Arscenic - Poison Spring

Arscenic
Poison Spring Canyon
Technical Canyoneering

Arscenic (Arsenic + Scenic) is an extraordinary slot canyon surrounded by panoramic canyon country straight out of a Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote cartoon. The views might be good but the action is even better.

Arscenic is easy to access with only a short approach hike that is followed by a fun and entertaining canyoneering adventure through an exquisite Southern Utah slot canyon. The trek back to the trailhead visits a delightful little arch.

Circle of Friends:
Arscenic 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:
Arscenic is a striking slot canyon with a sportsmanly amount of downclimbing. Part of the appeal of this canyon is that many of the dryfalls offer the opportunity to downclimb instead of rappel. Arscenic requires complete technical gear. In normal conditions this canyon contains knee to waist deep wading with no swimming required. The canyon is accessible year round unless there is snow on the ground. A vehicle shuttle is not required to complete this route.

Total time required form trailhead to trailhead is 4 to 5 hours. A GPS is useful, good map reading skills are essential. Navigation for this route is moderate. Arscenic is rated 3A III using the Canyon Rating System. This canyon has a moderate flashflood danger.

Trailhead Information:
The Trailhead is located near the town of Hanksville Utah and is accessible to all vehicles during good weather. Camping is available in the area of the trailhead. A shuttle vehicle is not required for this route.

Hiking Information:
Hikers can reverse the description presented and visit the arch and the lower section of Arscenic Canyon. How far up canyon you travel depends on your climbing skills. Experienced hikers should be able to visit the arch and a fun section of slot canyon before being turned back.

Video:
Enjoy a short video filmed in Arscenic the second week of November. If this video fails to play on your mobile device or computer you can always watch the Original YouTube Version here.