Three Canyon | San Rafael Desert

Canyoneering Three Canyon - San Rafael Desert Canyoneering Three Canyon

San Rafael Desert

Overview

Fri Sunny, with a high near 74. West southwest wind 3 to 9 mph.
74° | 35°
Sat Mostly sunny, with a high near 74.
74° | 45°
Sun Rain showers likely before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66.
66° | 45°
Mon A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 69.
69° | 38°
Tue Mostly sunny, with a high near 74.
74° | 40°
RATING: 3A
SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall (hot in summer)
RAPPELS: 2 to 15 m ( 50 ft. )
WATER: Little. Should be avoidable. No wetsuit needed.
FLASHFLOOD: Moderate.
Fri Sunny, with a high near 74. West southwest wind 3 to 9 mph.
74° | 35°
Sat Mostly sunny, with a high near 74.
74° | 45°
Sun Rain showers likely before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66.
66° | 45°
Mon A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 69.
69° | 38°
Tue Mostly sunny, with a high near 74.
74° | 40°
Three Canyon
Three Canyon
Three Canyon Exit Bolt
Three Canyon Exit Bolt

Three Canyon is heavily visited by river rafters floating Labyrinth Canyon by hiking up from the river. Surprisingly, however, it is often overlooked by canyoneers. Well suited to beginners, or those looking for a less technical canyon, Three Canyon is stinkingly beautiful and a nice easy outing. The two rappels (or one long one if not breaking up the rappels) in the canyon are at the very beginning while the rest of the canyon consists of hiking in a deep, lush canyon. Exiting the canyon requires either a bit of 5.6 climbing, or better yet, simply fix a rope before you start and hand-line out. This one is not to be missed and is even more highly recommended in late fall when the leaves are changing color on the canyon floor.

In addition to Three Canyon proper, the North West Fork of Three Canyon is also described. This is a short, technical side fork of Three that energetic canyoneers can add after doing the normal Three Canyon route.

Looking up at the rappel
Looking up at the rappel
Just below the rappel
Just below the rappel

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