Set among soaring Wingate walls under a sky-scape of white capped Navajo sandstone domes, the three east forks of Shinob provide some of the best scenery in the park. Most forks can easily be done in a half day, providing the opportunity to combine canyons and hikes, and tailor the day’s adventure. Each fork has a distinctly different flavor with opportunity for the canyoneer to practice a variety of skill sets. Do the northernmost fork, Na-gah, for some down-climbing challenges, and surprises around every corner…
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The Hype
Getting There
Access Road
Access is via the paved scenic drive, and the gravel/dirt Grand Wash road. The Grand Wash road is accessible to passenger cars under most conditions. The park may close this road when flash floods are threatening.
To get there, turn onto the scenic drive at the visitor center. Head south for approximately 3.4 miles to the Grand Wash turnoff. Drive East on the Grand Wash road for approximately 1.3 miles to the parking area for Grand Wash and Cassidy Arch. There is an outhouse at the trailhead.
From the Trailhead
Look past the Cassidy Arch trailhead sign and note a drainage pouring into Grand Wash across the way. This is Bear Canyon. Your goal is to cross Bear Canyon from the north and climb to a nice ledge system on the south side of Grand Wash, which will take you around the heads of the three forks of Shinob, and up Fern’s Nipple if you wish to combine your canyon with a rewarding peak hike. From the trailhead start hiking up Grand Wash, taking not of the slanting ledge systems to your right (East). The first step is to get on a mid-to-high level ledge. The route is well cairned. At the first opportunity cross Bear Canyon and follow the cairned route through a series of ledges. When you arrive at a relatively very wide pink and white sandstone ledge layer begin contouring along this ledge to the south, admiring the view of Cassidy Arch (and canyon) to the NW as you go. The first canyon system you encounter is Na-gah canyon. Find your way into the canyon bottom and you will soon encounter the first rap. Several of the early drops in the canyon are by-passable, but please tread lightly if you choose to find a way around these early raps. If you choose to rappel, please set your anchor to avoid rope pull grooves. See the conditions update from May 3, 2015 for information on one particular bypass.The Canyon - Rating: 3B II/III Longest Rap: 150' # of Raps: 3-7
Skills required
The canyon has several downclimbs that may prove challenging for beginner canyoneers or timid downclimbers. Groups should be able to sequence and problem solve these downclimbs. Hand lines and captures are usually options. The exit rappel can also be intimidating for beginners, and at 150 feet, it might not be a good choice for beginners.
Additional Risk
Retrievable anchors are options on a few of the early raps, and are advised on one rap where the best anchor (a large tree) is far back from the drop.
Water
Knee to thigh deep water is normal at the bottom of the first mandatory rappel (this could be drop number 4 if everything is rappelled). This could be deeper if the canyon gets scoured. The next section of canyon is cold but is unlikely to hold water deeper than knee to thigh deep, and is usually dry. Extra warm layers are advised, but wetsuit is not except in the coldest, wettest conditions.
Anchor Conditions
Capitol Reef’s rules regarding anchors are as follows:
- The installation of new fixed anchors (bolts, pitons, etc.) is prohibited.
- Bolts may be replaced only if an existing bolt is unsafe.
- The use of power drills is prohibited.
- Where it is necessary to leave or replace existing webbing, the webbing should be black or closely match the color of the surrounding rock.
- Protection may not be placed with the use of a hammer except to replace existing belay and rappel anchors and bolts on existing routes, or for emergency self-rescue.
- Physical alteration of rock faces is prohibited, such as chiseling, glue reinforcement of existing holds, trundling rocks, and gluing of new holds.
- It is prohibited to wrap webbing or rope, or rappel off any arch with an opening greater than three feet.
- The intentional removal of lichen or plants from rock is prohibited.
Gear Recommendations
Gear for rappels up to 150 ft, helmet, harness, rappel device, slings, 50 feet of webbing, and 3-4 rapides. Body armor is not necessary, but may be appreciated by beginner down climbers. Pack size is not a concern either. Bring extra layers in all but the warmest weather.
Flash Flood Danger
Low. If flash floods are expected in the area the road to the Grand Wash trailhead may be closed and/or impassable.The Exit
After rappelling into the main fork of Shinob canyon head north toward the Grand Wash road, then turn right (East) on the road. The trailhead is approximately ¼ mile.
Red Tape
Access, emergency, and seasonal closures information
Up to date access and emergency information is available here: http://www.americancanyoneers.org/access-capitol-reef/
Shinob Canyon, specifically, the canyoneering routes that descend into Shinob Canyon: Na-gah, Nighthawk, and Timpie, are subject to seasonal closures. Please check here: https://www.americancanyoneers.org/access-capitol-reef/ or contact the Capitol Reef visitor center for up to date closure information.
Permits
As of January 1, 2020 a free permit is required for canyoneering and backcountry camping in Capitol Reef National Park. Please review all access information here: https://www.americancanyoneers.org/access-capitol-reef/ and here: https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/canyoneering.htm
Group size Limits
For the protection of park resources, canyoneering groups are limited to a maximum of eight people, with some exceptions for certain routes near the Fruita area.
Entrance Fee
(Last updated 11/30/2020 - check park website to verify this information.) The Scenic drive is the only area of Capitol Reef where an entry fee or park pass is required. Passes can be attained at the visitor center or at a self-pay kiosk at the start of the scenic drive. Fees are good for seven days and are as follows:
- Individual on foot or bicycle: $10.00
- Motorcycle: $15.00
- Private vehicle: $20.00
- Capitol Reef National Park Annual Pass: check with the visitor center
- Annual National Park Passes: varies - see https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Capitol Reef is a clean canyoneering area. Minimum impact techniques that do not damage or destroy rock or other park resources are required. More information here: https://www.americancanyoneers.org/access-capitol-reef/Trip Reports
Additional Resources
Access Road
Access is via the paved scenic drive, and the gravel/dirt Grand Wash road. The Grand Wash road is accessible to passenger cars under most conditions. The park may close this road when flash floods are threatening.
