AtlasCedar Mesa

BushWhack Boogie

verified ACA 3B Unknown flood risk Blanding, UT

Named for what the approach does to you. The slot itself is short and pretty, with rappels that stair step down at each change in the sandstone layers and small pools and seeps at the base of the drops.

Two approaches exist and the choice sets the tone of the day. The Alcove Amble line adds bad road driving and puts the hard route finding at the end of the day but spares you most of the tamarisk; the Bushwhack line has the better road and gets the navigation done early, at the cost of the thrash. Either way you wade the Dirty Devil, and Road Trip Ryan recommends a flow under 75 cfs. There is a short section of roughly 5.6 climbing, only a move or two, on the sandstone ramp that serves as both entrance and exit; at least one person in the party should be comfortable leading it, and the ramp is narrow, exposed, and a bad idea wet. Several potholes in the canyon are deep enough to keep a person but all have walk arounds. High clearance four wheel drive to reach either trailhead.

Logistics

ManagerBLM Monticello Field Office
PermitNone required
DistanceDepending on Approach 2.6 mi to 3.5 mi
Technical3 -5 rappels, longest 50 feet
SeasonWinter, Spring or Fall
Vehicle access4WD - High Clearance
Coordinates37.9485, -110.3767

Sources