User | wildebeard

Approach is fantastic, exit is fantastic. The canyon itself is short and not particularly interesting in my opinion. The rappels are very straightforward. The first anchor is bolted, and the rappel is down a slanted sandstone wall that is inclined just beyond the limit of a downclimb IMO. The second rap, at the exit, is ok, nothing special. The OP (Ryan) notes that there is a rap mid-canyon. This is true, but as of this trip there is a log set-up that allows for a downclimb. If this log is not present, a rap is advised and doable, as there are many natural anchors. I found the tight section to be doable too - at 5'9", 185lbs, I could slither through this section save for one part, towards the end, that is very tight but easily stemmable. Keep in mind I did this canyon solo, having to lug my backpack and rope bag through the tight spot, and did not find it scary. Red Breaks is tighter. All this said, while I enjoyed the canyon, I am not sure why it gets such high marks. The scenery is world-class, the canyon is really quite meh.

I loved this canyon. The hike to the arch is beautiful, and rapping down through the arch itself is tons of fun. I brought a 200 ft. rope and 150 ft. pull cord, which worked just fine for the first (and fairly big) rap. Note that you might have an audience when start the slot, as the arch itself attracts bevies of hikers throughout the day. The rest of the canyon is really splendid. Great raps, pretty scenery. It is over all too soon. One note: be sure you follow the beta on the second rap. I hit the second (bolted) rap and foolishly though it was a short one. It is not, it is about 130 ft. After rapping down to a ledge before a big drop off, I realized my mistake and had to ascend my rope back up to the bolt and redo my rap. Amateur hour! :P All the same, I highly recommend doing this canyon, especially if you love rappelling!