Sandthrax Canyon - North Wash - Technical Canyoneering

Sandthrax Canyon
North Wash
Technical Canyoneering

Sandthrax is one of the more difficult and dangerous canyons on the Colorado Plateau and is not suitable for the general canyoneering public.

I am providing a route description because the location and history of the canyon are well known. If you are not familiar with the canyon's history I suggest you read the story Sandthrax - Chasm of Doom. Entering this canyon carries the high probability of serious injury or death.

Warning:
Danger If you attempt this canyon, every member of your group must be a highly skilled canyoneer and rock climber. This canyon is deadly for beginners. The information provided herein is for historical reading and entertainment and is not intended to be a guide. Sandthrax Canyon is NOT suitable for the general canyoneering public and is rated 4B X IV using the Canyon Rating System. Errors in technique or judgment will likely result in serious injury or death. Do not underestimate the difficulty and danger of descending this canyon. A rescue in this canyon would be hazardous and extremely troublesome. This canyon has a moderate flash flood danger.

Circle of Friends:
Sandthrax is part of the "Circle of Friends" program. Members of the "Circle of Friends" have access to more specific information, explicit route information, GPS waypoints, trailhead location and detailed maps. If you would like more information on joining the "Circle of Friends" visit the sign up page.

"Circle of Friends"

General Information:
Sandthrax Canyon is NOT suitable for the general canyoneering public. The information provided herein is for historical reading and entertainment.

Where Did The Canyon Get It's Name:
          It's important to know the events of our first attempted descent occurred one month after the 9/11 terrorist hijackings and the big congress mail room anthrax scare. The entire country was putting on a brave face but in reality everyone was hunkered down just waiting for the next attack.

          When we were trapped in Sandthrax I had one of those cheap disposable point and shoot cameras in my pack. After the ordeal I took the camera into a local grocery store with a one hour photo service to get the film developed.

          After dropping off the camera at the one hour photo service I proceed to do some grocery shopping while the film is being develop. When the female film technician pops open the back of the camera sand spills out everywhere. The film technician freaks out and reports she has just been poisoned with anthrax. The cops who happen to have a sub station next to this particular grocery store and who have been watching way too much TV spring into action.......

          Next thing I know I'm face down in the isle of the grocery store with two cops standing on top of me with their guns drawn.

          After I told my partner Hank Moon the story and he stopped rolling on the floor laughing he suggested we name the canyon Sandthrax, in honor of my grocery shopping episode.

Video:
Thanks to Jason Kaplan for this first ever video of a thru-trip of Sandthrax Canyon. Jason was accompanied by Nathan Meader and Penny Martens. Some of the photos in the video are from previous trips, and credited to Ben Hebb (Rest In Peace) and Nathan Meader. If this video fails to play on your mobile device or computer you can always watch the Original YouTube Version here.