Reid Neilson Draw

Located in the center part of the San Rafael Swell, Reid Neilson is a shallow but fun canyon that is great for those getting into canyoneering but not quite ready to jump into the more advanced routes. This canyon presents good obstacles to overcome but nothing dangerous. Cut into the Cedar Mesa (formerly Coconino) Sandstone, it has a tendency to hold water, although it is mostly easy and manageable. Because of this, it's nice to try this slot in a warmer time of year, to make the water more enjoyable. Reid Neilson is also very desirable for beginners as it is easy and straightforward to access.

Accessing Reid Neilson is a cinch. Travel on I-70 west from Green River, and make your way through the San Rafael Reef and up onto the top of the Swell. Leave the interstate at Exit 131, which is marked "Temple Mtn", and turn left. Cross under the freeway and immediately turn right onto a chip-and-sealed road that parallels the interstate. Travel on this road for 3.5 miles, until you come to four way intersection. Turn left, and follow the road along the fenceline and down through a gentle valley. Roughly 3 miles along this road you will come down and cross an obvious wash that drains to the northeast. About 50 yards beyond this crossing is a two-track going off the left, which will take you about another 50 yards to the very head of the canyon. If the roads are in good shape (which they usually are) a carefully driven passenger car should be able to make it to TH, or at least to the wash crossing. Driving directions from Green River on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/2jcMi795sQnZmDGx9

The canyon starts right below the TH, where it goes from a meandering wash to suddenly plummeting through a crack and down a 25' dryfall. The first 200 or so yards are boxed in, so get on the west side of the canyon, and rim walk until you can find a way in. There are a few different choices here depending on your route finding skills and scrambling ability. Once in the canyon, you can walk back up to admire the entrance dryfall, or continue downstream. Below here you will find a fun assortment of tighter sections, potholes, more open areas, and small dryfalls. There is no technical parts, no keeper potholes, and no mandatory rappels. The potholes are fun (albeit cold), and the dryfalls are all easily downclimbable. Beginners will have an adventurous time figuring out how to bypass potholes, get over ledges, etc. Intermediates will breeze through and have fun. Advanced and experts will likely find this canyon boring.

The canyon runs for about a mile until it intersects and joins with Crawford Draw, which comes in from the left. There are some potholes in this area that may have water and may need to be bypassed if trying to stay dry. Otherwise they shouldn't be difficult at all to get out of. But, conditions do change, so scout before you drop in. Below here the canyon deepens but stays flat bottomed for some ways. It does get better downstream but at that point you are better off doing a backpack loop towards the standard Upper Straight Wash entry.

When you've had enough, route find your way out of the canyon and follow the canyon rim back to your car. If you are below Crawford Draw when you exit, be aware that if you exit the canyon on the left (LDC) side, you will have to contour around the head of Crawford Draw before you can begin exiting. However, it is easier to exit on the left side, so do what you need to do. Bring a map or GPS and know how to use it to navigate back to your car!

BLM Recreation Areas are subject to the following guidelines:
• Visitors are encouraged to practice leave-no-trace principles.
• For general users, no permits or fees are required to visit the area.
• The only time a permit is required is if the activity is commercial or educational. Contact the Hanksville BLM office for further information.
• Group size in the canyons is limited to a maximum of 12 people for all commercial and organized groups, and there is a recommended maximum of 12 for all others.

There is abundant opportunity for camping near this canyon, subject to the following guidelines: https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/camping

The San Rafael Reef WSA starts just downcanyon from the intersection of Reid Neilson and Crawford but both of the upper forks are not included.