Stegosaur Canyon (North Fork)
Beta for the North fork of Stegosaur Canyon in Capitol Reef National Park
Duration
5.5
- 7.5 hrs.
Longest Rappel
115 ft
Number of Rappels
3
Country: united states
State/Province: UT
City or Nearest City: Torrey
Camping:

Cook's Mesa Camping Area
Approaches:

First Rappel:

Last Rappel:

Exits:

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Essential Canyoneering Gear

Descender - Hoodoo

Carabiners

Quicklinks

Harness

Gloves

Rope

Helmet

Personal Anchor System

Canyoneering Shoes (LA Sportiva TX3)

Webbing (Bluewater)

VT Prusik

Pull Cord
Seasonal Gear Recommendations
for Stegosaur Canyon (North Fork)
Campsites Nearby
Stegosaur Canyon (North Fork) Rappels
- 3 rappels

Rappel 1

More anchor information coming soon.
Overview
This rappel is on a very low-angled slope. The max distance this rappel could be is about 115 ft., but you can get off rappel sooner and scramble down the rest of the slab. Once you reach the bottom, head in a southern direction to drop into the North Fork of Stegosaur. It is very obvious where the canyon is because the natural features of the land at the bottom of rappel 1 will take you there.
Bottom View Photos

Downclimb
Length: 25 ft

More anchor information coming soon.
Overview
This drop can be rappelled if desired but is a straightforward and easy downclimb. It is encountered shortly after dropping into the North Fork of Stegosaur Canyon after the first low-angle rappel.
Bottom View Photos

Stemming
Length: 50 ft

More anchor information coming soon.
Overview
Between the first and last rappels, there is a fun, tight, and short slot section that requires some stemming. Depending on the time of the year and whether or not it has rained recently, there can be some water midway through the slot section, but nothing that would require a wet suit.
Tips
It is easier to stem up higher where there is more room but can be a fin squeeze down lower if you are smaller.
Top View Photos

Rappel 2

More anchor information coming soon.
Overview
This rappel immediately follows the exit of the tight slot section. The rappel is over two stages but is very straightforward.
Tips
Extend the webbing to reduce rope groves and maintain an easy pull.
Top View Photos
Stegosaur Canyon Gallery
Stegosaur Canyon (North Fork) Trip Reports
September 26, 2020
The North fork of this canyon is definitely the preferred route. It takes a bit longer, but it provides a smidge more adventure. Clear skies when we descended the canyon. We finished up as soon as it was got dar and didn't end up needing our headlamps, but we were glad we had them just in case. The rappels are not the most extreme in this canyon, but the tight slot section is very fun!