Mastodon Canyon - Moab - Canyoneering

Mastodon Canyon

Moab
Technical Canyoneering

Mastodon Canyon is a great route that contains several amazing petroglyph panels, combined with a nice shaded approach hike, some fun minor scrambling and a heart stopping descent into Moonflower Canyon. This route is a major improvement over the traditional Moonflower Canyon technical route.

Circle of Friends:
Mastodon 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:
Mastodon Canyon is a technical canyoneering route that contains a dramatic 197-foot rappel. This rappel can unnerve even experienced canyoneers as you literally step off into space. The views are dramatic. Mastodon Canyon requires complete technical gear. Mastodon Canyon is rated 3A II using the Canyon Rating System. This canyon is accessible year round, but the route would not be enjoyable during the hot summer month's. This is an excellent winter and cold weather route. In normal conditions this canyon does not require any swimming or wading.

Navigation for this route is moderate. The route does traverse through some major areas of cryptobiotic soil that can be easily avoided with a little care. A GPS is useful and good map reading skills essential. This canyon has an extremely small flash flood danger.

Trailhead Information:
The Mastodon Trailhead is accessible year round to all vehicles and is located within 10 minutes of downtown Moab.

Cryptobiotic Soil:
Follow the route described and 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 years of undisturbed growth before it becomes visible as an irregular, blackish mat on the soil surface. A single footprint by a careless hiker can destroy years of growth.

Video:
Enjoy a short video from Mastodon Canyon in Moab, Utah.

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