trips / utah/ cedar mesa

Hype

Cove Canyon, although not a destination, is a nice stop to stretch your legs if you in the area. The non-technical portion of the hike provides a lovely ramble down a beautiful canyon as it deepens on it's way to the Colorado River. The technical section, requiring ascending, is recommended for those that are proficient in ascending and looking to get some practice in.

Trailhead

Travel south out of Hanksville on Highway 95 about 45 miles to between mile posts 45 and 46. There is a dirt road on the east side of the highway here, just before the bridge over the Colorado River. Take this road, resetting your odometer as you leave the highway.

Follow this dirt road 19.6 miles. It winds its way around several side canyons of the Colorado River in several long loops around to the heads of the canyons. There are spur roads, but stay on the main road. At 19.6, just before the road crosses Cove Canyon, there is a junction. This is the trailhead, park off the road here.

Route

From the trailhead, walk down into Cove Canyon and head down canyon. The canyon is wide and shallow at this point with many large overhangs and shallow caves along the way. Follow the canyon down as it begins deepening and cutting into the sandstone. It slowly deepens, with easy walking. 30-45 minutes from the trailhead, a small downclimb is encountered. This is followed by another small drop that is easily passable on the left. Canyon walls are beginning to rise and narrow as the canyon rounds a bend and prepares for it's first big drop. Those out for a hike will want to turn back at this drop. (60 minutes from the trailhead.)

If continuing down, be sure to have ascenders and be proficient in using them. The first rappel is about 15 m ( 50 ft. ) with the anchor being a large boulder back from the edge. The last part of this rappel is free hanging, meaning you will have to pass a lip when ascending.

2 minutes below the first rappel is the second rappel. A 30 m ( 99 ft. ) rope can be used here to anchor off one of the large boulders back from the edge. The rappel is low angle with several ledges along the way, before depositing you in a (likely) deep pool. The canyon is deepening quickly and this point and becoming more narrow and beautiful.

5 minutes down from the second rappel is another drop. This drop is about 15 m ( 50 ft. ) - 20 m ( 66 ft. ) as well, but you will need a 60 m ( 197 ft. ) rope (or long length of webbing) as the only anchor possibilities are back from the edge some distance. Below this drop there are several pools, and another drop just down canyon.

Unfortunately at this point I was out of rope, so had to ascend. If continuing, it appeared you could go a bit further, but it would require more ropes. (likely a 60 m ( 197 ft. )).

Re-ascend the fix ropes you left.

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