Overview

Hype:

With a short approach and short exit, this canyon is awesome. The only downside is that the canyon is short too. With just a couple easy obstacles, this is a great canyon for beginners and kids. Be prepared to get wet. Water levels are often waist deep but can also be completely dry or a full swim. Because the wet section is short, you will likely be fine without a wetsuit on warmer days.

Canyon Rating: 3B

Time: 1.5-3 hours

Length: 0.25 mile approach, 0.4 miles in canyon, 0.4 mile climber's exit or 2.3 miles down Grotto Trail to road

Longest Rappel: 0-2 rappels to 20 ft

Gear: Most will want standard rappelling gear. Bring a 100 ft rope for the exit.

Fees: None

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Links: https://www.roadtripryan.com/go/t/utah/cedar-mesa/short

Getting There

Navigate to 37.743109, -110.256025.

Park on the shoulder of the road.

Maps

Closest City or Region: Hite, Utah

Coordinates: 37.744394, -110.253552

Interactive Guide Map

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May 26, 2023 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Cooper Dye, Matt Laurendeau, Amanda Laurendeau, Alex Laurendeau, Caleb Laurendeau, Rose Laurendeau, Lila Laurendeau, Trey Laurendeau, Ryan Baker, Eliza Baker, ,

Logistics

Trailhead: 8:15

Top of canyon: 8:25

Bottom of canyon: 10:15

Me back at truck: 10:40

Group at Grotto trailhead: 12:40

Story

We did Short Canyon. It was great for our group of 3 adults and 6 kids. I ended up carrying most of the kids across the water. It was about armpit deep. We got wetsuits for all the kids, but they didn't fit very well so we took sympathy on them and shuttled them. Cooper carried a 10-foot-long stick through the whole canyon. 

At the bottom of the canyon, we split up and I took the climbers exit up to the truck while Tara and Amanda took the kids down the wash. I drove down to camp and then hiked up the river and met them about halfway down. We ate lunch in the shade and then hiked down canyon. We stopped at a couple of cool arches (The Grotto, Big Arrowhead Arch, and Ducket Arch) and then hiked the rest of the way to camp. 

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Pictures