Canyoneering | Hogwarts Canyon
Hype:
Hogwarts Canyon is an awesome little canyon. It packs a great punch into a short time. In the middle of the canyon, which is not accessible from the top or from the bottom except via the canyoneering route, is a spectacular arch from one wall of the canyon to the other. The canyon has 4+ rappels up to 90 feet and a short easy stemming section. This canyon is very popular with beginners and experienced canyoneers alike because it can easily be combined with a longer canyon in the same day and it is very scenic.
Canyon Rating: 3A 
Time: 2-3 hours
Length: 1.3 miles round trip
Longest Rappel: 90 ft
Gear: Standard canyoneering gear.
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 |
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Navigate to 37.962792, -110.491199.
The tralhead for Hogwarts Canyon starts at the Hog Springs Recreation Area, which is 35 miles south of Hanksville on State Route 95.
From the parking area, cross the bridge and follow the sidewalk to where Hog Canyon Trail starts. Follow the dirt trail southwest until you can see a canyon coming in from the left. Cross the creek to the south and climb the lower ridge up to a shelf on the cliff. Don't try to go up the main canyon drainage because you'll soon reach a dryfall that can't be upclimbed. The shelf soon joins the main drainage, and you can climb directly up the water course if you want, but an easier climb up is available by hugging the left wall (looking up canyon) and following a fissure up to the top. This involves some 3rd class scrambling. Continue up to the saddle, then drop down into the canyon.
The canyon starts with a wide wash. After a couple minutes, you'll reach the first drop.
Drop #1: 30 foot drop. Easy downclimb on the right (looking down canyon).
The next drop is just a couple minutes down canyon.
Drop #2: 40 foot rappel anchored from a solution pocket on the right. There may be a small pool at the bottom of this rappel, but it is generally dry.
Drop #3: 60 foot rappel anchored from a chockstone. Rappel deposits you directly under a huge natural bridge.
Hogwarts Canyon Arch: A a spectacular arch that spans from one wall of the canyon to the other. The arch is especially photogenic from down canyon, so make sure to turn around after you pass under the arch.
Soon after the arch is a short stemming section over a silo that is often water-filled. The stemming is very easy and not especially exposed, but some group members may wish to bypass the stemming by rappelling from an anchor high on the right side of the canyon.
Drop #4: Optional rappel of 30 feet, anchored from a solution pocket high on the right. This rappel can be used to bypass the stemming section if group members are uncomfortable.
After the stemming section/rappel is a small elevator downclimb before you reach the next rappel.
Drop #5: Rappel of 75 ft, anchored from a solution pocket on the left. It can also be anchored from a solution pocket on the right.
From Drop #5, you can see the last rappel and the end of the canyon.
Drop #6: Rappel 90 feet, anchored from a cairn anchor. This rappel is mostly free hanging.
From the bottom of the canyon, it's a short walk to the road, then back to the parking area.
By Jeremy Dye
Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Cooper Dye, Matt Laurendeau, Amanda Laurendeau, Alex Laurendeau, Caleb Laurendeau, Rose Laurendeau, Becca Bevan, Taggart Bevan,
Start: 11:15
End: 4:30
We did Hogwarts Canyon and had a great time. The weather was a hair chilly but mostly great. All the kids had a blast and the giant arch was a big hit. After finishing the canyon, we stopped at the Moqui Queen pictograph panel.
By Jeremy Dye
Jeremy Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Anthony Dye, Arianne Dye, Miller Dye, Ondylyn Wagner, Killian Wagner, Kevin Christensen, Michelle Christensen, Christensen Kids, Ryan Baker, Baker Kids,
Start Time: 9:20
End Time: 2:40
We took the kids out for a family-friendly canyoneering weekend. Tara came down with a nasty cold the day before, so she stayed at home, and I took the two girls. We camped at Sandthrax Campsite and then started Hogwarts Canyon around 9:20. We had 9 kids between the ages of 3 and 11 plus 8 adults, so we took it at a leisurely pace. Each rappel took about an hour. It would have taken a lot longer, but we rigged 2 ropes at each drop whenever possible. Savannah hot her hair stuck in her rappel device on one of the rappels, so we had to lower her down the rest of the way. The weather was great, and everyone had a great time.
Camp Sites: Butler Canyon Primitive Camping
Canyoneering: Maidenwater Canyon, Middle Fork
Fun Places: 
Hiking: 
Rappels
Stemming
Fixed Anchors
Wetsuit Generally Not Required
No Drinking Water
Arches
Wayfinding
Road Access is Paved
Access Road is 2WD Accessible
Viewpoint, Overlooks, Vistas