Big Horn Canyon
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| | Difficulty:3A II (v3a1 II) Raps:3, max ↨80ft
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| Condition Reports: | 19 Mar 2023
"Dad (52/guide) and 2 sons (12 and 9) about 6 hours going slow. This is more of a hike than canyon but worth it. I posted this since route-finding ca |
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| Best season: | All year
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38.6612, -109.5946
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WaterflowIntroduction[edit]
It is very short but will give you a nice taste of another area of Arches National Park. There are some impressive views of enormous sandstone walls and a unique tunnel on the approach. If you have done all of the other canyons in the Park, this is a fine 1/2 day. Great for beginners.
Approach[edit]
Be sure to go through the Tunnel, a unique natural feature that is easily reached. A partner assist may be required on the exit side of the tunnel for beginners.
Descent[edit]
The rappel off the tree at the head of the canyon is unnecessary. It is an easy down-climb to the bolted anchor 100 feet below. There are a couple spots where a first-timer may need an assist. By laying on one's back and splaying one's legs out a slide can be completely avoided. If one does slide it is a 2 foot slide. Someone assisting from below can reach up and touch the first-timers feet to stop a slide.
The first rappel is anchored from a jug handle on canyon left and is an 80-foot rappel. It can also be down-climbed but it has one spicy spot involving a short drop off a ledge.
The second rappel is mandatory as it is a 40 foot free-hang.
For the third and final rappel, the boulder anchor that is 100 feet from the lip is not recommended. If you do not heed this advice and choose to rappel from this anchor, be prepared for a horrendous rope pull and associated damage to your rope. It is a very easy down-climb to the big shelf before the final drop. Once on the big shelf, walk left for about 300 feet to a square boulder that serves as an anchor for a 40 foot rappel with a short free-hang. This can also be down-climbed slightly further left.
Exit[edit]
Hike down the drainage for about 10 minutes to the road, then right for about 1 mile.
Red Tape[edit]
Permits[edit]
A permit is required for any and all canyoneering within the boundaries of Arches National Park. Permits have group-size limits that varies depending on canyon or route. Permits cost $6 for a group and currently there is no quota limit, but that might change at some point in the future. A separate permit is required for each canyoneering route.
Permits must be obtained online through the link below and are available online 8:00AM MT one day in advance up to 5:00PM MT the day of the trip. The permit must also be readily available, printed or on a mobile device, during the trip should a ranger ask to see it.
- Permit Link: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4251908
Group-Size Limits[edit]
Canyoneering groups are limited to a maximum of 10 people for this canyon.
Larger groups sharing the same affiliation (school, church, club, scout group, family, friends, etc., or combination thereof) may divide into groups smaller groups provided they do not occupy the same canyon, drainage, general area, or the same route on the same day and also have the necessary permits.
- Canyoneering regulations are available here: https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/canyoneer.htm
Park Entrance Fee:[edit]
A NPS park entry fee or park pass is required. Additionally, a timed-entry reservation may be required to enter Arches National Park.
Timed Entry Reservations:[edit]
- Information about timed-entry reservations is available through the park's website: https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/timed-entry-reservation.htm
- Timed-entry reservations must be obtained online here: https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10088426
Beta sites[edit]
RoadTripRyan.com : Big Horn Canyon- Super Amazing Map : Big Horn
- Climb-Utah.com : Big Horn - Arches National Park
Moab Canyoneering Book by Derek A. Wolfe : Big Horn Canyon- Super Amazing Map : Big Horn Canyon (Arches)
Trip reports and media[edit]
- Candition.com : Big Horn