AtlasNavajo Nation

Forbidding Canyon

verified Ungraded Unknown flood risk

A Navajo Nation descent in the Navajo Mountain country above Lake Powell, graded 3B with a longest rappel of about 40 feet and a RopeWiki time rating of VI, which puts it in multi day territory.

Access is the hard part, not the canyoneering grade. A backcountry permit from the Navajo Nation is required, hikers sign in and out at the Lake Powell Visitor Center, and overnight stays run 15 dollars per person per night. There is no road into this country. The Park Service describes the overland approach on the Navajo Mountain side as roughly a 14 mile walk requiring a Navajo Nation permit, with the alternative being a boat on Lake Powell; nearby Rainbow Bridge National Monument is closed sunset to sunrise and allows no camping inside its boundary. RopeWiki's page body is empty apart from the infobox, so there is no published approach, descent, or exit beta. Do not go on this record alone; source real beta and confirm the permit terms with the Navajo Nation first.

Logistics

ManagerNavajo Nation
PermitBackcountry permit required through the Navajo Nation. Hikers must sign in and out at the Lake Powell Visitor Center. Overnight stays cost $15 per person per night.
Technicallongest 40 ft
SeasonSpring;Summer;Fall;Winter
Coordinates37.0663, -110.9817

Sources