Titou Gorge (Middle)
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| | Raps:7, max ↨49ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:None Vehicle:Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 11 Dec 2024
"Descended the canyon at higher water levels after discussing with some local canyoneers that it was safe. We wore farmer johns (5/4) and were very wa |
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| Best season: | Any, AVOID rains
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15.3283, -61.3273
15.3291, -61.3270
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Introduction[edit]
Titou Gorge is a long slot canyon with several entries and escapes. There are multiple sections, and names can be confusing.
This page describes the Titou Gorge (Middle), by far the most commonly run section, which receives guided descents throughout the year.
This section is often just called Titou, or sometimes Lower Titou, which is confusing - there is a lower section after this middle section which is significantly harder!
This canyon was renamed in December 2022 following an agreement between American canyoneer Lukas Eddy and local French canyoneer Nathalie, who lives and guides in Dominica. It may be years until the public and the government call it Middle Titou.
Names aside, Titou Gorge (Middle) is a fantastic five-star canyon. Rarely on Earth is there a five-star canyon will a five-minute approach, a ten-minute exit, and excellent anchors throughout - as well as dependable flow!
For newbies and expert canyoneers alike, this one is not to be missed. This is THE first canyon that any canyoneer must do on Dominica.
The water in the canyon is partially controlled by Dom Elec. When the Trafalgar Power Station is being serviced, the water can be rerouted towards the canyon creating high or extreme water conditions. Local guides will claim that the canyon is doable at most water levels, but it is important to pay attention to rapidly rising water levels. The canyon does not have any exits. The perch above R4 offers the only partially safe area in the canyon in event of a flood.
Approach[edit]
The approach is incredibly short and simple. From the parking area, cross the ford, where the concrete road goes across the river.
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Once across the river, immediately on the right (heading down-canyon) is a faint path in the bushes. Follow this path for barely a minute, when it opens up into the stream.
Clamber down the boulders of the stream for about a minute before arriving at the first rappel.
Descent[edit]
The entire slot has around 7-8 rappels, depending on what you jump. There are literally hundreds of bolts throughout the canyon, placed by different guiding agencies, and replaced, or abandoned, after hurricanes. The largest rappel is no more than 15 meters, but it's best to plan for 20 meter rappels, in case bolts get moved in the future.
The slot is completely committing, with no escape or opportunity to get to higher ground. Avoid rains at all costs!
Rappel One has several options. Do not jump from the top. From a midpoint pedestal, jumping may be possible. Scout first.
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Rappel Two is easily jumped. A small traverse line to some bolts exist DCL.
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Some walking and scrambling through boulders brings you to Rappel Three. This small rappel can usually be jumped.
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Rappel 4 is a choice between a traverse on the left to a mess of bolts and a rappel around 12 meters, or following the watercourse down a handline to a hanging pool and an 8-meter waterfall. In high water, take the traverse.
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After R4 is a slide-like feature which can be jumped from the left. In high water, proceed DCL to a single bolt and handline to downclimb.
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Next is a traverse line on the left leading to the tiny R5. Please leave the coiled ropes here as they are.
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Rappel Six is off a huge mess of bolts on the right. There is a traverse line past the obvious bolts out to a ledge, from where you can jump or rappel around 7 meters.
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Rappel Seven is often jumped, although the jump is off a slippery rock in a fairly narrow hallway. There are bolts DCR with a small traverse line out to the bolts. This line avoids most of the flow
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Rappel 8 is the final rappel, off a bunch of bolts on the left. You'll go down right next to the waterfall.
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Just downstream of R8 is the obvious exit on down-canyon-right.
Exit[edit]
The exit is simple. Not long after the last rappel, on the right is a confluence with a waterfall. This is the first, and only, time that the canyon opens up a little. On the right, there are obvious rebar steps and a red rope here. Climb up the rebar steps to exit.
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Don't miss the rebar steps, or you'll be entering Titou Gorge (Lower) a difficult and fully committing route.
Atop the rebar steps, follow the well-travelled trail up the stream, which then goes through a few small farm. Only 10-15 minutes after leaving the slot, you'll emerge on the road. Turn right and walk less than 100 meters to your vehicle.
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Red tape[edit]
No red tape.
Beta sites[edit]
Caution!
Beta sites describe Titou Gorge (Middle) and Titou Gorge (Lower) as one canyon. They're two canyons in the same drainage.
https://www.descente-canyon.com/canyoning/canyon/21686/Titou-gorge-inferieur.html
https://ankanionla-madinina.com/titou-gorge-inf/
Trip reports and media[edit]
https://www.lukaseddy.com/dominica
Background[edit]
This canyon probably saw its first descent in the 1990's by French canyoneers. Today, it's descended by thousands of tourists per year, many from cruise ships. At least two guiding agencies on Dominica operate in this canyon.
There have never been any major accidents in this canyon. That said, someday there will be a major accident on Dominica, and the government will restrict or even close canyons. Be safe.