Stone Donkey and Deer Creek Canyons

[qedcook]

There must be a better way to access these canyons than the beta that is out there...

Any thoughts from anyone?

If anyone is wanting to do these canyons and is looking for a partner, I'm available. :)

[Scott P]

There must be a better way to access these canyons than the beta that is out there...

Do you mean shorter? I think the best way to do Stone Donkey is to go down Round Valley Draw, down Hackberry, and then do Stone Donkey before exiting out the Coxcomb. It's two days at a fast pace. The route from Rock Springs Bench is highly scenic too.

The shortest "normal" way into Stone Donkey is via the Goulding Trail. I've heard that you can make a more direct route from the east, but that it is very rugged.

Stone Donkey isn't that long, but it has perhaps the deepest and one of the most impressive slots that I've ever seen.

As far as Deer Creek goes (I haven't done it), I don't think there are shorter ways in there since the Paria is closed to ATV's.

[qedcook]

Could you start from here for Deer Creek?

37.383476, -112.096796
(37°23'00.5"N 112°05'48.5"W)

And here for Stone Donkey?

37.404243, -111.978646
(37°24'15.3"N 111°58'43.1"W)

[french_de]

Could you start from here for Deer Creek?

37.383476, -112.096796
(37°23'00.5"N 112°05'48.5"W)

And here for Stone Donkey?

37.404243, -111.978646
(37°24'15.3"N 111°58'43.1"W)

We hiked and canyoneered the Deer Range Point and Deer Creek canyons about 12 years ago. If this is the same Deer Creek that you are referring to we parked
here

37°20'17.64"N 112° 3'7.53"W

along an old oil well road and hiked about 2.5 miles to the heads of the canyons. Originally found the routes and info in one of Kelsey's books.

[Scott P]

And here for Stone Donkey?

37.404243, -111.978646
(37°24'15.3"N 111°58'43.1"W)

That's the way we came in the first time we did the canyon in the 1990's. You'll need a good 4wd though. It's a very scenic route.