Atlas › San Rafael Swell - North
Black Box (Lower)
verified
ACA 2C
Extreme flood risk
Castle Dale, UT
The longer San Rafael River slot, with seven to nine rappels strung along sustained swiftwater swims; a full-day commitment that demands water skill more than rope skill.
Shuttle is required. Carry the same swiftwater kit as Upper Black Box (wetsuit, drybag, helmet, throwbag) but plan for many more hours in the water. The river gauge governs the trip more than the weather forecast does. Cold water hypothermia is a real risk well into May.
Logistics
| Manager | BLM Price Field Office, San Rafael Swell |
|---|---|
| Permit | No permit required. Dispersed BLM land. Contact BLM Price Field Office (435-636-3600) for current conditions. |
| Time | 7-9 hr |
| Technical | Rated 2C III (v1a4 III). Roughly seven to nine rappels through swift moving water in the San Rafael River. Long swims, hydraulic risk where the river funnels narrow. Shuttle required between put-in and take-out. |
| Season | Late spring, summer, early fall. Avoid winter; water and shaded slot stay cold. |
| Flood risk | Extreme. Like Upper Black Box, the canyon is the river; check the San Rafael gauge and never go on a rising hydrograph. |
| Vehicle access | High clearance recommended for both put-in and shuttle exit. |
| Crowd | Low. The full-day swift-water commitment thins the crowd compared to Upper Black Box. |
| Coordinates | 38.9657, -110.4701 |