Conditions:Gem Canyon (Middle Fork)-20260413221750
Latest: |
11 Apr 2026 (2 days ago) |
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| Reported by: | Atanases (5 reports) | |
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| Location: | Gem Canyon (Middle Fork) | |
| Quality: | ||
| Waterflow: | Dry |
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| Wetsuit: | None |
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| Water temperature: | ||
| Difficulty: | Normal |
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| Time: |  10 hours
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Team: 6 people with experience level Intermediate to Expert
Trip report URL:
Comments: This canyon is more of a grand adventure across the swell rather than a focused canyon trip. We parked at the west rim trailhead the night before, and drove out to the start of the canyon early in the morning. Both require High Clearance 4WD vehicle. The approach hike is scenic. a 2 stage 150' entry rappel down a side draining drops you into the main canyon. A short hike down brings you to a short slot section with 2 notable downclimbs. the canyon opens up again for a while before bighorn falls (200') and again before the small final rappel of around 30'. The hike out is quite scenic, and crosses the muddy river dozens of times over the next few hours before reaching the exit ramp that steeply exits the canyon.
While a beautiful day, most of it consists of setting up/retrieving a shuttle, a non technical hike to and from the canyon, and washing walking between the very short technical sections. I could only recommend this canyon to those looking for a remote hike with some additional minor ropework.
All condition reports
| Date | Quality | Waterflow | Wetsuit | Difficulty | Time | Team | Reported by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry
| None
| Normal | 10 hours
| 6 people Intermediate to Expert | Atanases (5 reports) | ||
Comment: This canyon is more of a grand adventure across the swell rather than a focused canyon trip. We parked at the west rim trailhead the night before, and drove out to the start of the canyon early in the morning. Both require High Clearance 4WD vehicle. The approach hike is scenic. a 2 stage 150' entry rappel down a side draining drops you into the main canyon. A short hike down brings you to a short slot section with 2 notable downclimbs. the canyon opens up again for a while before bighorn falls (200') and again before the small final rappel of around 30'. The hike out is quite scenic, and crosses the muddy river dozens of times over the next few hours before reaching the exit ramp that steeply exits the canyon.
While a beautiful day, most of it consists of setting up/retrieving a shuttle, a non technical hike to and from the canyon, and washing walking between the very short technical sections. I could only recommend this canyon to those looking for a remote hike with some additional minor ropework.
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