General Information: The route requires a 60 meter rope. Several slings are required to rig the rappel. I strongly suggest a wetsuit or some type of protection from the cold water in high water or cold days. I have used a dry top on a 70 degree day with good results. A helmet is strongly recommended for this adventure. The stream has a habit of washing rocks and debris down on your noggin. If nothing else the helmet will spread the force of the waterfall crashing down upon your head. The stream flowing over the falls is spring fed and flows year round. During spring and summer the current varies from moderate to very swift. During late summer and fall the stream flow is very mild. Water flow through this canyon varies greatly from day to day and from morning to afternoon in spring and summer. If you don't feel comfortable do not descend the slot. Rocky Mouth Canyon is rated 3C I using the Canyon Rating System. Spring, summer and fall are the preferred seasons. Warning: In normal conditions this is a difficult rappel in a cold current. This canyon is very different from the typical Colorado Plateau Slot Canyon. During high water conditions getting trapped in mid-rappel could be deadly. During high water this route is not for beginners, even with competent leadership.
Trailhead Information: Please park at the trailhead and not in the neighborhood. It was a difficult fight to get this access and the trail is a touchy subject in the neighborhood. Please be respectful, we don't want to lose this access.
Route Information: The next part of this adventure is for experienced canyoneers only. To reach the top of the slot, scramble up the obvious gully located to the left (north) of the waterfall. The first ledge system which looks as if it leads to the top of the falls is 5.4 climbing with exposure, but it is a fun route to follow. If you continue up the gully a short distance you will reach a second ledge system which leads to the top of the falls and is 4th class scrambling. Pick your poison. Route find your way to the top of the waterfall, navigation is easy. There are several large trees at the top of the falls which make great natural anchors. Take out your rope, put on your wetsuit and see you at the bottom. The first rappel is 60' from a tree located at the lip of the waterfall. Rappel down two short drops to the large platform located at the top of the last section of waterfall. The second rappel is 70' down the center of the waterfall. The anchor is a sling located under the giant chokestone located in the center of the stream flow.GPS Coordinates: If you use a GPS when hiking, the following coordinates eliminate all navigation difficulties associated with this canyon. Actually there are no navigation difficulties associated with this canyon but I have the GPS and I am going to use it.
N40° 32' 50" W111° 48' 23" Rocky Mouth Trailhead N40° 32' 35" W111° 48' 13" Rocky Mouth Waterfall
Video: Ice Climbing
Information: Last I checked this climb had access issues during the winter month's. The canyon is controlled by Sandy City Parks and Recreation so it would be a good idea to call them first to see if the canyon is open. Please do not cross neighborhood property if the gate is closed and locked. The route is just reverse of what is describe in the above canyoneering information. The route climbs a steep 70-foot cone followed by and easier 60-foot bulge.
© Copyright 2000-, Climb-Utah.com |
