Bobcat
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| | Difficulty:4B III R (v5a2 III) Raps:3, max ↨120ft
Red Tape:Permit required Shuttle:None Rock type:Sandstone | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Best season: | Spring or Fall
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36.9357, -111.0826
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WaterflowIntroduction[edit]
Approach[edit]
Descent[edit]
This canyon is absolutely fantastic. Besides Lion, this was our favorite slot in the upper part of West Canyon.
There are four distinct sections of Bobcat. First a skinny section, then an amazing skinny red slot with fins sticking out of the walls, then a long swim down a wide hallway, then the final sequence. The long wide hallway might be hiding keeper potholes that get exposed during dry conditions.
The first three sections of canyon require no special instructions. The final sequence requires a 20 foot rappel from a Fiddlestick secured to a tree, then an 80 foot rappel from a water anchor into West. The final rappel requires expert judgment and technique. It is NOT place to practice water anchoring skills.
We did this canyon in tippy-top full conditions and it was VERY cold. Do not underestimate how much neoprene you might need in Bobcat.
Skinny Canyon Warning: Bobcat Canyon is not recommended for people over 200 lbs. The second section offers challenges that favor skinny people, and was challenging for everyone when full of water. Upclimbing out of water was required for everyone during our visit. Bring a small pack if possible.
Time: We completed this loop in 7 hours in exploration mode (a very slow and cautious pace). Completing the loop in 5 to 6 hours would be a reasonable expectation for our group on a second lap.
Rappels: 10 feet from a water anchor, 20 feet from a Fiddlestick off of a tree, 80 feet off of a water anchor into West Canyon.
Mandatory Equipment: Water anchor, Fiddlestick, Sandtrap, Sandtrap pullcord sheathed with webbing, 2x100 feet of rope. Just like all of the canyons in the area, an extra rope or two will speed your group along.
Neoprene: 5/4mm full length suits, booties, gloves, vest, hood, beanie. 7mm suit if you get cold easily.
Please play fair and do not add bolts to this route. We were able to ghost Bobcat with moderate effort.
Exit[edit]
Red tape[edit]
Hiking in this area requires a permit from the Navajo Nation. I recommend mailing your permit request a few weeks in advance, along with a very polite letter explaining your trip itinerary. Permit information can be found here:http://navajonationparks.org/permits.htm
Beta sites[edit]
Super Amazing Map : Bobcat
https://amazingslots.blogspot.com/2017/05/west-canyon-beta-lake-powell.html
Trip reports and media[edit]
http://amazingslots.blogspot.com/2017/04/west-canyon-2017-bobcat-canyon.html