Canyoneering Sunglow Canyons / Trail - Bicknell

Overview

Mon

61° | 38°

Tue

55° | 32°

Wed

59° | 32°

Thu

68° | 35°

Fri

72° | 41°

( Rated 3.6 / 28 Ratings )

125 Todo Lists / 27 Ticks

RATING: Easy / Moderate Hike

LENGTH: 3-4 hours (West Fork 3 miles, East Fork 4.7 miles, Hike to West Fork 4 miles)

SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall

GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear / Standard Technical if doing the technical return

RAPPELS: East Fork: 2 to 15 m ( 50 ft. ), West Fork: 5 to 30 m ( 99 ft. )

WATER: None.

FLASHFLOOD: Low

Mon

61° | 38°

Tue

55° | 32°

Wed

59° | 32°

Thu

68° | 35°

Fri

72° | 41°

Ryan and Abseil McGee setting up one of the rappels in the West Fork. Not recommended for dogs unless they have a climbing harness and skilled human.

Starting near the Sunglow Campground, this is a hike I would highly recommend. The hike, just outside of Capitol Reef, allows dogs and offers similar scenery to the park. If you're traveling in the area with a pet and looking to hike or just trying to get off the beaten path, this is a good choice.

The hike meanders up from the canyon bottom to big views amongst towering Wingate Sandstone walls. Once on the mesa top, Boulder Mountain and Bicknell Bottoms offer a striking contrast to the desert sandstone. Hikers return the same way.

In addition to the hike, technical canyoneers can take one of two options back to the trailhead. The East Fork of Red Canyon has 3 rappels and is best suited for those looking for a hiking day with a few short rappels to end the day. I would rate the East Fork as good, but not great.

The West Fork option is best suited to canyoneers looking for a very beginner friendly canyon. With a short approach, easy starts, and a short section of narrows, the West Fork may well be the best entry level canyon in the area.

Note: The East Fork canyoneering route is straightforward, but with somewhat awkward rappel starts. Probably not recommended for absolute beginners, but those with a little rappelling experience will enjoy the short technical slot.

Note: Sunglow Campground is an amazing forest service campground with water and toilets. This is a highly recommend camping alternative to the busier campgrounds in the park. You won't have to wonder about the name after spending a sunset there.