Dragonfly Canyon - Arches National Park

RATING: 3B

LENGTH: 3-5 Hours

GEAR: Standard Technical Gear

RAPPELS: 2 (20 m ( 66 ft. ). and 40 m ( 132 ft. ))

WATER: Generally a couple of pools to swim, but short. No wetsuit needed on warm days.

FLASHFLOOD: Minimal, unless heavy rains right over the canyon

SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall

Hype

Dragonfly is a classic short canyoneering adventure in Arches. Big views, 2 rappels, potholes, and a beautiful deep lush canyon. If you have a few hours, and would like to experience beauty and solitude within a stones throw of the main road, this is the place!

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Comments

Three quick notes on this canyon: 1. On the approach, DO NOT HIKE ON CRYPTO! You can get to the head of the canyon by only walking on slickrock. It might be kind of circuitous, but you can make it all the way to the bottom of the head of the canyon without busting any crust. Let's make sure that the Arches administration doesn't take away our canyoneering privileges by respecting the land! 2. When we descended the canyon on 5/19/10, their was a nice long sling on the last drop. With this long sling, we were able to make the final rap with a single (factory measured) 60m rope. This requires you to set the rope length carefully. If you're not comfortable setting the rope length fairly exactly, then just extend your pull cord a few meters with a pull cord. 3. There's a ton of poison ivy at the bottom of the second rap. Watch out. Overall, a nice fun pleasant canyon that makes a nice short day in the Moab area.

by: JohnBraun [May 20, 2010]

Ignore #2 above. The bolts at the last drop are designed to be used without any slings being left behind - it's respect for hikers coming upstream. The hangers are Metolious Rap Hangers that you can run a rope through directly. Rig something you're comfortable with for everyone but the last person. Then last person should switch to a plain double-rope rappel. For a good explanation, see http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showpost.php?p=24705&postcount=5 If you see slings at the last rap station, pack them out.

by: JohnBraun [Dec 24, 2010]