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capitol
reef |
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five
mile wash |
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Class: |
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3B
III |
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Ethic:
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Clean |
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USGS 7.5" Quadrangle: |
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Golden
Throne, UT / Notom NE, UT / Bear Canyon, UT / Sandy
Creek Benches, UT |
| Rappels: |
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0-2 |
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Max. Rappel Length: |
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30'
- exceptionally strong downclimbers have done this
canyon without rope |
| Distance: |
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7.3
miles |
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Typical Time: |
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7-9
hours |
| Fastest
Time: |
|
7
hours |
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Preferred Season: |
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Spring
and Fall - cool summer days are manageable as well. |
| Shuttle: |
|
Yes;
Spot a car at the end of the route by driving east
on Highway 24 from the Capitol Reef Visitors Center
about 7.7 miles, then turn right onto Notom Road,
which is paved to the park boundary. From the turnoff
drive another 10 miles to where Five Mile Wash crosses
the road, which should be marked with a sign. Pull
off and park here, or even drive up the canyon a
ways if you like, shortening your exit hike. |
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Permitted: |
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No |
| Drinking
Water: |
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Potholes
only, bring your own. |
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Additional Gear: |
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Wetsuits
recommended, especially for early spring and fall.
This canyon has been done naked in a warm October,
however. |
| Driving
Directions: |
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From
the Capitol Reef Visitor Center: Head south on South
Draw Road until the pavement ends at Capitol Wash.
Continue on a graded dirt road to Pleasant Creek
- from here you will need a high clearance 4WD vehicle;
carefully ford Pleasant Creek and continue along
the dry creek bed. Mileage from the CRVC to the
Cottonwood Trailhead is about 14.8 miles. From the
car, head southeast to the prominent weakness in
the reef just northeast of Buck Point. An old mining
track can be followed most of the way up. We took
special care to make sure we didn't drift to far
north, lest we end up in the drainage that joins
Cottonwood Wash. |
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Links: |
|
Slot
Canyons of the American Southwest
Todd's
Hiking Guide
Tom's
Latest Rave
|
| Map: |
|
{
download } |
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Comments: |
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Multiple
narrows sections of differing character, meandering
through many different layers of rock strata. Perhaps
the most enjoyable of the Waterpocket Fold trinity.
Lots of swimming with the potential for no rappels
for skilled downclimbers. Fortunately, this canyon
has never been bolted, so lets keep it that way.
Please keep it clean, no bolt kits, no chipping.
Check with the CRVC for the latest conditions, as
this canyon holds a fair bit of cold water after
recent rainstorms. Some parties have encountered
pools crusted with sticks, dirt, and other flood
debris over 6" thick. This canyon may be prone
to impassable log jams, so be prepared. |
| GPS
Park:
(NAD83/WGS84 Datum) |
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38°07'55"N,
111°10'29"W |
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GPS Trailhead: |
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n/a |
| GPS
Canyon Head: |
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38°07'28"N,
111°10'09"W |
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GPS Canyon Mouth: |
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n/a |
| GPS
Shuttle: |
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38°09'09"N,
111°05'00"W |
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| All material © Cerberus
Canyons, LLP 2004-2005 | Disclaimer
| Contact
| READ
THIS! | |
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