Big Horn - Arches National Park

Big Horn
Arches National Park
Technical Canyoneering

Big Horn is a fun canyoneering route in Arches National Park. As with most of the Moab area canyons the route is more of an entertaining circuit. But the adventure makes up for its lack of a long swirling slot canyon by visiting a unique natural feature and providing a technical challenge to some breath-taking scenery.

Circle of Friends:
Big Horn 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:
Big Horn is best described as a fun hiking route with a short technical section of canyon. Big Horn requires complete technical gear. The scenery is dramatic. Big Horn is rated 3A II using the Canyon Rating System. A GPS is useful. Good map reading skills are essential. Navigation for this route is moderate. You will need an Arches Canyoneering Permit to enter Big Horn Canyon.

Trailhead Information:
The trailhead is located inside Arches National Park and is accessible to all vehicles in all conditions.

Cryptobiotic Soil:
Follow the route described and you will avoid areas of cryptobiotic crust. Please avoid disturbing all cryptobiotic crust. Stay on existing trails, walk in wash bottoms or on slickrock. Go out of your way, literally, to avoid cryptobiotic soil. Cryptobiotic crust requires five to ten years of undisturbed growth before it even becomes visible as an irregular, blackish mat on the soil surface. A single footprint by a careless hiker can destroy years of growth.

Exit stage left. Jason Price, Shane Burrows, Mark Schnupp and Justin Eatchel.

Video:
Enjoy a short video from Big Horn in Arches National Park. If this video fails to play on your mobile device or computer you can always watch the Original YouTube Version here.