Overview

Hype:

Wife 4 Canyon in Capitol Reef National Park is a technical slot canyon that balances challenging obstacles with beautiful sandstone formations. This route features several rappels, with the longest typically around 75 feet, and a mix of narrow slots and open desert scenery. The canyon's approach begins near Fruita, requiring a short but steep hike to reach the entry point. Known for its accessible yet thrilling challenges, Wife 4 is a popular choice among canyoneers looking for an intermediate-level experience. Permits are free but required and can be obtained at the Capitol Reef Visitor Center. With its blend of technical sections and stunning views, Wife 4 offers an exciting day of exploration in the heart of Utah’s canyon country.

Canyon Rating: 3A

Time: 2.5 hours from Betrothed to bottom of canyon

Length: 0.2 miles with 1 mile approach from trailhead to Betrothed and 0.4 mile approach from Betrothed to top of Wife 4

Longest Rappel: 75 ft

Gear: 150 foot rope. Standard rappelling gear.

Fees: Entrance Fee

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

Permits: Permits are required https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/canyoneering.htm

Links: http://www.bluugnome.com/cyn_route/cap-reef/cap-reef_the-wives/cap-reef_the-wives.aspx

Getting There

Navigate to 38.283433, -111.246052.

Parking in the parking lot on the north side of the road.

Route

Approach

Hike up Cohab Canyon until you get to Betrothed Canyon. Then take the cliff route south past Betrothed Canyon until you get up on top of the cliffs. Stay relatively high as you travel west to the top of the canyon.

Route

Rappel #1: 80 ft off a tree at the head of the canyon.

Rappel #2: 40 ft off two solution pockets down a narrow, sloped crack. Can be downclimbed.

Downclimb #1: 15 ft, moderate difficulty. Easiest to walk out on the right then chimney down.

Maps

Closest City or Region: Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Coordinates: 38.279372, -111.241845

Interactive Guide Map

Download Guide Map

View map fullscreen.

December 21, 2024 Trip Report

By Ryan Hone

Trip Members

Tara Dye, Anthony Dye, Ondylyn Wagner, Luke Galyan, Tracy Kwan, Tom Collins, John Diener, Zac Hansen Jennii Fielding,

Story

Solstice 2024, celebrating The Gnomes qualifying year for Medicare! The plan this year was to take the plunge into polygamy, catering to the whims of 7 wives. Some wives were total knockouts, while others had, hmm, let's say 'flavor', like a dash of grime, a pinch of stink, leaving you with a few scrapes and bruises. The intricacies of multiple relationships quickly became sidesplittingly apparent. Jealousy popped up as some wives received more attention, resulting in dramatic flare-ups and temporary vanishing acts. The one that got away (TOTGA) proposed spine tingling descents complete with the Aussie kiss. All in all, polygamy isn't for the faint of heart, but with this wacky crew, balance was somehow, improbably achieved. A big thank you to the Dyes and their campers and Tre’s ridiculous ?cooking, mixology skillset! Happy holidays to everyone, hope you all find yourself healthy, and happy.

Pictures

April 23, 2016 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Anthony Dye, Arianne Dye, Miller Dye, Brenen Dye, Shaylin Dye, Miguel Gomez,

Logistics

10:15 Leave parking lot. Start hiking Cohab Canyon.

11:15 Betrothed Canyon turnoff.

1:00 Top of Wife 4 Canyon.

2:15 Bottom of Wife 4 Canyon (split up, explore canyons from bottom, etc.).

4:30 Top of Wife 5 Canyon.

5:45 Bottom of Wife 5 Canyon.

6:00 Parking lot. 

Story

We did this canyon as a big group and had lots of fun. It was super windy, and I forgot the girls' jackets at home, so I ended up buying a hoodie at the visitor center for Madi, and Savannah used mine. But at the Betrothed turnoff, Madi tripped and fell on a bunch of cactus. Her whole hoodie was filled with prickly spines. Luckily Arianne had an extra shirt for Miller that Madi could fit into. 

Video of Trip

Pictures