The Hype
Set among soaring Wingate walls under a sky-scape of white capped Navajo sandstone domes, the three east forks of Shinob provide some of the best scenery in the park. Most forks can easily be done in a half day, providing the opportunity to combine canyons and hikes, and tailor the day’s adventure. Each fork has a distinctly different flavor with opportunity for the canyoneer to practice a variety of skill sets. Do the northernmost fork, Na-gah, for some down-climbing challenges, and surprises around every corner…
Getting There
Access Road
Access is via the paved scenic drive, and the gravel/dirt Grand Wash road. The Grand Wash road is accessible to passenger cars under most conditions. The park may close this road when flash floods are threatening.
To get there, turn onto the scenic drive at the visitor center. Head south for approximately 3.4 miles to the Grand Wash turnoff. Drive East on the Grand Wash road for approximately 1.3 miles to the parking area for Grand Wash and Cassidy Arch. There is an outhouse at the trailhead.
From the Trailhead
Look past the Cassidy Arch trailhead sign and note a drainage pouring into Grand Wash across the way. This is Bear Canyon. Your goal is to cross Bear Canyon from the north and climb to a nice ledge system on the south side of Grand Wash, which will take you around the heads of the three forks of Shinob, and up Fern’s Nipple if you wish to combine your canyon with a rewarding peak hike. From the trailhead start hiking up Grand Wash, taking not of the slanting ledge systems to your right (East). The first step is to get on a mid-to-high level ledge. The route is well cairned. At the first opportunity cross Bear Canyon and follow the cairned route through a series of ledges. When you arrive at a relatively very wide pink and white sandstone ledge layer begin contouring along this ledge to the south, admiring the view of Cassidy Arch (and canyon) to the NW as you go. The first canyon system you encounter is Na-gah canyon. Find your way into the canyon bottom and you will soon encounter the first rap. Several of the early drops in the canyon are by-passable, but please tread lightly if you choose to find a way around these early raps. If you choose to rappel, please set your anchor to avoid rope pull grooves. See the conditions update from May 3, 2015 for information on one particular bypass.
The Canyon
Skills required
The canyon has several downclimbs that may prove challenging for beginner canyoneers or timid downclimbers. Groups should be able to sequence and problem solve these downclimbs. Hand lines and captures are usually options.
Additional Risk
Retrievable anchors are options on a few of the early raps, and are advised on one rap where the best anchor (a large tree) is far back from the drop.
Water
Knee to thigh deep water is normal at the bottom of the first mandatory rappel (this could be drop number 4 if everything is rappelled). This could be deeper if the canyon gets scoured. The next section of canyon is cold but is unlikely to hold water deeper than knee to thigh deep, and is usually dry. Extra warm layers are advised, but wetsuit is not except in the coldest, wettest conditions.
Anchor Conditions
Capitol Reef’s rules regarding anchors are as follows:
- Installation of new bolts is prohibited.
- Replacing existing unsafe bolts is allowed.
- The use of power drills is prohibited.
- Where necessary to leave or replace webbing the webbing should closely match the color of the surrounding rock.
There are a mix of bolts and natural anchors in this canyon. The canyon may have originally been bolted a long time ago. Please do not place new bolts in this canyon, as it could compromise future access to the canyons in Capitol Reef. In the places in the canyon where there are no bolts there are plenty of natural anchor possibilities, including good opportunities to practice retrievable techniques.
Gear Recommendations
Gear for rappels up to 150 ft, helmet, harness, rappel device, slings, 50 feet of webbing, and 3-4 rapides. Body armor is not necessary, but may be appreciated by beginner down climbers. Pack size is not a concern either. Bring extra layers in all but the warmest weather.
Flash Flood Danger
Low. If flash floods are expected in the area the road to the Grand Wash trailhead may be closed and/or impassable.
The Exit
After rappelling into the main fork of Shinob canyon head north toward the Grand Wash road, then turn right (East) on the road. The trailhead is approximately ¼ mile.
Red Tape
Permits
A permit is not required for canyoneering in Capitol Reef at this time.
Group size limit
Groups are limited to 6 people on backcountry routes (including canyoneering routes) in Capitol Reef, with the exception of Cassidy Canyon, Old School Canyon, and The Wives, which are limited to 12 people.
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 are as follows:
- Individual on foot or bicycle: $7.00 (the fee was increased on June 1, 2015)
- Motorcycle or private vehicle: $10.00 (the fee was increased on June 1, 2015)
- Capitol Reef National Park Annual Pass: $30.00, available at the visitor center
- Federal Interagency Annual Pass: $80.00, available at the visitor center
