Big Horn Cyn: Arches

[Erik B]

February 8^th, 2014.

Had a great Saturday romp through Big Horn Canyon in Arches NP. Snow persists on the ground on north facing aspects which has dogged our plans to run through U-Turn or Tierdrop but because of Big Horn’s orientation it was almost entirely snow free. Temperatures finally climbed to highs in the upper 40’s lower 50’s making for a really pleasant day.


Although the new online canyoneering permitting system isn’t up and going yet I checked in with the visitor center anyways. It was a quick interaction. They don’t seem to know the names/locations of the routes and certainly don’t seem to have their processes down.




All the previous trip reports I had read downed on Big Horn because the approach was long and the business wasn’t that spectacular. I’m always up for a pretty desert hike so I thought the day was refreshing, although, I agree that the canyon itself lacks the personality of many others in the region.


Courthouse wash is FULL of thorn bushes and mud. Pick your poison. I ultimately sided with the mud.

In the buisness there was a touch of ice in the middle of the watercourse and a few easily avoidable pools here and there. The usual final rappel appears to follow the watercourse, however, it looked particularly cold, wet, and choked with snow in there. Others have traversed to the North and cairned a large boulder for a 10 foot exit rappel. FYI: Unfortunate grooves have started to form on this boulder. When devoid of snow I would imagine parties will resume following the watercourse?...?...?

All the webbing was in terrific shape. Big Horn Cyn was a good half day activity.

This is the face of a guy who just scratched the 5-month long canyoneering itch ...




"The Tunnel"