Stone Donkey Canyon
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| | Difficulty:3B (v3a2) Raps:
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| Condition Reports: | 23 May 2020
"This is a 5-star canyon with a 2-star approach. We used a VERY rough jeep trail to cut massive time off the approach. Probably a 12 mile route. I woul |
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37.3475, -111.9445
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Introduction[edit]
Approach[edit]
Approach is flat, but almost entirely sand. The walking in soft sand for 18 miles is exhausting. You would be out of your mind to attempt this canyon in a day. Two long days, or better yet, three relaxed days, is reasonable.
Descent[edit]
We rappelled off a bush on the north rim of the beginning of the slot. It was about 50 meters to the bottom.
I would not advise leaving your rope and coming back to pick it up. The approach is long, sandy and high, taking at least 45 minutes each way. Bring 100 meters of rope, and rope bags, and haul it through the canyon. The canyon is tight, but not anything like say Middle Fork of Leprechaun.
Currently (April 2020) there is a very large debris pile inside the slot. It is a vertical log and smaller logs blocking passage, at least 20 feet high. It would be difficult and dangerous, if even possible, to climb up over this. However, there is a small hole in the bottom of the debris pile. If you weigh under maybe 200 pounds, you will fit. If not, YOU COULD BE TRAPPED IN THIS CANYON WITH ABSOLUTELY NO HOPE OF AN EXIT, AND NO SERVICE FOR YOUR SPOT DEVICE. Do not currently do this canyon if you weigh over 200 pounds.
The several pools were full, and were waist-deep at most. Because this slot is so deep, it is at least 15 F cooler inside than outside. It was 65 outside and we were fine with no wetsuits.
Several parts are pitch black, at least on the sunny day in April that we went. Absolutely carry a headlight through this one.
Upclimbing from the bottom would probably be impossible, and would require a ton of effort. If you are a hiker, poke your head in the first 50 feet, then turn around at the first major upclimb. If you are a canyoneer, bring your vertical gear and start with the rappel.
There is now only a pool of quicksand at the Stone Donkey spring. Camp instead anywhere along Hackberry Creek, where there is more water and tons of sandy campsites.
Gorgeous and very fun canyon.
Exit[edit]
Red tape[edit]
Beta sites[edit]
Super Amazing Map : Stone Donkey Canyon- ToddsHikingGuide.com : Stone Donkey Canyon
- [1] : Road Trip Ryan Stone Donkey Canyon
