Na-gah Canyon | Capitol Reef

Canyoneering Na-gah Canyon - Capitol Reef Canyoneering Na-gah Canyon

Capitol Reef

Overview

RATING: 3A

Sat

Partly sunny. High near 39, with temperatures falling to around 35 in the afternoon. South southeast wind 2 to 7 mph.

39 | 19

Sun

Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. Northwest wind around 6 mph.

42 | 22

Mon

Mostly sunny, with a high near 40.

40 | 21

Tue

Mostly sunny, with a high near 43.

43 | 24

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 42.

42 | 23

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SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall
RAPPELS: 3 to 50 m ( 165 ft. )
WATER: Generally very little. No wetsuit needed.
FLASHFLOOD: Low except in a very short section

Sat

Partly sunny. High near 39, with temperatures falling to around 35 in the afternoon. South southeast wind 2 to 7 mph.

39 | 19

Sun

Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. Northwest wind around 6 mph.

42 | 22

Mon

Mostly sunny, with a high near 40.

40 | 21

Tue

Mostly sunny, with a high near 43.

43 | 24

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 42.

42 | 23

View Full Weather Details
2nd Rappel in Na-gah

2nd Rappel in Na-gah

Deep dark chamber at the bottom of the 1st rappel

Deep dark chamber at the bottom of the 1st rappel

Important Note: The Scenic Drive, used to access this trailhead, will be closed from April 29, 2024 through fall of 2024. See the park page for details: https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/scenic-drive-rehabilitation-project.htm

Na-gah Canyon is a short fork of Shinob Canyon that drains into Grand Wash. The canyon is good, but really short. A couple of down climbs, followed by a few rappels through an impressive dark and twisty section, and it is done.

Though tough to recommend Na-Gah on its own, it does make a pleasant 1/2 or 3/4 day when combined with hiking Ferns Nipple (the map shows both the canyon and Ferns Nipple Route). The scenery on the approach and Ferns Nipple make for a great day, with the short slot on the return being the icing on the cake. Typically the canyon shouldn't hold much water, making it a good early spring or late fall outing. The canyon is fairly beginner friendly, most of the down climbs could be set up as rappels using natural anchors without much difficulty, or yield to partner techniques well.

The main canyon, Shinob, is not currently labeled on USGS maps, but is on the visitor center map. Shinob is a Piute word meaning "Great Spirit". In Piute legend, a People of the Sky were restless and travelled into the heavens. According to legend, they can still be seen moving through the heavens every night. One of these people, however, is stationary and cannot move. This is Na-gah, the north star. Presumably the canyon was named Na-gah because it is the northern most fork of Shinob.

Looking into Grand Wash from the top of the 3rd rappel

Looking into Grand Wash from the top of the 3rd rappel

Looking down the first rappel

Looking down the first rappel

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