Music Canyon - San Rafael Swell

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Music Canyon

San Rafael Swell
Technical Canyoneering

Music Canyon is a clandestine treasure tucked into a corner of the San Rafael Swell where you might never envision to looking. Many canyoneers have driven past its humdrum trailhead and walked past its concealed exit without the slightest clue of what they just missed.

Music Canyon received its name on the first known descent. The story goes that a woman accompanying the group had a beautiful voice and when they reached a dark cavern referred to as "The Music Chamber" she began to sing and the acoustics were remarkable.

Circle of Friends:
Music Canyon 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:
Music Canyon is a technical canyoneering adventure. The technical portion of the canyon consists of knee to waist deep wading, downclimbing, rappels up to 20 feet and plenty of fun. Total time required form trailhead to trailhead is 8 to 9 hours. A car or bicycle shuttle is required to complete this route in the preferred method.

Music Canyon requires complete technical gear. This canyon has been downclimbed by competent canyoneers and those with good teamwork skills. All others will require up to three rappels.

There are no bolted anchors in this canyon, let's preserve this feature. This canyon has been used in the past by the University of Utah Canyoneering Program as a classroom canyon. This means that hundreds of giggling coeds have descended this canyon before you without placing bolts, so please play fair. You might need to locate and construct natural anchors which is moderately difficult in this canyon. In place of bolts, teamwork and partner assisted techniques are used extensively in this canyon so go prepared.

Music Canyon is rated 3B III using the Canyon Rating System. This canyon has a high flash flood danger, check the local weather report before entering this canyon.

Trailhead Information:
Any car during good weather can access this trailhead. There are several nice camping spots near the trailhead.

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