Tierdrop - Arches National Park

Mark Schnupp drops to the 4th tier with the moon peering over the cliff.

Tierdrop Canyon

Arches National Park
Technical Canyoneering

Tierdrop is an amusing technical canyoneering route in Arches National Park. The route traverses some of the most spectacular redrock terrain in the area. As with most of the Moab area canyons the route is best described as a charming excursion.

Circle of Friends:
Tierdrop 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:
Tierdrop is best described as a short but fun technical route. The route requires complete technical gear. The scenery is dramatic. Tierdrop is rated 3A I 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 Tierdrop Canyon. It is of value to note that Tierdrop, Not Tierdrop and U-Turn all use the same trailhead. This makes completing a combo platter of any combination of the canyons easy to complete in a single day.

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

Eric Godfrey leads the band of merry men out the catwalk exit

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.

Video:
Enjoy a short video from Tierdrop Canyon. Video courtesy of Bob "Slot Machine" Allan. If this video fails to play on your mobile device or computer you can always watch the Original YouTube Version here.