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.
Of the 7 routes, 5 and 3 are the best, 4 and 1 are ok, and 2 and 6 aren't very recommendable. Wife 3 starts with a stunning 200 foot rappel that is free hanging for the last half. Wife 1 has several good chimneys to down-climb and a nice free-hang rappel, and should be done the last one of the day because it comes out where the exit down to the campground is shortest, only a 15 minutes hike.
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.
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. A separate permit is required for each canyoneering route. Currently, there is no quota limit nor permit cost, though that is likely to change at some point in the future. 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] using the following format:
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):
If you plan to camp overnight as part of a canyoneering trip, you are required to obtain a free backcountry permit, available at the visitor center.
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]
Canyoneering groups are limited to a maximum of 12 people in Wives 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 Canyoneering groups are limited to a maximum of 8 people in TOTGA
Groups larger than 8 or 12 sharing the same affiliation (school, church, club, scout group, family, friends, etc., or combination thereof) 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.
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
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