The Wives
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38.2790, -111.2402
38.2835, -111.2460
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Introduction[edit]
NOTE: Now that individual pages have been created for each of the Wives, this historical page will still serve as a general page for all of these slot canyons. Going forward, it would be beneficial if condition reports would be added to the individual pages.
Order of Quality[edit]
RoadTripRyan says that of the 7 routes, 5 is the best, 3 is good, 4 and 1 are OK, and 2 and 6 aren't very recommendable. While that is a fair assessment, individual opinions and preferences will vary.
- Wife 5 has the most rappels and stays narrow most of the time making it feel more like regular slot canyon rather than a short drainage. It also has a few spots that can hold water--usually ankle-deep but occasionally waist-deep.
- Wife 3 starts with a stunning 200 foot rappel down a massive wall and is free hanging for the last half. This drainage has a more wide-open feel but narrows for the last few obstacles.
- Wife 4 feels similar to Wife 3, it starts with an airy rappel and then the canyon opens up for some scrambling and then narrows again for a few more short, fun obstacles. (Many would likely say it s as good, if not better than, Wife 3.)
- Wife 1 has several spots that can be downclimbed but the down climbing will be tricky/spicy for most. There are different options for anchors and anchor work is more challenging than some of the other Wives. The final rappel is a nice, semi-free-hang rappel with some scrambling and downclimbing to finish out the canyon. This Wife is best done last in the day because it comes out where the exit down to the campground is shortest, only a 15 minutes hike.
- Wife 2 has a very marginal anchor for R1
- Wife 6 is short and brush filled
- The One That Got Away (TOTGA) lies between Wives 2 and 3 has and has a lot of high, exposed stemming and downclimbing with few opportunities for anchors. This fork should be approached with caution. It can be completely downclimbed by the very skilled. It is highly recommended to bring a rope or webbing for a handline or rappel in case your group cannot downclimb everything.
- The Betrothed is a very short drainage that you can look into when starting the approach up the Aisle to the top of the Wives. It can be up or down climbed but the bowl at the top is tricky without partner assistance and team work. Just below the bowl is a pothole that is easy to stem over. The pothole typically has water in it and is likely fairly deep though it's depth is unverified at this point. This tiny drainage is fun to play in if you have time but most only enter here when mistaking it for the approach.
Approach[edit]
Park at Fruita campgrounds. Hike up to Cohab Canyon. The Wives are on the right side as you walk through the canyon. Definitely grab some GPX/KML and beta to make sure you know which wife is which!
Descent[edit]
Exit[edit]
Return the same way you came. Be sure to stop by the historic cabin if you're in the mood for some fruit pie. Delicious!
Red tape[edit]
Permits[edit]
A permit is required for any and all canyoneering within the boundaries of Capitol Reef National Park. Permits have a group-size limit that varies depending on the canyon or route and a separate permit is required for each canyoneering route. Currently, there is no quota limitation nor a permit cost, though that is likely to change at some point in the future. Canyoneering Permits can be obtained onsite through a self-serve kiosk located just outside of the visitor center or by sending and email to [email protected] (see format below). If you plan to camp overnight as part of a canyoneering trip, you are required to obtain a free backcountry permit, available from the rangers at the visitor center only.
Subject: Name of canyoneering route and date you will be canyoneering.
Email Body: Date of visit (single day only): Canyoneering route (single route only): Number of people: Vehicle location: Number of motorized vehicles: Vehicle description(s):
Additional Access Information:[edit]
- CRNP canyoneering permit information webpage: https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/canyoneering.htm
- Other: http://www.americancanyoneers.org/access-capitol-reef/
Group-Size Limit:[edit]
For the protection of park resources, canyoneering groups are limited to a maximum of 8 people per group in all technical canyons, with some exceptions for certain routes in the Fruita area which are listed below and allow 12 people per group. A canyoneering group shall not exceed the determined number of people (as mentioned) sharing the same affiliation (school, church, club, scout group, family, friends, etc., or combination thereof) in the same canyon, drainage, general area or the same route on the same day. Groups larger than 8 or 12 sharing the same affiliation may divide into groups smaller than 8 or 12, provided they do not occupy the same canyon, drainage, general area or the same route on the same day.
Canyoneering groups are limited to a maximum of 12 people for the following:
- Cassidy Arch Canyon
- Wives 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6
- Old School
- Beaver Bay
- Na-Gah
- Arch Nemesis
Park Entrance Fee:[edit]
The Scenic drive is the only area of Capitol Reef where an entry fee or park pass is required. Passes can be attained at the visitor center or at a self-pay kiosk at the start of the scenic drive. Fees are good for seven days and can be found here: http://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/fees.ht
Seasonal Closure[edit]
The following canyons and routes close seasonally each year, effective April 1 through August 31, for the protection of sensitive natural resources
- The heads of Burro Wash and Fivemile Wash continuing east two miles (top-down routes).
- Shinob Canyon and any route descending into Shinob including, Na-gah, Nighthawk, and Timpie.
Beta sites[edit]
RoadTripRyan.com : The Wives- Super Amazing Map : The Wives (7 of them)
- BluuGnome.com : The Wives
Trip reports and media[edit]
- http://www.bogley.com/forum/showthread.php?68536-The-Wives-of-Cohab-Canyon-in-Capitol-Reef-National-Park&p=534355#post534355
- Candition.com : The Wives
- https://www.stavislost.com/hikes/trail/the-wives-wife-1