Red Canyon (Sunglow)
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| | Difficulty:3A II (v3a1 II) Raps:5, max ↨90ft
Red Tape: Shuttle:None Vehicle:Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 10 Apr 2025
"A fun, scenic and short canyon, although the approach is a bit on the long side. All the anchors were in good condition, though the first rap is begin |
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| Best season: | Mar-Nov
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38.3496, -111.5176
38.3404, -111.5259
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Introduction
Note this page is for the West Fork only. See this page for information on the East Fork: https://ropewiki.com/East_Fork_of_Red_Canyon_(Sunglow)
Approach
From the Campground walk about 100 yards down the road to the parking trailhead. From the trail marker head up the west side of Crescent Canyon. The trail is fairly easy to follow. About 15 minutes from the trailhead, it enters a big lush green meadow.
Follow the west side of the meadow to trail signs that cross the meadow. Once across the meadow, the trail begins climbing up to the mesa. There are a few slightly exposed sections along this trail. 45 minutes or so from the trailhead, the trail reaches the mesa top and begins contouring around the West Fork of Red Canyon. This is the West fork, the one that the Sunglow Campground is in. Follow the trail to where it crosses the West Fork or drop in where the canyon is shallow enough to enter.
Other approach:
Park at Sunglow Campground. Hike up East Fork Red Canyon until you reach an impassable 100 foot tall chimney. Retreat a hundred feet and climb up a ramp LDC with some exposure. At the top hike west to the dirt road at 38.35126, -111.50800. Hike a mile on the old dirt road to the West Fork of Red Canyon. Take a well-worn hiker trail to walk into the canyon at 38.35496, -111.51698. The PG rating is for 2 up-climbs in the East Fork that have some exposure.
Descent
- R1: (12 m ( 40 ft. )) - A low angle drop.
- R2: (6 m ( 20 ft. )) - Just down canyon from this is a second 6 m ( 20 ft. ) drop. This can be partner assisted by the highly skilled, or rappelled (recommended). You will likely need to create a natural anchor here if rappelling. Webbing is often removed since many downclimb the drop, Extend webbing to prevent rope grooves. The canyon deepens here.
- R3: (12 m ( 40 ft. )) - At the bend, the canyon drops in 3 quick drops. Currently the anchor is bolted. Awkward start to this rappel.
- R4: (18 m ( 60 ft. )) - Awkward start to this rappel. Currently the anchor is bolted. Drops into a pothole.
- R5: (30 m ( 99 ft. )) - Bolt and Chain anchor. Climb out of the pothole to reach the bolt and chain anchor. Though it doesn't look it, from the top of this rappel it is a 99 foot drop.
Once at the bottom, the canyon opens and the technical section is over. 25 minutes down a rocky, boulder strewn path along a spring fed creek with small waterfalls will put you in the top of Sunglow campground.
Exit
Red tape
Beta sites
-
RoadTripRyan.com : Sunglow Canyon
Trip reports and media
- Candition.com : Sunglow Canyon
YouTube video of West fork of Sunglow :
- YouTube.com : Richard Pattison, Sunglow Canyon movie
