Old Bill Canyon

Old Bill Canyon Canyoneering Canyoning Caving

Also known as: North Fork of Old Bill Canyon.

Rating:	Log in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rate 4.3 (37 ratings)
‌	Difficulty:‌3B IV (v3a2 IV) Raps:‌8-15, max ↨200ft Metric Overall: 8.5-13.5h  ⟷6.9mi Descent:  ⟷1.2mi  ↓2093ft No Red Tape:‌No permit required Shuttle:‌Optional 30 min Vehicle:High Clearance Rock type:Sandstone
Location:	36.0709, -115.4895
Condition Reports:	6 Apr 2025 "Super fun beautiful canyon with lots of variety and small fun challenges.. Approach from Rainbow Spring is gradual and chill. It took us 1hr 40min
Weather:
Best season:	March-Nov winter spring summer fall Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Regions:	North America United States Nevada Las Vegas  Red Rock Canyon

http://bluugnome.com/cyn_route/red-rock_nv/red-rock_old-bill/red-rock_old-bill.aspx,http://ropewiki.com/User:Las_Vegas_Slots_Book?id=Old%20Bill%20Canyon,http://ropewiki.com/User:Super_Amazing_Map?id=Old_Bill_Canyon_-_Nevada

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153404354261103&type=1&l=1a366c2e7d,http://candition.com/canyons/old-bill-canyon,http://adamhaydock.blogspot.com/2017/05/old-bill-canyon-nevada.html

http://bluugnome.com/cyn_route/red-rock_nv/red-rock_old-bill/red-rock_old-bill.aspx

36.0709, -115.4895https://ropewiki.com/images/5/5f/Old_Bill_Canyon.kmltopo

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Introduction

A classic full featured route complete with beautiful scenery, lots of downclimbs, some chimney slots, stemming, and multiple great rappels.

One of the defining features is a beautiful multi-pitch rappel that can be broken up in 3 sections.

Depending on time of year there are a few un-avoidable pools.

Approach

Leave a shuttle vehicle at First Creek TH then Drive 30mins over to Little Zion TH. High clearance vehicles recommended on the final stretch of dirt road as conditions change. The hike is fairly mild and starts as a well defined trail that eventually cuts off following a ridge line.

An alternative with no shuttle is to follow Questionable Decision Approach, then drop over the saddle near Decision Peak and head south into Old Bill drainage.

Descent

This canyon has many somewhat spicy downclimbs throughout, most of which are bolted, your rap count may vary.

After the first narrow section, there is a large 3 pitch rappel sequence with obvious bolted anchor stations to stop and re-rig. Largest rappel is 200'. There is a simple and obvious walk off ramp DCR of this sequence.

For a more confusing and somewhat outdated beta, you could reference Blue Gnome's write up. However, despite that beta, this canyon is easily done with 200' ropes without any added risk.

Exit

It is bewildering that crossing into the Spring Mountain Ranch State park is considered "illegal". However, the park is fairly aggressive about enforcing this.

The yellow exit route is from bluugnome.com, and is what you should take. However, 350ft of elevation gain and traversing off trail at the end of the long day will likely not seem appealing.

The purple line is the boundary of Spring Mountain Ranch. As mentioned, the park has previously been, "fairly aggressive about enforcing this." The rangers have been more aggressive as of late and they have the option to fine you for crossing the boundary into the park.

Red tape

DO NOT hike out through the State Park facilities or on their road. The tree cops will get you.

Beta sites

• BluuGnome.com  : Old Bill Canyon
• Las Vegas Slots Book by Rick Ianiello  : Old Bill Canyon
• Super Amazing Map  : Old Bill Canyon

Trip reports and media

• https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153404354261103&type=1&l=1a366c2e7d
• Candition.com  :
• http://adamhaydock.blogspot.com/2017/05/old-bill-canyon-nevada.html : Old Bill Canyon

Background

Rappel waypoints courtesy of Bluugnome.com

Credits

Old Bill Canyon

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).