The Squeeze | San Rafael Swell

Canyoneering The Squeeze - San Rafael Swell Canyoneering The Squeeze

San Rafael Swell

Overview

RATING: 3B

Sat

Sunny. High near 48, with temperatures falling to around 42 in the afternoon. East southeast wind around 2 mph.

48 | 27

Sun

Mostly sunny, with a high near 47. West northwest wind around 2 mph.

47 | 26

Mon

Sunny, with a high near 43.

43 | 25

Tue

Sunny, with a high near 41.

41 | 20

Wed

Mostly sunny, with a high near 38.

38 | 18

View Full Weather Details
SEASON: Spring through Fall
GEAR: Standard Technial Gear, Wetsuit, Pothole Escape Gear
RAPPELS: Up to 16 and 30 m ( 99 ft. )
WATER: Generally quite a bit. Wetsuit required.
FLASHFLOOD: High. Do not enter if threatening rain.

Sat

Sunny. High near 48, with temperatures falling to around 42 in the afternoon. East southeast wind around 2 mph.

48 | 27

Sun

Mostly sunny, with a high near 47. West northwest wind around 2 mph.

47 | 26

Mon

Sunny, with a high near 43.

43 | 25

Tue

Sunny, with a high near 41.

41 | 20

Wed

Mostly sunny, with a high near 38.

38 | 18

View Full Weather Details
Tom Jones downclimbing into a pool

Tom Jones downclimbing into a pool

Tom Jones big rappel after the keepers

Tom Jones big rappel after the keepers

The Squeeze, draining high off the Moroni Slopes, is arguably one of the best and most difficult canyons in the Swell. From either of the two possible trailheads, it is a long day and physical canyon. The reward is an amazingly beautiful and fun canyon, including two natural bridges you go through. Because of the challenges, intermediate canyoneers or better. The canyon, when 1/3 or 1/2 full of water can provide serious pothole challenges, go prepared. If you happen to visit after rains when it is full, it is a delightful romp, and you'll wonder what all the "difficult potholes" talk is about.

The crux keeper pothole often has a fixed line to allow traversing above it, however on my first trip through; the line was missing. A stick clip can be handy in the crux, as well as 1 or 2 other potholes, and likely more expedient than pack tosses depending on your clipping skill level.

Note: There are three approaches shown here. The Factory Butte Trailhead is the shortest time-wise and recommended if you are worried about group speed. From Hidden Splendor, the recommended route is the Pictograph Approach, which is shorter and offers even more of the excellent upper canyon. Finally, the old recommendation of going all the way through the Gorge to the Cottonwoods and up the Moroni Slopes on the same final section of the approach as the Factory Butte route. This option is shown, but not recommended.
Commentary: Rumor has it the Squeeze was done years ago using only natural anchors. Doing the canyon completely on natural anchors would be a challenge! In recent years, bolts have sprung up, and some canyoneers have placed bolts while others have removed them. Currently (2010) the canyon seems bolted in a fair way. If you go through at full water levels, you may scoff at the proliferation of bolts protecting short downclimbs and drops. Be assured, however, at lower water the bolts may be required. This canyon is difficult to find natural anchors in if an anchor is missing. The bottom line? Please leave the bolts alone in the canyon. If you don't wish to use them, then don't, but don't pull them.
Tom Jones Final Rappel

Tom Jones Final Rappel

Ryan Cornia in the Squeeze

Ryan Cornia in the Squeeze

Full Details

To help keep the riff-raff out, and encourage participation, you must login to see the details.

Login For Full Details!

- OR if you are not yet registered -

Register
(It is free and easy.)

Comments

Want to make a comment? Login and let yourself be heard.