To get there, turn onto the scenic drive at the visitor center. Head south for approximately 3.4 miles to the Grand Wash turnoff. Drive East on the Grand Wash road for approximately 1.3 miles to the parking area for Grand Wash and Cassidy Arch. There is an outhouse at the trailhead.
From the Trailhead
Look past the Cassidy Arch trailhead sign and note a drainage pouring into Grand Wash across the way. This is Bear Canyon. Your goal is to cross Bear Canyon from the north and climb to a nice ledge system on the south side of Grand Wash, which will take you around the heads of the three forks of Shinob, and up Fern’s Nipple if you wish to combine your canyon with a rewarding peak hike. From the trailhead start hiking up Grand Wash, taking not of the slanting ledge systems to your right (East). The first step is to get on a mid-to-high level ledge. The route is well cairned. At the first opportunity cross Bear Canyon and follow the cairned route through a series of ledges. When you arrive at a relatively very wide pink and white sandstone ledge layer begin contouring along this ledge to the south, admiring the view of Cassidy Arch (and canyon) to the NW as you go. The first canyon system you encounter is Na-gah canyon. Find your way into the canyon bottom and you will soon encounter the first rap. Several of the early drops in the canyon are by-passable, but please tread lightly if you choose to find a way around these early raps. If you choose to rappel, please set your anchor to avoid rope pull grooves. See the conditions update from May 3, 2015 for information on one particular bypass.Skills required
The canyon has several downclimbs that may prove challenging for beginner canyoneers or timid downclimbers. Groups should be able to sequence and problem solve these downclimbs. Hand lines and captures are usually options. The exit rappel can also be intimidating for beginners, and at 150 feet, it might not be a good choice for beginners.
Additional Risk
Retrievable anchors are options on a few of the early raps, and are advised on one rap where the best anchor (a large tree) is far back from the drop.
Water
Knee to thigh deep water is normal at the bottom of the first mandatory rappel (this could be drop number 4 if everything is rappelled). This could be deeper if the canyon gets scoured. The next section of canyon is cold but is unlikely to hold water deeper than knee to thigh deep, and is usually dry. Extra warm layers are advised, but wetsuit is not except in the coldest, wettest conditions.
Anchor Conditions
Capitol Reef’s rules regarding anchors are as follows:
- The installation of new fixed anchors (bolts, pitons, etc.) is prohibited.
- Bolts may be replaced only if an existing bolt is unsafe.
- The use of power drills is prohibited.
- Where it is necessary to leave or replace existing webbing, the webbing should be black or closely match the color of the surrounding rock.
- Protection may not be placed with the use of a hammer except to replace existing belay and rappel anchors and bolts on existing routes, or for emergency self-rescue.
- Physical alteration of rock faces is prohibited, such as chiseling, glue reinforcement of existing holds, trundling rocks, and gluing of new holds.
- It is prohibited to wrap webbing or rope, or rappel off any arch with an opening greater than three feet.
- The intentional removal of lichen or plants from rock is prohibited.
Gear Recommendations
Gear for rappels up to 150 ft, helmet, harness, rappel device, slings, 50 feet of webbing, and 3-4 rapides. Body armor is not necessary, but may be appreciated by beginner down climbers. Pack size is not a concern either. Bring extra layers in all but the warmest weather.
Flash Flood Danger
Low. If flash floods are expected in the area the road to the Grand Wash trailhead may be closed and/or impassable.After rappelling into the main fork of Shinob canyon head north toward the Grand Wash road, then turn right (East) on the road. The trailhead is approximately ¼ mile.
Access, emergency, and seasonal closures information
Up to date access and emergency information is available here: http://www.americancanyoneers.org/access-capitol-reef/
Shinob Canyon, specifically, the canyoneering routes that descend into Shinob Canyon: Na-gah, Nighthawk, and Timpie, are subject to seasonal closures. Please check here: https://www.americancanyoneers.org/access-capitol-reef/ or contact the Capitol Reef visitor center for up to date closure information.
Permits
As of January 1, 2020 a free permit is required for canyoneering and backcountry camping in Capitol Reef National Park. Please review all access information here: https://www.americancanyoneers.org/access-capitol-reef/ and here: https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/canyoneering.htm
Group size Limits
For the protection of park resources, canyoneering groups are limited to a maximum of eight people, with some exceptions for certain routes near the Fruita area.
Entrance Fee
(Last updated 11/30/2020 - check park website to verify this information.) The Scenic drive is the only area of Capitol Reef where an entry fee or park pass is required. Passes can be attained at the visitor center or at a self-pay kiosk at the start of the scenic drive. Fees are good for seven days and are as follows:
- Individual on foot or bicycle: $10.00
- Motorcycle: $15.00
- Private vehicle: $20.00
- Capitol Reef National Park Annual Pass: check with the visitor center
- Annual National Park Passes: varies - see https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Capitol Reef is a clean canyoneering area. Minimum impact techniques that do not damage or destroy rock or other park resources are required. More information here: https://www.americancanyoneers.org/access-capitol-reef/Previous NextKuenn likes this.
Condition Reports for Shinob Canyon - Na-Gah Fork
The information provided here is intended for entertainment purposes only. The creator of this information and/or Canyon Collective are not liable for any harm or damage caused by this information. Conditions in the backcountry are constantly changing, only you are responsible for your safety and well being.
