Boss Hog - North Wash - Canyoneering

Boss Hog
aka: Boss Hawg, Hog 2, Hog 3, Razorback

North Wash
Technical Canyoneering

Boss Hog is engaging, physically demanding and technically challenging. The narrows are hair raising and risky. Boss Hog features what is known as a "Mae West Slot", which is a slot so narrow that it is impossible to pass through. This feature forces you to climb up and over the obstacle.

Boss Hog ends with an enchanting hike down a lush green canyon to a wonderful waterfall and plunge pool. The canyon offers its seductiveness with only a short approach hike. Any descent of this canyon requires intermediate or better rock climbing skills.

Boss Hog is the finest route of the upper Hog Springs system. This route combines well with Hog 2 and Hog 3 (Razorback), which are also included in this route description. These canyons can be combined to create a full day of Colorado Plateau canyoneering.

Circle of Friends:
Boss Hog 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"

Warning:
Every member of your group must be a skilled canyoneer. This canyon could be deadly for beginners, even with advanced leadership. The following description is not a substitute for commonsense and experience. Do not underestimate the difficulty of descending this canyon. To safely descend this canyon every member of your group must be able to climb at a level of 5.7 or above.

Boss Hog is rated 3A R II using the Canyon Rating System. This canyon has a moderate flash flood danger, check the local weather report before entering this canyon. A rescue in this canyon would be dangerous and extremely difficult.

General Information:
Boss Hog is an astounding technical canyoneering adventure. Good rock climbing skills are required. Boss Hog requires complete technical gear. This canyon is usually dry with perhaps some knee deep wading in normal conditions. This canyon is easily accessible year round unless there is snow on the ground. This is a physical canyon requiring constant downclimbing, wading, climbing, stemming and chimneying.

Part of the appeal of this canyon is that many of the drops offer the opportunity to downclimb instead of rappel. There are no bolted anchors in this canyon, let's preserve this feature. Many canyoneers before you have descended this canyon without placing bolts, so please play fair. You might need to locate and construct natural anchors, which should be considered part of the game. Instead of placing bolts might I suggest teamwork and partner assisted techniques. The problem solving involved with using natural anchor and teamwork is considered to be a major part of the adventure with this route.

A GPS is useful. Good map reading skills are essential. You must be certain you are entering the intended drainage or you could encounter major difficulties.

Trailhead Information:
This route can be done with or without a shuttle vehicle. Several trailhead options are presented so the canyon can be done with or without four wheel drive. The trailhead is located near the town of Hanksville, Utah.

Hog 2 Information:
Hog 2 is rated 3A II.

Hog 3 Information:
Hog 3 is also known as "Razorback" and is rated 3A II R. The route earns its R-rating because of the high stemming involved. In several places along this route you will find sharp protrusions of sandstone that have a habit if sticking you, which is where the Razorback name originated from.