Canyoneering Ghost Rider Canyon
Virgin River Gorge
Overview
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Thu 96 | 71 |
Fri 97 | 70 |
Sat 97 | 70 |
Sun 98 | 71 |
Mon 102 | 73 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
|
Thu 96 | 71 |
Fri 97 | 70 |
Sat 97 | 70 |
Sun 98 | 71 |
Mon 102 | 73 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
Bottom of the canyon before the exit.
Ghost Rider makes for an excellent evening canyon or beginner friendly canyon. Though not touted as a destination canyon, I must say I enjoyed it immensely as a way to break up a long drive while passing through. Ghost Rider has a short approach with 3-4 rappels in relatively rapid succession, followed by a casual exit. A mile and an hour are all the canyon takes.
Ghost Rider is also an excellent choice for rounding out a Cherry Canyon day as well, as it is very nearby. As of 2018, all anchors were bolts and chains.
Joshua trees on the exit.
Getting There
The trailhead is off the Cedar Pockets road in the Virgin River Gorge. This is exit 18 from I-15 about 17 miles west of St. George or 20 miles east of Mesquite NV. This is the same exit for the Virgin River Gorge Campground,
- Reset your odometer on the north side of the freeway and head north of the dirt Cedar Pocket Road. There are a few primitive campsites next to the road a short distance from the freeway. ( 12S 250884E 4093502N / 36°57'17"N 113°47'52"W )
- 1.6 miles - Cedar Pocket Wash Trailhead on the right. This is the exit point, and the recommended trailhead. ( 12S 250867E 4095450N / 36°58'20"N 113°47'55"W )
- 1.8 miles - Ghost Rider Canyon on the right. Limited parking. ( 12S 250887E 4095635N / 36°58'26"N 113°47'55"W )
Big rappel in Ghost Rider
Getting started in Ghost Rider
Route
Approach (5 minutes)
From the trailhead, follow the road a minute or so to the wash, then turn right and head down the wash. The wash is Ghost Rider Canyon.
Canyon
R1 - 2 m ( 7 ft. ) - This is a downclimb for most, but someone has installed a bolted anchor if needed.
R2 - 8 m ( 27 ft. ) - A few minutes down from R1, the canyon drops at the first "real" rappel.
R3 - 24 m ( 79 ft. ) -The big rappel in the canyon, and most photogenic in my opinion.
After R3, it is a short walk to R4.
R4 - 8 m ( 27 ft. ) - A final short rappel, then the canyon open and join a large wash.
Exit - 15-20 minutes
Just before Ghost Rider joins the large wash, look for a social trail leaving on the right. This well worn social trail climbs to the ridge, then follows a side road back to the main road right near the trailhead.
Photos
Maps
| Parking |
12S 250914E 4095590N 36°58'25"N 113°47'53"W |
| Drop In |
12S 250877E 4095636N 36°58'26"N 113°47'55"W |
| Rappel 1 |
12S 250968E 4095609N 36°58'25"N 113°47'51"W |
| Rappel 4 |
12S 251133E 4095598N 36°58'25"N 113°47'45"W |
| Exit |
12S 251251E 4095645N 36°58'27"N 113°47'40"W |
| Main Trail |
12S 251255E 4095572N 36°58'24"N 113°47'40"W |