Canyoneering Scratch and Sniff Canyon - Moab

Overview

Mon

95° | 66°

Tue

93° | 68°

Wed

93° | 63°

Thu

89° | 60°

Fri

94° | 62°

( Rated 2.5 / 8 Ratings )

23 Todo Lists / 5 Ticks

RATING: 3A (with exposed R-rated climbing on the approach)

LENGTH: 3-4 hours (2.6 miles)

SEASON: Any when dry. (hot in summer)

GEAR: Standard Technical Gear

RAPPELS: 3 to 37 m ( 122 ft. )

WATER: None

FLASHFLOOD: Low/Moderate

Mon

95° | 66°

Tue

93° | 68°

Wed

93° | 63°

Thu

89° | 60°

Fri

94° | 62°

Mike in Scratch and Sniff Canyon

Last rappel in Scratch and Sniff Canyon

One of the more unique canyons I have done in Moab, Scratch and Sniff Canyon is a short canyon with an elegant approach. Reaching the canyon head requires route finding, steep short pitches of climbing, and good intuition. The views during the approach are excellent of the Moab area, and the canyon is a fun series of rappels. This is a short loop but has a lot going on in a short outing.

Warning: The approach requires a couple of short pitches of unprotectable climbing. Though the climbing is low 5th class, it is exposed, and a fall could be disastrous. Meat anchors could be used to belay other members of the group, but there is no way to protect the climb for the leader.

Update 2022: An old tree that was fixed in place to help with the approach has been removed. The route is likely still possibly by skilled climbers, but the removal of the tree makes it more difficult.

Note: Why the name? Mike Stimola first descended the canyon, and it was rather brushy and floral smelling, hence his name for it. It is still a little brushy, but not terrible.