Leprechaun Canyon (Middle Fork)

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

‌
Difficulty:‌3A II PG (v4a1 II)
Raps:‌1-4, max ↨25ft
Metric
Overall:2.5-3.5h ⟷3mi
Approach:45min-1h ⟷2.1mi ↑700ft
Descent:1.5-2h ⟷0.7mi ↓500ft
Exit:15-20min ⟷0.2mi ↓100ft
Red Tape:‌No permit required
Shuttle:‌Optional
Vehicle:Passenger
Rock type:Sandstone
Location:
Condition Reports:
3 Oct 2024

"Leave early, before 9. Do not take helmets, you do not need them. Eat a big breakfast and camel up before leaving your car. Maybe take a gallon jug of

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Weather:
Best season:
Any; hot in Summer, cold in winter
winterspringsummerfall
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Regions:
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Introduction[edit]

A narrow slot canyon, the most challenging of the Irish. Most can stay low the whole way. Optional high-stemming to 20 feet. If you like this one and crave more and higher stemming, you may be ready for a real R slot canyon in nearby West Butlers or Trachyte or Ticaboo.

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, and while it will get you to the other forks is a less efficient option for doing so.

  • Western Approach Drainage:

This is best for reaching the West or Middle Leprechaun Forks.

  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, rather than taking the trail, continue down the drainage into Middle Leprechaun Canyon as it begins to slot up.

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. At the trail intersection, leave the trail and head down the drainage into Middle Leprechaun Canyon as it begins to slot up.

  • Fork where route climbs out of river bed

  • Start of the middle fork

  • Maybe half the approach is on rock.

Descent[edit]

  • Experienced canyoneers can easily handline the two small drops and do not need to bring harnesses.
  • Looking down sculpted walls
  • The tightest constriction
  • Stunning lighting
  • Where the canyon opens up


    • Some stemming required for our group

    • Second rappel

    • Lots of tight squeezes

    Exit[edit]

    Red tape[edit]

    Beta sites[edit]

    Trip reports and media[edit]

    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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