Minaret Canyon
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| | Difficulty:3A II (v3a1 II) Raps:3-8, max ↨40ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:None Vehicle:4WD - High Clearance Rock type:Sandstone | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 4 Nov 2023
"Nice little photogenic canyon, would be a favorite if access were easier. Between the drive and the relatively long (although enjoyable) approach, it |
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| Best season: | Spring to Autumn
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37.1673, -112.7947
37.1506, -112.7883
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Introduction
Minaret is a short and pretty canyon that provides access to the East Fork of the Virgin River. Minaret does not offer significant technical challenges, but it is quite photogenic. It is also very remote, so make sure you have take appropriate precautions and have extra fuel, food, and water in your vehicle before setting out.
Approach
Drive a little over 10 miles from the Elephant Cove trailhead along Elephant Cove road and then BLM 20. These roads have deep sand and 4WD high clearance is required. Find a parking area on the left hand side before a steep hill plunges down into a wash. Walk down the road, then head west and then north along the wash. This is the Minaret drainage. Continue 1.7 miles down a wash and through sculpted narrows with some mildly interesting obstacles until you reach the technical section.
Descent
The technical section is short, but pretty. All drops are bolted, likely for guided tours.
R1 - 15ft from bolts RDC
Two bolted downclimbs follow, after which the canyon opens up for a short stretch. When the narrows resume, there are two further bolted downclimbs, followed by two rappels.
R2 - 40ft from bolts RDC down a chute
R3 - 25ft from bolts LDC
After one final downclimb, the technical section ends in a riparian corridor frequented by cows. Downcanyon is the East Fork of the Virgin River.
Exit
Continue downcanyon towards the Virgin River. Exit RDC up a very reasonable sandstone ramp and climb to the top. Follow social trails back to the beginning of the technical section, then return up the wash to the parking area.
