Five Mile | Capitol Reef

Canyoneering Five Mile - Capitol Reef Canyoneering Five Mile

Capitol Reef

Please note, several canyons and routes close seasonally each year for the protection of sensitive natural resources. For 2026 -- effective April 1 through August 31, 2026, the following routes are closed:

  • The heads of Burro Wash and Fivemile Wash continuing east two miles (top-down routes).
  • Shinob Canyon and any route descending into Shinob including Na-gah, Nighthawk and Timpie.
  • Arch Nemesis

Overview

Thu Sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 17 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.
83° | 54°
Fri Sunny, with a high near 76. South wind 7 to 22 mph.
76° | 53°
Sat Sunny, with a high near 79.
79° | 46°
Sun Sunny, with a high near 83.
83° | 52°
Mon Sunny, with a high near 87.
87° | 53°
RATING: 3B
SEASON: Spring through Fall
RAPPELS: 0-4 to 10 m ( 33 ft. )
WATER: Generally some pools, wetsuit recommended in all but the hottest conditions.
FLASHFLOOD: Moderate
Thu Sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 17 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.
83° | 54°
Fri Sunny, with a high near 76. South wind 7 to 22 mph.
76° | 53°
Sat Sunny, with a high near 79.
79° | 46°
Sun Sunny, with a high near 83.
83° | 52°
Mon Sunny, with a high near 87.
87° | 53°
Tyler making the first rappel
Tyler making the first rappel
Icky Swim - Mark and Tyler
Icky Swim - Mark and Tyler

Five Mile is one of the trio of canyons that descend off the Waterpocket Fold to the Notom road. Unlike its neighbors Burro and Cottonwood, Five Mile feels like it has many more open sections, though the slot sections are very good. Well worth doing, but I would put Cottonwood first on the list, Burro second, then Five Mile.

Stunning walls during the approach
Stunning walls during the approach
More smelly pools - Mark and Tyler
More smelly pools - Mark and Tyler

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