rcwild
10-15-2009, 11:15 AM
An interesting canyon hike north of Grand Junction
Rating: 1A II
Time Required:
Longest Rappel:
Permit Information
Camping/Lodging
Camping and lodging available at Grand Junction
Preferred Season
Water Concerns
Special Challenges
The main canyon is a popular off-road-vehicle area, so you won't find a wilderness experience except in the side canyons. Some exposed scrambling in the side canyons.
Equipment Suggestions
Topographic Maps
Directions to Trailhead
Take I-70 west of Grand Junction. Take the exit for 22 Road, and follow it west. Turn right onto 21 Road. Follow the road past farmland and eventually oil and gas installations. The road eventually becomes a dirt road and enters Hunter Canyon. Soon the road reaches a washed out point. Drive up as far as you desire or your vehicle can make it and park.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
Approach
You pretty much park at the head of the canyon, so hike up canyon from your car.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
Description: Standard Route
Continue up the canyon on foot. The canyon eventually narrows and you enter a section with huge overhangs. In this area are two side canyons entering from the east (right, looking up canyon). Both tributaries are worth exploring, and both end in dryfalls. The first tributary often has a waterfall in its upper reaches. You can scramble around to the top via a long route on the right canyon wall but it is exposed and dangerous, and hence not recommended for anyone but the best climbers.
Description:
Variations: You can likely climb around to the tops of the side canyons, and canyoneer down them. You'll likely need ropes, webbing and technical gear for this, and the rating will jump to 2C or possibly 3C. There may be more narrows and drops above.
Exit
Return the way you came.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
Rating: 1A II
Time Required:
Longest Rappel:
Permit Information
Camping/Lodging
Camping and lodging available at Grand Junction
Preferred Season
Water Concerns
Special Challenges
The main canyon is a popular off-road-vehicle area, so you won't find a wilderness experience except in the side canyons. Some exposed scrambling in the side canyons.
Equipment Suggestions
Topographic Maps
Directions to Trailhead
Take I-70 west of Grand Junction. Take the exit for 22 Road, and follow it west. Turn right onto 21 Road. Follow the road past farmland and eventually oil and gas installations. The road eventually becomes a dirt road and enters Hunter Canyon. Soon the road reaches a washed out point. Drive up as far as you desire or your vehicle can make it and park.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
Approach
You pretty much park at the head of the canyon, so hike up canyon from your car.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
Description: Standard Route
Continue up the canyon on foot. The canyon eventually narrows and you enter a section with huge overhangs. In this area are two side canyons entering from the east (right, looking up canyon). Both tributaries are worth exploring, and both end in dryfalls. The first tributary often has a waterfall in its upper reaches. You can scramble around to the top via a long route on the right canyon wall but it is exposed and dangerous, and hence not recommended for anyone but the best climbers.
Description:
Variations: You can likely climb around to the tops of the side canyons, and canyoneer down them. You'll likely need ropes, webbing and technical gear for this, and the rating will jump to 2C or possibly 3C. There may be more narrows and drops above.
Exit
Return the way you came.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate