Big Wash (West Fork) and Real Hairy
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| | Difficulty:3B II (v3a2 II) Raps:5-6, max ↨85ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:None Vehicle:Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 1 Feb 2024
"Real Hairy full of solid ice including solid waterfalls, and required some bushwhacking due to thick vegetation (even in winter). Big Wash has flowin |
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| Best season: | Feb-Apr
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39.1702, -108.2578
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Waterflow
Introduction[edit]
In flowing conditions this canyon is much more technically challenging and rewarding than otherwise. The optimal season is winter when the drops are covered in spectacular ice falls with brown water flowing down the sandstone. It is a sight to see. But in winter, the approach is through snow and otherwise simple downclimbs pose a new threat. Creativity with partner assists and pack-drag anchors are the name of the game. If you go in summer or Fall, it may be bone dry and be very uninteresting. Although this canyon is not in the Colorado National Monument, it is in the Monument sub-group since it is in the Grand Junction area.
Approach[edit]
From the parking lot at 39.18137,-108.2737 start heading straight up the nose on the southwest to gain the top of the mesa. About halfway up you will encounter a cliff band you need to defeat. The crux move is at 5400 feet elevation at 39.17678,-108.27251 and has some exposure, much more difficult with slippery ice and snow. Slightly higher you need to get through the top cliffband, which can be done easily through a hole at 39.17601,-108.2725. Once you gain the mesa, keep below the 5800 foot level and head south until the power lines come into view. Real Hairy is exactly below these lines, but you don't want to go too far west as it's unnecessary, and you don't want to go too far east or you will have to make some difficult gully crossings. 5700-5750 feet seems to be the sweet spot.
Descent[edit]
- R0: 39.17022,-10825777, Entrance rappel from tree anchor on canyon rim, 75-105 feet depending on chosen tree. It is also possible to hike further up and downclimb in.
- R1: 39.1707, -108.2575, 35 feet from a wedged rock to protect a short drop, or potential meat anchor and then partner assist
- R2: 39.1713,-108.25736, 85 feet from a tree anchor, middle of the watercourse or tree canyon left
- R3: 39.17278,-108.25677, 75 feet free hang rappel at the bottom of Real Hairy into the main drainage of Big Wash
- Big Wash Falls: 39.17118,-108.25482, there is an optional rappel upstream in Big Wash proper. You will need to travel upstream several hundred yards by scrambling up and around a 90 degree subway bend right. Soon you will see the big falls that are a sight to see in the winter season, with gushing brown falls flowing over the hourglass shaped ice sculpture.
- R4: 39.17374,-108.2574, 40 feet from rock pinch on canyon left next to a waterfall.
- R5: 39.17406,-108.2584, 40 feet into a wide pool in the watercourse, but can be rappelled dry from a boulder high on the right.
Exit[edit]
After the final rappel, try to find a use trail and look for cairns. The first 1/2 mile is slow going. The last 1/2 mile is a flat well-worn trail and very quick.
Red tape[edit]
Beta sites[edit]
CanyonCollective.com : Big Wash + Real Hairy (WF Big Wash)