U-Turn Canyon
verified
ACA 3A
Low flood risk
Moab, UT
A short bolted descent off the Park Avenue trailhead in Arches, three of four rappels real with the longest about 105 ft.
One of three canyon loops accessible from the Park Avenue area; navigation through the fins requires staying left around the two domes on approach. The permit system caps daily traffic, and the timed-entry park reservation is a separate requirement many parties forget; pull both before showing up.
Logistics
| Manager | NPS Arches NP |
|---|---|
| Permit | Canyoneering permit required, $6 per group (max 10 people). Reserve online through recreation.gov, available 8:00 AM MT one day in advance up through 5:00 PM MT day of trip. Arches timed-entry park reservation also required Apr 1 to Oct 31 (separate from canyoneering permit). Park entrance fee applies ($30/vehicle, valid 7 days). |
| Distance | 1 (0.4 approach) |
| Elevation | ~400 ft approach, ~203 ft descent |
| Time | 2-4 hr |
| Technical | Rated 3A II (v3a1 II). Four rappels (first downclimbable): ~15 ft, ~15 ft, ~50 ft, ~105 ft. Mostly bolted anchors. At R3, do not wrap ropes around the rock anchor; existing damage shows where past parties have abused it. |
| Season | Year round |
| Flood risk | Low. Small catchment, slickrock approach, short slot. |
| Vehicle access | Passenger car |
| Crowd | Low to moderate. The permit cap keeps parties spaced. |
| Coordinates | 38.6244, -109.6041 |