Leprechaun Canyon (East Fork)

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Leprechaun Canyon (East Fork) Canyoneering Canyoning Caving
Also known as: Leprechaun; Leprechaun Canyon; Leprechauns-3 Technical Forks; Leprechaun Canyon- North Wash; Leprechaun East Fork; East Leprechaun. For other features with similar names, see Leprechaun Canyon (disambiguation)
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Leprechaun Canyon (East Fork) Banner.jpg

‌
Difficulty:‌3A III (v3a1 III)
Raps:‌3, max ↨50ft
Metric
Overall:2-8h ⟷3.8mi
Red Tape:‌No permit required
Shuttle:‌None
Vehicle:Passenger
Location:
Condition Reports:
15 Mar 2025

"We used a car shuttle to start from the upper trailhead. Anchors in decent shape where present. There are a few spots holding water ankle to waist de

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Weather:
Best season:
Any;HOT in Summer
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Regions:
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Introduction[edit]

Approach[edit]

Leprechaun Canyon can be explored using two primary approaches: a bottom-up hike starting near Highway 95 or a top-down route beginning at the upper trailhead accessible via the Turkey Knob dirt road.

Top-Down Approach[edit]

The upper trailhead is located along Turkey Knob Road, a dirt road passable to most vehicles, although high-clearance is recommended. This road is marked on most maps, so detailed directions are not included here. Pro Tip: Parking can become crowded. Turn your vehicle around when parking to avoid maneuvering difficulties later.

From the trailhead, several social trails lead southward following natural watercourses but two routes are most prominent. To minimize environmental impact, stick to these established routes, which should appear on most modern maps.

  • Eastern Approach Drainage:

This is most suitable for accessing the East Leprechaun Fork.

  1. Take the eastern route which follows some small hills and a shallow drainage toward the top of East Leprechaun Canyon.
  2. Near the top a the canyon a small depression is encountered that may at times hold some water or be marshy.
  3. At the immediate top of the canyon, where the first drop is encountered, a prominent social trail comprising the bottom-up approach route will be met.
  1. At the trail intersection head west (heading east would lead to the East Fork of Leprechaun Canyon)
  2. As you travel west the trail curves towards the southwest and crosses a minor drainage.
  3. Continue onward until encountering the next, more significant drainage. This marks the entrance to West Leprechaun Canyon.
  • Western Approach Drainage:

This is most suitable for accessing the West of Middle Leprechaun Forks, and while it will get you to the East Fork it is a less efficient option for doing so.

  1. Take the western route which initially heads toward what will become the Middle Leprechaun drainage but intersects a well-defined social trail before reaching it.
  2. At the trail intersection head east as it makes a big curve over to the top of the East Fork.

Bottom-Up Approach[edit]

Near Highway 95, a short dirt road next to the Leprechaun Canyon drainage provides an ideal parking area for your starting/exit vehicle. From this point:

  1. Begin hiking up the main wash.
  2. Look out for a notable side canyon joining from the west (left side, up-canyon).
  3. At this juncture, leave the drainage and ascend the slickrock nose that lies between the main wash and the side canyon. Avoid entering the side canyon, as it dead-ends.
  4. Climb the slickrock ridge, which naturally divides the two drainages. While cairns may mark the route, continue ascending to stay on track. As you approach the top, before reaching the mesa, the terrain flattens and transitions to dirt. Shift leftward toward the top of the side drainage.
  5. A well-defined social trail begins here and should be easy to follow. The trail will lead you into a small draw and then up onto the mesa top, offering stunning views of Leprechaun Canyon and its forks to the east.
  6. Continue along the trail as it traces the canyon rim. (Note: This trail will guide you to all forks of Leprechaun Canyon or the upper trailhead.)
  7. The trail will cross the West Fork of Leprechaun Canyon and another shallow drainage before curving to the southeast and encountering a trail junction in another shallow drainage. This junction is easily recognizable from the top-down approach, but may or may not be apparent from the trail.
  8. Once again continue on the trail eastward as it makes a big curve over to the top of the East Fork.

Alternative Bottom-Up Approach[edit]

Descent[edit]

  • R1: 25 feet - Anchored from a deadman in a pothole.
  • R2: 30 feet - Anchored from a deadman.
  • R3: 15 feet - Anchored from a deadman.

Exit[edit]

Red tape[edit]

Beta sites[edit]

Trip reports and media[edit]

4/1/2017: Group of 6 canyoneers of all abilities. 3 hours. Thigh-deep water in potholes that could not be stemmed over. Wetsuits not needed. 1 rappel. The first drop was downclimbed by everyone. The second drop was downclimbed by half the group and handlined by the rest.

Background[edit]

Credits

Information provided by automated processes. KML map by (unknown). Main photo by (unknown). Authors are listed in chronological order.

In all habitats live animals and plants that deserve respect, please minimize impact on the environment and observe the local ethics. Canyoneering, Canyoning, Caving and other activities described in this site are inherently dangerous. Reliance on the information contained on this site is solely at your own risk. There is no warranty as to accuracy, timeliness or completeness of the information provided on this site. The site administrators and all the contributing authors expressly disclaim any and all liability for any loss or injury caused, in whole or in part, by its actions, omissions, or negligence in procuring, compiling or providing information through this site, including without limitation, liability with respect to any use of the information contained herein. If you notice any omission or mistakes, please contribute your knowledge (more information).

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