn, when rain isn't threatening. Summer is ok but can be hot.
Water Concerns
Waist deep wading in the canyon, occasional swims, water filled potholes. High flash flood potential, check the weather.
Special Challenges
Many potholes, potentially keeper potholes. Rappelling from one pothole into another. Lots of water. Downclimbing and scrambling.
Equipment Suggestions
Standard Technical Gear (harness, descending device, helmet, multiple locking carabineers, slings, etc), 200’ rope, ~ 70 feet of webbing, rap rings/links, ascenders/prussiks, pothole escape kit- hook kit, aiders, etc… wetsuits, possibly only a shorty in warm weather
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5' Maps ‘Hunt Draw’ and ‘Factory Butte’
Directions to Trailhead
To get there, take the Factory Butte Road (a dirt road that meets the highway about 10.5 miles west of Hanksville). Continue for over 9 miles and take the left fork in the road. You will be on this for maybe 1 mile, and then turn left (west). It is just under 2 miles from this tee to Salt Wash. As you near Salt Wash the road will get rough. Find a safe parking spot and walk the last mile or two. Your goal is to reach the mouth of Cable Canyon, where it drains into Salt Wash.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Approach
Hike to the mouth of Cable. The Hunt Draw USGS map is indespensable for this navigation. Hike up Cable Canyon a few hundred feet, passing a broad nifty slickrock ramp. Leave the canyon and find a way to the south rim (left rim, looking up canyon). Hike along the rim of the canyon on broad slopes for a mile or so. The ridge between Cable and the next (unnamed) canyon south will become quite thin just below a steep step upwards. On your right (north) will be Cable Canyon. At the ridge's thinnest point (just below the 5976T point on the map), look for a gully that provides access (some rotten, loose rock and scrambling required) to the bottom of the canyon. Scramble down some slickrock ledges just down canyon from here, then traverse into the gully (3rd class, light exposure). Boulder hop to Cable's floor.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
--
Description: Standard Route
Two major pothole sections. You will need to set up anchors and practice your pothole escape techniques. After the first pothole section, enjoy your hike to the next. Each section has 5-6 potholes. You may have to use the same rappel to conquer more than 1 pothole.
Exit
After the final section of potholes, you will have a little more hiking/scrambling/swimming ahead of you. You will exit the canyon, find Salt Wash and head back to the trailhead.
Variation
You can also descend this from the top with a (long) car shuttle or long return hike from the Moroni Slopes.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
- -