Dwayne27
08-28-2008, 05:30 PM
Towering sandstone walls, wading, swimming, hiking, an enjoyable introduction to canyoneering, the Lower Black Box is a must do for all aspiring canyoneers.
Rating: 2C III
Time Required: ~7-9 Hours
Longest Rappel: NA
Permit Information
No permit required
Camping/Lodging
There is a BLM campsite with toilets on the San Rafel River at the bridge. Plenty of primitive camping everywhere else.
Preferred Season
Mid summer to early fall when water levels are low and it isn’t too cold
Water Concerns
Requires warm weather and low river flow. Check both before you go. Also high potential for flash flooding
Special Challenges
Will spend a lot of time in the water
Equipment Suggestions
Good water hiking shoes, a walking stick, dry bags for what you don’t want to get wet, flotation, wetsuit when cooler
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5’ Maps ‘Drowned Hole Draw’, ‘Spotted Wolf Canyon’
Directions to Trailhead
From Green River go west on I-70 through the Reef to exit 129, the Cottonwood Wash Road. This road heads generally northwest through the Northern Swell crossing the San Rafael River where it turns into the Buckhorn Wash Road. A little over three miles after you leave I-70 (pt. 6484) turn right on the dirt road that heads southeast across Sinkhole Flat. After about a mile and a half take your first left on the dirt road that crosses Rattlesnake Flat passing between pt. 6502 and pt. 6566 near Rattlesnake Reservoir. After about two miles the road turns and starts heading northwest. After another two miles it will curve right and begin heading generally northeast.
You will come to an intersection about seven miles from the Cottonwood Wash Road. Bear right. At the next intersection stay left and follow the road heading north toward the San Rafael River Gorge. As you approach the gorge the road turns east. Continue on to the Wilderness Study Boundary and park
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Approach
From the Wilderness Study boundary continue down the 4WD road to the trail that leads to the entrance of the Lower Black Box above Swazey's Leap.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Description: Standard Route
Hiking, boulder hopping, wading and some swimming between steep Coconino Sandstone walls characterize this canyon. Expect to be directly in the river for approximately 4 miles
Variations
The Lower Black Box can also be approached via the dirt road that circles south of Jackass Benches (see map). From the barrier at the Wilderness Study boundary continue down the dirt track to the San Rafel River downstream from Sulpher Spring. Catch the trail along the eastern rim of the Lower Black Box to above Swazey's Leap. Descend the Lower Black Box back.
Exit
Where the Lower Black Box opens up at Sulphur Spring (pt. 4405AT) climb left back up to the rim and follow the trail paralleling the Lower Black Box back to the canyon entrance above Swazey's Leap.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Rating: 2C III
Time Required: ~7-9 Hours
Longest Rappel: NA
Permit Information
No permit required
Camping/Lodging
There is a BLM campsite with toilets on the San Rafel River at the bridge. Plenty of primitive camping everywhere else.
Preferred Season
Mid summer to early fall when water levels are low and it isn’t too cold
Water Concerns
Requires warm weather and low river flow. Check both before you go. Also high potential for flash flooding
Special Challenges
Will spend a lot of time in the water
Equipment Suggestions
Good water hiking shoes, a walking stick, dry bags for what you don’t want to get wet, flotation, wetsuit when cooler
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5’ Maps ‘Drowned Hole Draw’, ‘Spotted Wolf Canyon’
Directions to Trailhead
From Green River go west on I-70 through the Reef to exit 129, the Cottonwood Wash Road. This road heads generally northwest through the Northern Swell crossing the San Rafael River where it turns into the Buckhorn Wash Road. A little over three miles after you leave I-70 (pt. 6484) turn right on the dirt road that heads southeast across Sinkhole Flat. After about a mile and a half take your first left on the dirt road that crosses Rattlesnake Flat passing between pt. 6502 and pt. 6566 near Rattlesnake Reservoir. After about two miles the road turns and starts heading northwest. After another two miles it will curve right and begin heading generally northeast.
You will come to an intersection about seven miles from the Cottonwood Wash Road. Bear right. At the next intersection stay left and follow the road heading north toward the San Rafael River Gorge. As you approach the gorge the road turns east. Continue on to the Wilderness Study Boundary and park
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Approach
From the Wilderness Study boundary continue down the 4WD road to the trail that leads to the entrance of the Lower Black Box above Swazey's Leap.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Description: Standard Route
Hiking, boulder hopping, wading and some swimming between steep Coconino Sandstone walls characterize this canyon. Expect to be directly in the river for approximately 4 miles
Variations
The Lower Black Box can also be approached via the dirt road that circles south of Jackass Benches (see map). From the barrier at the Wilderness Study boundary continue down the dirt track to the San Rafel River downstream from Sulpher Spring. Catch the trail along the eastern rim of the Lower Black Box to above Swazey's Leap. Descend the Lower Black Box back.
Exit
Where the Lower Black Box opens up at Sulphur Spring (pt. 4405AT) climb left back up to the rim and follow the trail paralleling the Lower Black Box back to the canyon entrance above Swazey's Leap.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
- -