Overview

Hype:

The Cistern and Ramp Canyons loop is one of the San Rafael Swell classics. The route visits two very different canyons. Cistern Canyon is easy walking and fairly wide while Ramp contains several obstacles, and some amazingly well-sculpted canyon floors and solutions pocketed walls. The hike along the reef connecting the two is the icing on the cake, giving great views of this unique landscape.

Ascending Ramp Canyon comes with a price. The crux obstacle requires unprotected lower 5th class climbing. Although not hard (5.2 - 5.5 depending on who's rating it), it is somewhat exposed (20 ft) and can be a little intimidating to some. Beginners will need competent leadership and a rope. For those not wishing to lead the climbing section, it is only about a 30­-45 minute side trip to fix a rope before starting the hike.

Canyon Rating: 2A

Time: 4-6 hour loop

Length: 1.9 mile approach from top of Ramp Canyon, 1.3 miles in Cistern Canyon, 1.5 miles to bottom of Ramp Canyon, 1.5 miles in Ramp Canyon

Longest Rappel: None, but a short section of 5th class climbing in Ramp Canyon

Gear: A short rope for belays

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/san-rafael-swell/cisternramp

Getting There

Navigate to 38.573660, -110.907519.

A four wheeler or very narrow side-by-side is required if you want to drive the Behind the Reef Trail to the top of Cistern Canyon. Otherwise, start the loop at the top of Ramp Canyon.

Maps

Closest City or Region: San Rafael Swell, Utah

Coordinates: 38.584460, -110.882247

Interactive Guide Map

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December 17, 2023 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Anthony Dye, Luke Galyan, Tracy Kwan,

Logistics

Start: 11:10

Top of Cistern: 12:20

Bottom of Cistern: 1:00

Bottom of Ramp: 2:15

Top of Ramp: 3:20

 

Story

Luke, Tracy, Anthony, and I did Cistern and Ramp canyons. Ondy wasn't feeling good, so she hung out in the truck and read a book and napped. The canyons were very chill, mostly hiking with only a couple climbing spots. 

As we were walking along the bottom of the Swell between the two canyons, we gave Luke a hard time for following every wash meander so his GPS track would have a full length rather than cutting the corners. Going up Ramp Canyon, we got to the bottom obstacle and couldn't get up. Eventually we gave up trying and took the bypass along the canyon wall instead. It was nice doing dry canyons since our wetsuits had all frozen solid during the night.

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Pictures