U-Turn - Arches National Park

U-Turn

Arches National Park
Technical Canyoneering

U-Turn is a charming technical canyoneering route in Arches National Park. The route traverses interesting slickrock terrain and visits a location not accessible to your average tourist. As with most of the Moab area canyons the route is best described as an enchanting ramble.

Circle of Friends:
U-Turn 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:
U-Turn is a technical canyoneering route that is suitable for beginners with competent leadership. The scenery is dramatic. This route requires complete technical gear. U-Turn is rated 3A I using the Canyon Rating System. A GPS is useful. Good map reading skills are essential. You will need an Arches Canyoneering Permit to enter U-Turn. 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.

Video:
Enjoy a short video from U-Turn.

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.