Dwayne27
11-19-2008, 01:26 PM
A narrow and engaging slot ending with a nice stroll and a spring fed pool. One of three forks of upper Hog Springs.
Rating: 3A III
Time Required: ~4-6 Hours
Longest Rappel: ~50 Feet
Permit Information
No permits required
Camping/Lodging
Sandthrax Campground alonge hwy 95 as well as other primitive camping in the area
Preferred Season
Spring and fall. Summer is OK but can be hot
Water Concerns
Perhaps a short wade or two
Special Challenges
Natural anchor skils, long sections of challenging Mae West sections make moderate climbing skills necessary
Equipment Suggestions
Standard Technical Gear (harness, descending device, helmet, multiple locking carabineers, slings, etc), 100’ rope, ~ 50 feet of webbing, rap rings/links, ascenders, bring as small of a pack as possible
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5' "Black table" and "Hite North"
Directions to Trailhead
From UT 95, head towards UT 276 about 20 miles south of Hanksville. Turn west there and go about 3.5 miles to a 4wd dirt track heading left across the dunes north of pt 4786. Follow this east 2 miles and park at pt 5172
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
**
Approach
From the car park on the side of the 4WD road at pt. 5172T strike northeast across the dunes toward Hog Springs Canyon. Walk over land about three quarters of a mile to the rim overlooking Hog Springs Canyon. Drop down through a natural weakness and traverse along the next level another quarter mile to the slot beginning at the head of the canyon.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Description: Standard Route
Head down canyon. There will be multiple chances to rappel, or practice your downclimbing and partner assist skills. After a few drops you will encounter some Mae West sections where it is advisable to stay high. From the end of the narrows, continue downstream as the canyon opens up.
Exit
About a quarter mile from the end of the narrows, you pass the mouth of the Middle Fork of Hog Springs Canyon. Bear right and turn back around a corner to ascend a steep, loose gully back to the rim. There may be one section of brief scrambling. Once on the rim, head southwest across the dunes back to your car.
Variation
You can continue past this exit canyon for about another quarter mile to Hog Springs itself, continue downstream and exit that way. You will have to bushwack for a stretch, but will pass a nice waterfall. You will also need a shuttle vehicle set up at the Hog Springs Picnic area.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Rating: 3A III
Time Required: ~4-6 Hours
Longest Rappel: ~50 Feet
Permit Information
No permits required
Camping/Lodging
Sandthrax Campground alonge hwy 95 as well as other primitive camping in the area
Preferred Season
Spring and fall. Summer is OK but can be hot
Water Concerns
Perhaps a short wade or two
Special Challenges
Natural anchor skils, long sections of challenging Mae West sections make moderate climbing skills necessary
Equipment Suggestions
Standard Technical Gear (harness, descending device, helmet, multiple locking carabineers, slings, etc), 100’ rope, ~ 50 feet of webbing, rap rings/links, ascenders, bring as small of a pack as possible
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5' "Black table" and "Hite North"
Directions to Trailhead
From UT 95, head towards UT 276 about 20 miles south of Hanksville. Turn west there and go about 3.5 miles to a 4wd dirt track heading left across the dunes north of pt 4786. Follow this east 2 miles and park at pt 5172
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
**
Approach
From the car park on the side of the 4WD road at pt. 5172T strike northeast across the dunes toward Hog Springs Canyon. Walk over land about three quarters of a mile to the rim overlooking Hog Springs Canyon. Drop down through a natural weakness and traverse along the next level another quarter mile to the slot beginning at the head of the canyon.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Description: Standard Route
Head down canyon. There will be multiple chances to rappel, or practice your downclimbing and partner assist skills. After a few drops you will encounter some Mae West sections where it is advisable to stay high. From the end of the narrows, continue downstream as the canyon opens up.
Exit
About a quarter mile from the end of the narrows, you pass the mouth of the Middle Fork of Hog Springs Canyon. Bear right and turn back around a corner to ascend a steep, loose gully back to the rim. There may be one section of brief scrambling. Once on the rim, head southwest across the dunes back to your car.
Variation
You can continue past this exit canyon for about another quarter mile to Hog Springs itself, continue downstream and exit that way. You will have to bushwack for a stretch, but will pass a nice waterfall. You will also need a shuttle vehicle set up at the Hog Springs Picnic area.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
- -