Cistern and Ramp Canyons |

San Rafael Swell

Canyoneering Cistern and Ramp Canyons - San Rafael Swell Canyoneering Cistern and Ramp Canyons

San Rafael Swell

Overview

RATING: 3A

Sat

A slight chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. South wind 9 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

58 | 39

Sun

A chance of rain and snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 53. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

53 | 38

Mon

A slight chance of rain showers after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.

53 | 33

Tue

Sunny, with a high near 60.

60 | 34

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 65.

65 | 37

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SEASON: Fall, Winter, or Spring. Hot in the summer.
GEAR: 15 m rope for belays, Moderate navigation-a GPS is useful
RAPPELS: 0, but one short section of 5th class climbing ( 6 m ( 20 ft. ) )
WATER: Normally one or two small pools, usually avoidable.
FLASHFLOOD: Moderate

Sat

A slight chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. South wind 9 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

58 | 39

Sun

A chance of rain and snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 53. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

53 | 38

Mon

A slight chance of rain showers after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.

53 | 33

Tue

Sunny, with a high near 60.

60 | 34

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 65.

65 | 37

View Full Weather Details
The Reef

The Reef

The Cistern and Ramp Canyons loop is one of the San Rafael Swell classics. The route visits two very different canyons. Cistern Canyon is easy walking and fairly wide while Ramp contains several obstacles, and some amazingly well-sculpted canyon floors and solutions pocketed walls. The hike along the reef connecting the two is the icing on the cake, giving great views of this unique landscape.

Ascending Ramp Canyon comes with a price. The crux obstacle requires unprotected lower 5th class climbing. Although not hard (5.2 - 5.5 depending on who's rating it), it is somewhat exposed (6 m / 20 ft) and can be a little intimidating to some. Beginners will need competent leadership and a rope.For those not wishing to lead the climbing section, it is only about a 30­-45 minute side trip to fix a rope before starting the hike.

Staying Dry in Ramp  (Cristina Photo)

Staying Dry in Ramp (Cristina Photo)

Amazing Scenery in Ramp Canyon

Amazing Scenery in Ramp Canyon

Full Details

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