[ Homepage ] [ Introduction ] [ Warning ] [ Ratings ] [ Ethics ] [ Feedback ] [ Updates ]
Rocky Mouth Canyon is a technical canyon requiring a 1 mile round trip hike and will take less than 2 hours to complete. The first part of the canyon is a family stroll on a maintained trail. The second part of the canyon is a scramble and two rappels through a slot canyon and down a waterfall. This route has cold flowing water and footing can be slippery on the moss covered rocks. The route requires a 60 meter rope. Several slings are required to rig the rappel. I strongly suggest a wet suit or some type of protection from the cold water. 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. 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.
The Rocky Mouth Canyon Trailhead is located in Sandy, Utah. There is a small signed parking area on the east side of the road at 11300 South Wasatch Boulevard. 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 Rocky Mouth Canyon Trail is signed and easy to follow. The trail leads to a spectacular Waterfall through a short slot canyon. The trail follows a neighborhood sidewalk for 1/4 mile and than a maintained dirt trail for 1/4 mile to the waterfall. The trail to the waterfall is a great family stroll and very easy for all ages. 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.
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. Latitude
Longitude Description 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 cone followed by and easier 60 bulge. © Copyright 2000-, Climb-Utah.com |
