Dwayne27
08-28-2008, 04:34 PM
A long, exposed approach that leads to a technical slot canyon involving potholes, swimming, wading, downclimbing… Difficult, but enjoyable
Rating: 3B III
Time Required: ~7-9 Hours
Longest Rappel: ~50 Feet
Permit Information
No special permits required for canyoneering.
Camping/Lodging
Primitive camping in the trailhead area
Preferred Season
Spring to autumn, when rain isn't threatening. Summer is ok but can be hot.
Water Concerns
Swimming, up to waist deep wading, potentially water filled potholes, high flash flood potential, check the weather.
Special Challenges
At certain water levels the potholes can be difficult to overcome. Steep descent with lots of loose rock.
Equipment Suggestions
Standard Technical Gear (harness, descending device, helmet, multiple locking carabineers, slings, etc), at least 100’ rope, ~ 45 feet of webbing, rap rings/links, pothole escape kit, wetsuit depending on the weather
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5' Maps ‘Greasewood Draw’, ‘Arsons Garden’
Directions to Trailhead
Take Highway 24 either from Hanksville or I-70 to mile marker 148. There is a cattle guard between marker 147 and 148 and dirt road heading west, take it for about a mile and you will see a corral. Continue on the road through some potential rough driving. There will be a few options, but all rejoin. 3.7 miles from leaving UT 24, the road ends
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Approach
Follow the wash at the end of the dirt road into the San Rafael Reef. If you keep your eyes open you may spot some petroglyph panels in the area. You will hike in the wash for about 2.1 miles from the trailhead and shortly after you will notice a narrow slot on the right that is the mouth of Eardley Canyon. From where the canyon meets the wash, head back the way you came a few yards and find your way up the face of the reef. Hike for around 1.5 hours until you will reach a basin that provides a steep, loose downclimb to the floor of Eardley Canyon. Find your way down- it is easier slightly past the gulley in a rock band.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Description: Standard Route
Once you reach the floor of the canyon, head back down(south) and let the fun begin. You will encounter large boulders, downclimbs, swimming or wading, potholes, pools and rappels. Most rappels are anchored from bolts, check the quality of each anchor
Exit
The slot will empty you right in to the wash where you began the climb up the reef. Head out towards your car. You may find some trails heading through a saddle shortly after entering the was from the canyon. This can save you a few minutes of hiking time.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Rating: 3B III
Time Required: ~7-9 Hours
Longest Rappel: ~50 Feet
Permit Information
No special permits required for canyoneering.
Camping/Lodging
Primitive camping in the trailhead area
Preferred Season
Spring to autumn, when rain isn't threatening. Summer is ok but can be hot.
Water Concerns
Swimming, up to waist deep wading, potentially water filled potholes, high flash flood potential, check the weather.
Special Challenges
At certain water levels the potholes can be difficult to overcome. Steep descent with lots of loose rock.
Equipment Suggestions
Standard Technical Gear (harness, descending device, helmet, multiple locking carabineers, slings, etc), at least 100’ rope, ~ 45 feet of webbing, rap rings/links, pothole escape kit, wetsuit depending on the weather
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5' Maps ‘Greasewood Draw’, ‘Arsons Garden’
Directions to Trailhead
Take Highway 24 either from Hanksville or I-70 to mile marker 148. There is a cattle guard between marker 147 and 148 and dirt road heading west, take it for about a mile and you will see a corral. Continue on the road through some potential rough driving. There will be a few options, but all rejoin. 3.7 miles from leaving UT 24, the road ends
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Approach
Follow the wash at the end of the dirt road into the San Rafael Reef. If you keep your eyes open you may spot some petroglyph panels in the area. You will hike in the wash for about 2.1 miles from the trailhead and shortly after you will notice a narrow slot on the right that is the mouth of Eardley Canyon. From where the canyon meets the wash, head back the way you came a few yards and find your way up the face of the reef. Hike for around 1.5 hours until you will reach a basin that provides a steep, loose downclimb to the floor of Eardley Canyon. Find your way down- it is easier slightly past the gulley in a rock band.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Description: Standard Route
Once you reach the floor of the canyon, head back down(south) and let the fun begin. You will encounter large boulders, downclimbs, swimming or wading, potholes, pools and rappels. Most rappels are anchored from bolts, check the quality of each anchor
Exit
The slot will empty you right in to the wash where you began the climb up the reef. Head out towards your car. You may find some trails heading through a saddle shortly after entering the was from the canyon. This can save you a few minutes of hiking time.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
- -