AtlasEscalante

Headless Hen

verified ACA 4B R Unknown flood risk Escalante, UT

Nonstop keeper pothole work in the right conditions, and a canyon that has been descended without leaving a single anchor behind.

The party that wrote the RopeWiki descent ghosted the whole thing: potshots and throw bags, sandtraps, meat anchors, assisted downclimbs, jumps, and ascenders or prussiks to get back out. They used no hooks and no deadman anchors, largely because there was no rock available to build one. That detail is the warning. If the potholes are in keeper mode and your escape kit is thin, there is no plan B waiting in the canyon. Rappel count runs 0 to 5 depending on line and conditions, longest 40 feet. In early October 2015 many potholes were partly filled with water. Most parties link it with Raven Canyon next door, which is how Road Trip Ryan and BluuGnome both write it up.

Logistics

ManagerBLM Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
PermitNo permit required.
Distance5.6 mi
Time1 hr
Technical0 rappels, longest 40 ft
SeasonAny;HOT in Summer
Coordinates37.4172, -111.1002

Sources