Redemption Canyon
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| | Difficulty:4B V (v4a2 V) Raps:8, max ↨70ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:None Vehicle:Passenger Rock type:Wingate Sandstone | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 9 May 2026
"We established a new approach for this canyon that allows it to be run in a single day! The new approach is 5 miles and took us 3 hours to arrive at t |
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| Best season: | Spring or Fall
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37.8213, -110.5306
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Introduction
There are no established anchors (except one) in this canyon. Many of the rappels require a water anchor or sand trap. A Fiddlestick/toggle should also be brought for a few of the drops. Potshots may be necessary for one or two pothole escapes, however, under most conditions, a partner assist and creativity is sufficient for pothole escapes. Not for beginners.
The canyon is very narrow in places, short but engaging sections of high stemming will be mandatory for bigger people. (180lbs+).
This canyon is close to pristine. Be sure to not add rope grooves. Also, watch for poison ivy in alcoves and at the exit.
Approach
There are three approaches, including the original from Lake Powell. The common approach is down Swett Wash, which has been done at a consistent hiking pace in under 12 hours RT including the canyon, but can also be overnighted. If wishing for the 2 day backpacking experience with minimal routefinding, this would be the preferred approach as one could drop camp in the wash before ascending the ridge to get above the canyon, making a loop back to Swett Wash. There is clean filterable water at Redemption Spring below the canyon. This approach is long with elevation gain all at once to ascend the ridge.
A newer alternate approach takes around 3 hours to get to the head of the canyon. It includes a 4th class downclimb which is fairly straight forward to negotiate as well as a shoe filling glissade down a scree hill . Using the alternate approach a group moving at a moderate pace should be able to complete the canyon car to car (with shuttle) in around 12-13 hours. The alternate approach parking area is on the side of the road and only has enough room for 1 car to comfortably park. It's best to park all other vehicles at the main (Mount Hillers) parking area. This approach is less straight forward and requires good navigation skills. Lots of up and downs on rugged seldom traveled terrain.
Descent
Exit
Red tape
Beta sites
BluuGnome.com : Redemption Canyon
Trip reports and media
Background
Originally explored by Ram and his crew hiking up from the river. It is said that after investigating many "duds" on their river trip, this stellar canyon was their Redemption.
New alternate approach discovered by Mark Burnham in 2026