Wife 5
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| | Difficulty:3A I (v3a1 I) Raps:5, max ↨100ft
Red Tape:Permit required Shuttle:None Vehicle:Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 8 Mar 2025
"Another quick quarter-day run on the wives. Saw some Desert Bighorn Sheep about 100 yards off the drop in of rap 1. All anchors in good shape. Rappel |
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| Best season: | Any
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38.2802, -111.2412
38.2835, -111.2460
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Introduction
Approach
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
Rappels
- R0: 10 feet (Optional) - Anchored from a tree. This rappel could be skipped but is probably the easiest way to start the canyon.
- R1: 100 feet - Anchored from a large bush and/or small arch--both or which are set back quite a distance from the edge. The webbing for this anchor needs to be extended to the edge for 1) a true 100 foot rappel, and 2) a clean pull. If the webbing is not extended to the edge the rappel will be longer than 100 feet and will also put grooves into the rock so check your pull first. A significant amount of webbing will be needed to rig this anchor.
- R2: 40 feet - Anchored from a chockstone into a tight crack.
- R3: 50 feet - Anchored from a solution pocket up high RDC. This is a two-stage rappel and there can be a pool at the bottom. The start for this can be awkward for many. Be mindful of abrasion on the rope here.
- R4: 60 feet - Anchored from a slung horn LDC or a deadman.
- R5: 35 feet - Anchored from a deadman. The drop has a bit of a "V" to it. It doesn't look all that bad but it can and has stuck ropes. Make sure the webbing extends over the edge here.
Exit
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
Permits
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:
- CRNP canyoneering permit information webpage: https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/canyoneering.htm
- Other: http://www.americancanyoneers.org/access-capitol-reef/
Group-Size Limit:
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:
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
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RoadTripRyan.com : The Wives - Super Amazing Map : The Wives (7 of them)
- BluuGnome.com : The Wives
Trip reports and media
- 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
