Dwayne27
06-03-2009, 04:05 PM
A straightforward, but enjoyable and scenic canyon, perfect for a half day.
Rating: 3A II
Time Required: ~3-5 hrs
Longest Rappel: ~90 feet
Permit Information
No permit required
Camping/Lodging
Plenty of primitive camping in the area. 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- condtitions may vary.
Special Challenges
Natural anchor skills, although most anchors will likely already be constructed. Be ready to rebuild some. Other than that this canyon is fairly straight forward
Equipment Suggestions
Standard Technical Gear (harness, descending device, helmet, multiple locking carabineers, slings, etc), 200’ rope, 60, ~ 50 feet of webbing, rap rings/links, ascenders
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5' 'Angel Cove'
Directions to Trailhead
Head south on Hwy 95 from Hanksville. Just after mile marker 10, turn left on the road signed 'Angel Trail'. Pass all the smaller dirt roads for about 2.5 miles to a junction where you will turn left, again signed for 'Angel Trail'. Stay on this road for just under 6 miles, then turn right and go about .3 miles to the parking spot. There will be a register at the trailhead.
Approach
Follow the obvious hiking trail for ~0.3 miles and you will reach somewhat level area. Turn right and pick up the wash as it leads to the head of the canyon.
Description: Standard Route
The approach takes you right to the first rap. After that, make your way down canyon with a few little downclimbs, and you will reach another rap,
where the canyon gets and stays narrow. This is a little roomier than the typical North Wash stuff, but has some very good narrows. Some will downclimb the rest, some may have a few more rappels.
Exit
After the last good and narrow section, the canyon opens up and you can see the River. From here, begin to make your way up the sandstone with the canyon to your left, following an occasional cairn. The exit route will take you very near the canyon sometimes, so you can see what you just came down. The sandstone will be steep at some sections, but nothing too steep or exposed. Eventually you will reach the top and find the trail you hiked in on. Follow it back to your car.
Alternate Route Information
From the end of the main canyon, you can continue to follow the watercourse to another rappel. This is a big rappel, and most of it is free hanging. There may be a pool at the bottom to cool off in. From the bottom of that rappel, head east on to the bench above the water course, and continue eastward until you can make your way up loose slope to a cairned stock trail. This will take you to where the standard route ends, and you can follow that exit.
Rating: 3A II
Time Required: ~3-5 hrs
Longest Rappel: ~90 feet
Permit Information
No permit required
Camping/Lodging
Plenty of primitive camping in the area. 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- condtitions may vary.
Special Challenges
Natural anchor skills, although most anchors will likely already be constructed. Be ready to rebuild some. Other than that this canyon is fairly straight forward
Equipment Suggestions
Standard Technical Gear (harness, descending device, helmet, multiple locking carabineers, slings, etc), 200’ rope, 60, ~ 50 feet of webbing, rap rings/links, ascenders
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5' 'Angel Cove'
Directions to Trailhead
Head south on Hwy 95 from Hanksville. Just after mile marker 10, turn left on the road signed 'Angel Trail'. Pass all the smaller dirt roads for about 2.5 miles to a junction where you will turn left, again signed for 'Angel Trail'. Stay on this road for just under 6 miles, then turn right and go about .3 miles to the parking spot. There will be a register at the trailhead.
Approach
Follow the obvious hiking trail for ~0.3 miles and you will reach somewhat level area. Turn right and pick up the wash as it leads to the head of the canyon.
Description: Standard Route
The approach takes you right to the first rap. After that, make your way down canyon with a few little downclimbs, and you will reach another rap,
where the canyon gets and stays narrow. This is a little roomier than the typical North Wash stuff, but has some very good narrows. Some will downclimb the rest, some may have a few more rappels.
Exit
After the last good and narrow section, the canyon opens up and you can see the River. From here, begin to make your way up the sandstone with the canyon to your left, following an occasional cairn. The exit route will take you very near the canyon sometimes, so you can see what you just came down. The sandstone will be steep at some sections, but nothing too steep or exposed. Eventually you will reach the top and find the trail you hiked in on. Follow it back to your car.
Alternate Route Information
From the end of the main canyon, you can continue to follow the watercourse to another rappel. This is a big rappel, and most of it is free hanging. There may be a pool at the bottom to cool off in. From the bottom of that rappel, head east on to the bench above the water course, and continue eastward until you can make your way up loose slope to a cairned stock trail. This will take you to where the standard route ends, and you can follow that exit.