Parker
11-21-2009, 04:05 PM
Barrel Bottom Canyon
Desert National Wildlife Range
Rating: 3AI
Time Required: 2-4 hrs
Longest Rappel: 50’
Permit Information
No permits required, but be sure to sign in at the Corn Creek Visitor Center
Camping/Lodging
13 miles North of Las Vegas. Camping is allowed anywhere in the Desert Wildlife Range accept near the visitor center.
Preferred Season
Spring, Fall, and Winter
Water Concerns
None
Special Challenges
Natural anchor problems
Equipment Suggestions
Standard Technical Gear (harness, descending device, helmet, multiple locking carabineers, slings, etc), 2 200’ foot ropes, at least 50’ of webbing, 4-5 rap rings/links, ascenders. Bring water.
Topographic Maps
?
Directions to Trailhead
From Las Vegas, take the I-95 North out to the Desert National Wildlife Range (on the Right-hand side of the Hwy past the Indian reservation). Follow the Dirt road 3.8 miles past the Corn Creek Visitor Center to a T-intersection. Turn left onto Alamo Road and drive north for 8.8 miles to Cow Camp Road. Turn right onto Cow Camp Road and go east into the mountains. The road runs through a gap in the hills and comes to a fork 5.2 miles out, keep Left and continue 0.7 miles to a drainage and a small turn-around in the road. Park here.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
36 35.429’N, 115 18.623’W
Approach
Directly east you will see the canyon. Follow the drainage up a quarter mile to the base of the mountain just north of the canyon (200yds before canyon exit). Hike up the mountain side following a small game trail. At the top of the 1st ridge the terrain flattens out a bit and you can see the next ridge you have to climb. There are 2 large cracks in the 2nd ridge, looks are deceiving- the one on the left is much easier. Continue East 100 more yards then drop into the gravely canyon bottom on your right.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
36 35.296’N, 115 18.261’W
Description
This canyon is all natural anchors. There are 4 rappels and a little down climbing. Be careful in planning you rope pulls, the rock is sticky. Check your next anchor problem before pulling your rope on the previous. The canyon is all limestone and anything out of the waterway is like razors. Wear gloves! At the bottom after the last rap there is an old barrel half buried. No clue where it came from. Awesome formations in this canyon
Exit
The last rappel and down climb put you right in the waterway that you can follow down right back to your car ¼ mile.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
36 35.349’N, 115 18.383’W
Desert National Wildlife Range
Rating: 3AI
Time Required: 2-4 hrs
Longest Rappel: 50’
Permit Information
No permits required, but be sure to sign in at the Corn Creek Visitor Center
Camping/Lodging
13 miles North of Las Vegas. Camping is allowed anywhere in the Desert Wildlife Range accept near the visitor center.
Preferred Season
Spring, Fall, and Winter
Water Concerns
None
Special Challenges
Natural anchor problems
Equipment Suggestions
Standard Technical Gear (harness, descending device, helmet, multiple locking carabineers, slings, etc), 2 200’ foot ropes, at least 50’ of webbing, 4-5 rap rings/links, ascenders. Bring water.
Topographic Maps
?
Directions to Trailhead
From Las Vegas, take the I-95 North out to the Desert National Wildlife Range (on the Right-hand side of the Hwy past the Indian reservation). Follow the Dirt road 3.8 miles past the Corn Creek Visitor Center to a T-intersection. Turn left onto Alamo Road and drive north for 8.8 miles to Cow Camp Road. Turn right onto Cow Camp Road and go east into the mountains. The road runs through a gap in the hills and comes to a fork 5.2 miles out, keep Left and continue 0.7 miles to a drainage and a small turn-around in the road. Park here.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
36 35.429’N, 115 18.623’W
Approach
Directly east you will see the canyon. Follow the drainage up a quarter mile to the base of the mountain just north of the canyon (200yds before canyon exit). Hike up the mountain side following a small game trail. At the top of the 1st ridge the terrain flattens out a bit and you can see the next ridge you have to climb. There are 2 large cracks in the 2nd ridge, looks are deceiving- the one on the left is much easier. Continue East 100 more yards then drop into the gravely canyon bottom on your right.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
36 35.296’N, 115 18.261’W
Description
This canyon is all natural anchors. There are 4 rappels and a little down climbing. Be careful in planning you rope pulls, the rock is sticky. Check your next anchor problem before pulling your rope on the previous. The canyon is all limestone and anything out of the waterway is like razors. Wear gloves! At the bottom after the last rap there is an old barrel half buried. No clue where it came from. Awesome formations in this canyon
Exit
The last rappel and down climb put you right in the waterway that you can follow down right back to your car ¼ mile.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
36 35.349’N, 115 18.383’W