Canyoneering
Black Table Canyon
Trachyte
Overview
Black Table Canyon is one of those canyons that any canyoneer worth their salt has wondered about as they drove by on the way to something else. I first descended the canyon several years ago and have had numerous people ask me if I had any information on it since then.
To be honest, though it looks kind of interesting from a distance, it is really not particularly good. One short rappel and a unique granite section are pretty much it. Overall, not one I would recommend, but since many have asked, here is the information.
Getting There
Exit
The exit is at Maidenwater Spring, milepost 8.6 on highway 276. This is 1.6 miles past where you turn off the highway for the trailhead.
Start
Go south out of Hanksville on highway 95 about 26 miles to its junction with 276 to Bullfrog. Go on 276 toward Bullfrog/Ticaboo for 7 miles. Just before mile marker 7, a dirt road goes off on the right.
Route Description
From the trailhead, the cut of Black Table Canyon is clearly visible. Hike down 5 minutes to where you enter an enormous granite bowl. This is easy to climb down into on the left. 2 minutes below this is a second dryfall. Traverse left to a gully to bypass it.
The grand finale comes up 2 minutes past the dryfall, a 12 m ( 40 ft. ) rappel. You will need to build a deadman, or find another suitable anchor for the short rap. Once down, the geology changes from granite to sandstone. Follow the shallow canyon down 15 minutes or so to Maidenwater Spring.
Maps
12S 535615E 4195989N
37°54'39"N 110°35'41"W
12S 536245E 4196074N
37°54'41"N 110°35'16"W
12S 537556E 4195581N
37°54'25"N 110°34'22"W