Fivemile Wash 3B III

[rcwild]

A short canyon with some interesting downclimbs, possible swimming pools and 3 rappels.

For more detailed information: Technical Slot Canyon Guide to the Colorado Plateau (http://www.canyonsandcrags.com/servlet/the-59/Technical-Slot-Canyon-Guide/Detail) by Michael R. Kelsey

Rating: 3B III
Time Required: 7-9 hours
Longest Rappel: 30 feet

Permit Information
No special permits required as of 2002, but it wouldn't hurt to let someone there know of your plans.

Preferred Season
Summer

[BackofBeyond]

USGS 7.5" Quadrangle:
Golden Throne, UT / Notom NE, UT / Bear Canyon, UT / Sandy Creek Benches, UT

Driving Directions:
From the Capitol Reef Visitor Center: Head south on South Draw Road until the pavement ends at Capitol Wash. Continue on a graded dirt road to Pleasant Creek - from here you will need a high clearance 4WD vehicle; carefully ford Pleasant Creek and continue along the dry creek bed. Mileage from the CRVC to the Cottonwood Trailhead is about 14.8 miles. From the car, head southeast to the prominent weakness in the reef just northeast of Buck Point. An old mining track can be followed most of the way up. We took special care to make sure we didn't drift to far north, lest we end up in the drainage that joins Cottonwood Wash.

More Info:
Slot Canyons of the American Southwest
Todd's Hiking Guide
Tom's Latest Rave

Comments:
"Multiple narrows sections of differing character, meandering through many different layers of rock strata. Perhaps the most enjoyable of the Waterpocket Fold trinity. Lots of swimming with the potential for no rappels for skilled downclimbers. Fortunately, this canyon has never been bolted, so lets keep it that way. Please keep it clean, no bolt kits, no chipping. Check with the CRVC for the latest conditions, as this canyon holds a fair bit of cold water after recent rainstorms. Some parties have encountered pools crusted with sticks, dirt, and other flood debris over 6" thick. This canyon may be prone to impassable log jams, so be prepared."
GPS Park:
(NAD83/WGS84 Datum)
38°07'55"N, 111°10'29"W
GPS Trailhead:
n/a
GPS Canyon Head:
38°07'28"N, 111°10'09"W
GPS Canyon Mouth:
n/a
GPS Shuttle:
38°09'09"N, 111°05'00"W