3 locations for canyoneering in Capitol Reef National Park

3 locations for canyoneering in Capitol Reef National Park

(Sarah Romero)


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CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK — There is something enthralling about dangling over a 150-foot gorge by a single piece of rope.

Capitol Reef National Park offers some of the most exquisite and thrilling canyoneering in southern Utah. From panoramic views of multi-colored sandstone, to tight, spiraling slot canyons, Capitol Reef is the perfect place to spend a weekend exploring.

Many of the rappel routes require a hike to the top of the route, so this ideal location combines scenic hiking with high-adventure rappelling through sandstone slot canyons.

Here are three memorable rappel routes found in Capitol Reef:

Cassidy Arch

This seven-rappel route starts from the top of Cassidy Arch. The hike to the arch is 1.75 miles up steep terrain, but the panoramic views from the top of the arch are breathtaking and well worth the hike. The first rappel is located on the north side of the arch. From there, the descent into tight slot canyons becomes a unique adventure, one that can only be experienced with a rope and harness. The longest rappel is 140 feet and the entire trip should take three to five hours.

The Wives

The Wives are a group of seven parallel canyons which all drop into Cohab Canyon. Each canyon is unique and offers its own technical challenges. The approach takes about 30 minutes, and each canyon takes three to four hours, so it’s practical to complete one to two of the canyons in one day.

While each canyon is unique and beautiful in its own way, wives three, four and five are ranked as the most enjoyable. Be sure to research The Wives beforehand and bring the proper equipment, as some of the rappels can be up to 200 feet.

Shinob Canyon—Timpie Fork

Timpie fork is the middle fork of Shinob Canyon.The rappel route is fairly short, but it offers breathtaking views—especially the second rappel. There are four rappels total and from start to finish, the trip takes four to five hours. The second rappel is the longest — 275 feet — so make sure to bring adequate rope.

For more detailed descriptions of each route, click here.

Where to stay: Campsites located inside Capitol Reef National Park

  • Fruita Campground — the only “developed” campsite in the park. Includes restrooms, picnic tables and a grill. Cost $10.00/night.
  • Cathedral Valley Campground — about 37 miles from the visitor center, halfway on the Cathedral Valley Loop Road. Pit toilet, no water available. Free, no reservations.
  • Cedar Mesa Campground — located on the Notom-Bullfrog Road about 23 miles south of Highway 24. Pit toilet, no water available. Free, no reservations. There are also many hotel options near Capitol Reef, especially in Torrey, which is located about eight miles from the park. Click here for more information about lodging. *Editor's Note: Canyoneering can be a very technical sport. It’s important to research the route beforehand and make sure to bring the proper gear. Never been canyoneering? Check out this website to book a guided tour of Capitol Reef’s greatest canyoneering routes.
    Sarah Romero is a journalism and photography student at Utah State University. Contact her at sarahromero524@gmail.com.

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