Foolin' Around

Foolin' Around is another great canyon in a great neighborhood, that perhaps doesn't get as much attention as it's siblings Shenanigans and Monkey Business. The approach and exit are longer, but the canyon is every bit as good as any in North Wash, especially if you aren't suited for the super skinny experience of Shenanigans.

Access Road: All of the canyons in the West Fork of Butler drainage are accessed from Cedar Point road, which heads east from Highway 95 at mile marker 25.5. Follow the main track of Cedar Point road for 3.9 miles to an intersection with a clump of trees, known as the "4 way." Continue northeast on the main track 1.5 miles to another small intersection, where an old faded seismic survey road cross Cedar Point Road. There is parking for a handful of cars here.

Optional Car Shuttle: You can spot a car at the 4 way if you exit via the Kelsey Exit. Or, follow the track heading south from the "4 way" an additional few hundred yards, and spot your car there. This eliminates 20-30 minutes of hiking at the end of the day.

From the Trailhead: Follow the seismic survey road east. About 10 minutes in, you will cross the first drainage (Monkey Business.) The second drainage is Shenanigans, around 20 minutes from the car. Foolin' Around is the 3rd drainage you cross, roughly 30 minutes from the car. Head down this drainage to the start of the technical narrows.

Skills required: Downclimbing, squeezing, possible pothole escapes and natural anchor scenarios.

Water: Foolin' Around has significant sustained wading near the end of the narrows, prior to the last big rappel. Wetsuits are highly recommended in cooler weather for this section. It is possible to bypass this section on canyon left, if you hope to stay dry. You can also exit the canyon at this point, if desired.

Natural Anchors: North Wash is considered a "natural anchor" area. There are currently no bolts in North Wash. Please be competent with natural anchor evaluation and building skills, and plan accordingly.

Gear Recommendations: Technical Canyoneering Kit - including helmet, harness, rappel device, ascending gear
Webbing - 40'
Rapides - 4
Pads - Knee, elbow, gloves
Bunny strap

Flash Flood Danger: Low, except when raining directly overhead.

After the final 100 foot rappel begin hiking downstream. After about 30 minutes, the Shenanigans drainage will enter on canyon right. Another 1/4 mile below that, a fault line canyon crosses the main drainage, and gives passage back to the rim due west.

The Kelsey Exit: This fault line canyon is known as the Kelsey Exit, and looks rather unlikely at first view. But it all goes, with 4th class climbing and a traverse out to the right back on to slickrock to gain the final rim. Be careful, wear a helmet, and route find carefully. Once at the rim, hike cross country back to your car spot.

Optional Exit: There is an option to spot a car at 3 Forks on Hwy 95, and exit directly down Butler to the road. If you like long walks in the sand, this is for you.

BLM Land: Foolin' Around is located on BLM land, and currently there are no regulations or access issues.

Most slot canyons are found on public lands managed by the US Government, although a few can be found on private lands. The US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the National Park Service manage these lands. Each area tends to have unique management issues. As a result, there is not a uniform set of rules governing our use of these lands. For current issues related to canyoneering access, please visit www.americancanyoneers.org.