Columbus Canyon
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| | Difficulty:3B II (v3a2 II) Raps:2-3, max ↨80ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:Required 15 min Vehicle:Passenger Rock type:Sandstone, Chinle, Granite | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 10 Apr 2021
"All anchors were in good condition - no webbing replacement needed. Beautiful open canyon.. Did an additional rappel at the top to avoid downclimb |
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| Best season: | Any, Hot in Summer
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39.0275, -108.6602
39.0329, -108.6333
39.0281, -108.6619
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Introduction[edit]
Columbus Canyon is a technical canyon in the Colorado National Monument, it features 2-3 short but fun rappels (2 with short freehangs), several natural springs, and a jaw dropping exit through some of the best black rock hiking and downclimbing in the monument. Depending on the season, the canyon can hold quite a bit of avoidable water. Columbus Canyon does require a brief shuttle, one vehicle should be left at the Devil's Kitchen picnic area.
Approach[edit]
Less than a mile from Cold Shiver's pull-off, Rimrock Drive rounds the head of Columbus Canyon and begins to head north east. There are several pull-offs in this section, park anywhere along the road with good access to the head of Columbus.
Descent[edit]
From Rimrock Drive make your way down the sandstone terraces and into Columbus Canyon. After 5-10 minutes of downclimbing, you'll come to the first rappel. The first rappel is from a small tree above the lip of the drop. Upon completing this rappel, pull your rope but don't put it away as the second rappel is only a hundred feet or so down canyon from a tree on canyon left. The second rappel lands you in a sandy room that normally has several springs dripping down the wall. From the second rappel, stash your gear and head down canyon. As the canyon opens up, you may notice the wreckage of crashed vehicles both in the drainage and on the slopes above. Please be respectful of these relics and leave everything you find. Make your way down canyon and you'll soon be treated to some exciting black rock scrambling. In the black rock section is the 3rd and final rappel. This rappel can be downclimbed by experienced canyoneers/climbers, but a short rappel or hand line is often preferred.
Note: If some in your group are uncomfortable with the downclimbs at the top of the canyon, there are a number of trees on the rim LDC that can be used for an additional rappel.
Exit[edit]
Continue down canyon until you see the monument boundary fence on the left. Start looking for the boundary fence on the right. Be sure to exit the drainage to the right before exiting the monument. Look for a faint trail heading up the embankment before the fence on canyon right. From here, follow the many social trails along the monument boundary until making your way back to Devil's Kitchen picnic area.
Red tape[edit]
A National Park's pass or a Colorado National Monument entrance fee is required to access Columbus Canyon
Beta sites[edit]
Trip reports and media[edit]
2025-04 photos and kml added. Ira Lewis, Chris Welsh, Duane & Lyle
