Cistern and Ramp Canyons - San Rafael Swell 
RATING: 3A
LENGTH: 4-6 Hours
GEAR: 15 m rope for belays, Moderate navigation-a GPS is useful
RAPPELS: 0, but one short section of 5th class climbing ( 6 m ( 20 ft ) )
WATER: Normally one or two small pools, usually avoidable.
FLASH FLOOD DANGER: Moderate
SEASON: Fall, Winter, or Spring. Hot in the summer.
NOTES: The trailhead requires a high clearance vehicle, however most vehicles can be driven to within 1.5 miles of the
trailhead and the rest walked if needed.
Hype:
The Cistern and Ramp Canyons loop is one of the San Rafael Swell classics. The route visits two very different canyons. Cistern is easy walking and fairly wide, while Ramp contains several obstacles, and some amazingly well sculpted canyon floors and solutions pocketed walls. The hike along the reef connecting the two is the icing on the cake, giving great views of this unique landscape.Ascending Ramp Canyon comes with a price. The crux obstacle requires unprotected lower 5th class climbing. Although not hard (5.2 - 5.5 depending on who's rating it), it is somewhat exposed (6 m / 20 ft) and can be a little intimidating to some. Beginners will need competent leadership and a rope.For those not wishing to lead the climbing section, it is only about a 30-45 minute side trip to fix a rope before starting the hike.
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