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Summary: |
A scenic,
non-technical slot canyon with a few climbing
obstacles. Having at least one good climber in
your group to help the less experienced is
advised. The canyon is usually dry, but pools
and mud may be encountered after rainstorms. Do not attempt this hike if heavy rains
threaten. |
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Directions: |
The road to
Round Valley Draw branches off of Cottonwood
Road (note: Cottonwood Road is the 46 mile long
dirt road which connects Highway 89 with Highway
12 at Cannonville, UT) about half way between Kodachrome Basin
State Park and Grosvenor Arch. Look for the sign
for Round Valley Draw
on the south side of Cottonwood Road. Head south
on this road (Rushbed Road, also called Forest
Road #422). Drive ~2 miles to a parking spot and
trail register. |
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Hike Description: |
From the car
park, begin walking down the wide rocky wash.
After about a mile a sandstone shelf appears
under foot, and soon you reach the beginning of
the slot canyon. You will be faced with a bit of a down
climb to work your way into this narrow and
twisty slot. Once in the bottom, simply head
down canyon. There are a few boulder problems as
you proceed, but be aware that the canyon can
change with every flood. The canyon is deep,
narrow and sculpted, but the yellow/gray walls
and dim lighting make getting good photographs
difficult. As you near the junction with
Hackberry Canyon the canyon widens and there is
a hiker trail on the right which follows the rim
back to the top of Round Valley Draw. Proceeding
a short distance down canyon, Hackberry Canyon
enters from the right.
This makes for a good turn-around point. Those
wishing to see the canyon in reverse can retrace
their steps, otherwise follow the hikers trail
up to, and along, the rim back to your vehicle. |
