Dwayne27
11-26-2008, 01:39 PM
A big entry rappel that leads to some fun and scenic downclimbing
Rating: 3A III
Time Required: ~4-6 hrs
Longest Rappel: ~200 feet
Permit Information
No permit required
Camping/Lodging
Plenty of primitive camping near the trailhead. Sandthrax campground is just south of mile marker 28 on hwy 95
Preferred Season
Spring and fall. Summer OK but can be hot
Water Concerns
Canyon will likely be dry, with perhaps some brief wading.
Special Challenges
Natural anchor skills. Lots of somewhat challenging downclimbing, but easy to spot. You should rig the entry rappel single stranded and leave your rope there. It is easy to pick up on the way back and this will avoid carrying a big rope through the cayon and eliminate rope grooves.
Equipment Suggestions
Standard Technical Gear (harness, descending device, helmet, multiple locking carabineers, slings, etc), 200’ rope, 60' rope, ~ 50 feet of webbing, rap rings/links, ascenders, bring as small of a pack as possible, extra layers of clothes for padding
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5' 'Turkey Knob'
Directions to Trailhead
Head south on Hwy 95 from Hanksville. Just after mile marker 20, and dirt road comes in from either side of 95. Head east for about 5.8 miles. The main road veers right, but take the left fork .3 miles until the road dips and hits a wash. There are many trees in the area, and some room to pull off the road and park. N38 05.548 W110 31.546 - This is the trailhead for Arscenic, Slideanie, and Constrychnine
Approach
From the parking area, head north and you will soon cross the Arscenic drainage. Heading down the drainage you will encounter 2 dryfalls that are easily by passed on the left.
Description: Standard Route
After bypassing the first 2 dryfalls, you will see the canyon slot up and drop out beneath you. Anchor this rappel and drop all three stages at once, leaving your rope to pick up on the return. At the bottom- head down canyon. You will encouter multiple downclimbs that some may want to protect with a rope, and some scenic sections of narrows. There may be some wading.
Exit
Soon enough the canyon will open up, then shortly intersect a larger canyon. From the intersection with the larger canyon, turn around and make you way up the slick rock on the west (left, looking towards the intersection from Arscenic). A large tree just before reaching the canyon junction should be near an easy route up the slick rock. Nothing should be difficult or exposed, but you should see a cool arch along the way. Rim walk back to the head of the canyon and pick up your rope.
Rating: 3A III
Time Required: ~4-6 hrs
Longest Rappel: ~200 feet
Permit Information
No permit required
Camping/Lodging
Plenty of primitive camping near the trailhead. Sandthrax campground is just south of mile marker 28 on hwy 95
Preferred Season
Spring and fall. Summer OK but can be hot
Water Concerns
Canyon will likely be dry, with perhaps some brief wading.
Special Challenges
Natural anchor skills. Lots of somewhat challenging downclimbing, but easy to spot. You should rig the entry rappel single stranded and leave your rope there. It is easy to pick up on the way back and this will avoid carrying a big rope through the cayon and eliminate rope grooves.
Equipment Suggestions
Standard Technical Gear (harness, descending device, helmet, multiple locking carabineers, slings, etc), 200’ rope, 60' rope, ~ 50 feet of webbing, rap rings/links, ascenders, bring as small of a pack as possible, extra layers of clothes for padding
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5' 'Turkey Knob'
Directions to Trailhead
Head south on Hwy 95 from Hanksville. Just after mile marker 20, and dirt road comes in from either side of 95. Head east for about 5.8 miles. The main road veers right, but take the left fork .3 miles until the road dips and hits a wash. There are many trees in the area, and some room to pull off the road and park. N38 05.548 W110 31.546 - This is the trailhead for Arscenic, Slideanie, and Constrychnine
Approach
From the parking area, head north and you will soon cross the Arscenic drainage. Heading down the drainage you will encounter 2 dryfalls that are easily by passed on the left.
Description: Standard Route
After bypassing the first 2 dryfalls, you will see the canyon slot up and drop out beneath you. Anchor this rappel and drop all three stages at once, leaving your rope to pick up on the return. At the bottom- head down canyon. You will encouter multiple downclimbs that some may want to protect with a rope, and some scenic sections of narrows. There may be some wading.
Exit
Soon enough the canyon will open up, then shortly intersect a larger canyon. From the intersection with the larger canyon, turn around and make you way up the slick rock on the west (left, looking towards the intersection from Arscenic). A large tree just before reaching the canyon junction should be near an easy route up the slick rock. Nothing should be difficult or exposed, but you should see a cool arch along the way. Rim walk back to the head of the canyon and pick up your rope.