rcwild
06-25-2008, 09:58 PM
A quick and enjoyable slot canyon outside Zion NP. A good rappel or two with more down-climbable drops.
Rating: 3B I
Time Required: ~1-3 Hours
Longest Rappel: ~80 feet
Permit Information
No permit required
Camping/Lodging
Plenty of primitive car camping along the access road
Preferred Season
Spring, summer, fall. Spring has most chance of finding water.
Water Concerns
A few potholes may contain up to chest deep water. Perhaps some wading. Water levels can change significantly
Special Challenges
None
Equipment Suggestions
Standard Technical Gear (harness, descending device, helmet, multiple locking carabineers, slings, etc), 200’ rope for the entry rappel, additional 30’ for handlines or belays, ~ 50 feet of webbing, rap rings/links, ascenders
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5’ Map ‘Harrisburg Junction’
Directions to Trailhead
From I-15, take the ‘Leeds’ exit to Silver Reef road and head west under the underpass. This road will eventually turn to gravel and then present a fork in the road. Take the left fork and head 5.9 more miles to a well-used pullout on the west side of the road.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Approach
Head down the road just a few yards from your car and look for a wash on your left. With use, this route has become very pronounced and easy to follow. Head east until Yankee Doodle drops out beneath you within 100 yards from the road
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Description
Find a sturdy tree near the head of the canyon to anchor your rope. If you have 200’ or so, you can rap the first ~20’, stay connected to the rope, walk 20 yards or so to the head of the next drop and complete a beautiful 80’ rappel from the same anchor. Leave your rope and pick it up on the way out. Continue down canyon with a 30’ rope for handlines/belays or small rappels sequenced with human anchors. The last technical problem in the canyon is a 15-foot down-climb or rappel into a pothole. The pothole can be escaped with a beached whale technique or partner assist.
Exit
Shortly after the pothole, the canyon will open. Find your way up the steep slickrock to the left, using small ledges, vegetation and moki steps. Continue up the drainage and you will soon encounter the road. Turn left and head back to the car- don’t forget your rope.
Variation
From the main entry, follow the canyon rim south. You will be able to see a pothole in the canyon below. Continue until you can downclimb or set up a short rappel in to the canyon. Depending where you drop in, you might encounter one or two drops that can be down-climbed or rappelled before you reach the rappel into the pothole. Don't pull your rope in the pothole. Use the same anchor to rappel down from the far side of the pothole.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Rating: 3B I
Time Required: ~1-3 Hours
Longest Rappel: ~80 feet
Permit Information
No permit required
Camping/Lodging
Plenty of primitive car camping along the access road
Preferred Season
Spring, summer, fall. Spring has most chance of finding water.
Water Concerns
A few potholes may contain up to chest deep water. Perhaps some wading. Water levels can change significantly
Special Challenges
None
Equipment Suggestions
Standard Technical Gear (harness, descending device, helmet, multiple locking carabineers, slings, etc), 200’ rope for the entry rappel, additional 30’ for handlines or belays, ~ 50 feet of webbing, rap rings/links, ascenders
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5’ Map ‘Harrisburg Junction’
Directions to Trailhead
From I-15, take the ‘Leeds’ exit to Silver Reef road and head west under the underpass. This road will eventually turn to gravel and then present a fork in the road. Take the left fork and head 5.9 more miles to a well-used pullout on the west side of the road.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Approach
Head down the road just a few yards from your car and look for a wash on your left. With use, this route has become very pronounced and easy to follow. Head east until Yankee Doodle drops out beneath you within 100 yards from the road
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Description
Find a sturdy tree near the head of the canyon to anchor your rope. If you have 200’ or so, you can rap the first ~20’, stay connected to the rope, walk 20 yards or so to the head of the next drop and complete a beautiful 80’ rappel from the same anchor. Leave your rope and pick it up on the way out. Continue down canyon with a 30’ rope for handlines/belays or small rappels sequenced with human anchors. The last technical problem in the canyon is a 15-foot down-climb or rappel into a pothole. The pothole can be escaped with a beached whale technique or partner assist.
Exit
Shortly after the pothole, the canyon will open. Find your way up the steep slickrock to the left, using small ledges, vegetation and moki steps. Continue up the drainage and you will soon encounter the road. Turn left and head back to the car- don’t forget your rope.
Variation
From the main entry, follow the canyon rim south. You will be able to see a pothole in the canyon below. Continue until you can downclimb or set up a short rappel in to the canyon. Depending where you drop in, you might encounter one or two drops that can be down-climbed or rappelled before you reach the rappel into the pothole. Don't pull your rope in the pothole. Use the same anchor to rappel down from the far side of the pothole.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
- -