Overview

Hype:

Happy Dog Canyon is an awesome canyon on the Waterpocket Fold. Near the top of the canyon on the approach hike is a huge arch that feels like an alcove. The canyon is rated R for several sections of high stemming, up to 40 feet off the ground. Several of the drops must be rigged with a fiddlestick-type device or with retrievable anchors (sand trap, water pocket, etc.). Other drops require meat anchors with partner captures for the last person down. Watch out for poison ivy!

Canyon Rating: 4B R

Time: 7-10 hours

Length: Technical Portion: 1.3 miles, Total: 3.0 miles

Longest Rappel: 140 ft

Gear: Standard canyoneering gear. A wetsuit is required.

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
Features:
  • Rappels
  • Downclimbs
  • Swimming
  • Wading
  • Stemming
  • High Stemming
  • Anchor Building - Fiddlestick
  • Anchor Building - Sand Trap
  • Anchor Building - Water Anchor
  • Wetsuit Generally Required
  • Non-potable Water - filterable
  • Wayfinding

Links: http://www.bluugnome.com/
http://climb-utah.com/

Getting There

Navigate to 37.616173, -110.798772.

Maps

Closest City or Region: Waterpocket Fold, Utah

Coordinates: 37.576259, -110.891987

Interactive Guide Map

Download Guide Map

View map fullscreen.

April 22, 2018 Trip Report

By Anthony Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Anthony Dye, Kevin Christensen, Jared Robertson, Ken McCarthy, Mark Burnham,

Story

Sunday we did Happy Dog which was a lot of fun and very physical! Even though it was also in "water park mode" for the most part. Once Again, my focus had been on Poe, so, although I had read the beta before the trip, we did not expect so much stemming and squeezing. Again, a good reminder for myself to focus on all parts of a trip, and not just the crux.

Video of Trip

Pictures