Crumbling Canyon

Crumbling Canyon

Northern Utah—Spanish Fork Canyon

Located just over ten minutes from the Spanish Fork windmills, this route is fun, quick, and close to the Wasatch Front. The turn-off is the same dirt road off US-6 that leads you to Seahorse, and Trot Me Not canyons, as well as Cobble Cave. The trailhead is easily accessible to most vehicles and you could probably camp at/near the trailhead without a problem.

A great teaching canyon or just to scratch an itch. The canyon is made up of conglomerate rock formations with slot sections about 36 inches wide. It is highly recommended to wear a helmet as descents are in tight quarters and rocks could be knocked loose by someone descending from above.

The approach trail heads quickly up a wide open bowl-like canyon that's pretty steep with great views of Spanish Fork Canyon as you make your way to the ridgeline before dropping quickly down into Crumbling Canyon. Inexperienced or less-confident members of the group may want handlines before the technical section begins.

The technical section starts with a couple of rappels off natural anchors (webbing around trees). But once in the slot sections, it has a lot of bolts that are easy to find. It would be a great canyon to practice chimneying and downclimbing in—although the conglomerate rock can be uncomfortable on your back. There are some awkward starts and rappels with the narrowness of the canyon. Especially the last rappel as you descend down the left wall of the canyon with the other wall behind you and not much room to lean back.

The exit trail back to your vehicle is pretty straightforward and scenic down a small canyon before it rejoins the approach trail.

What to Expect
3A I* ACA Canyon Rating
  • This route requires standard technical gear.
  • You can usually expect dry conditions.
  • Competent and smaller groups (4±) typically complete the route in under three hours
In my opinion, this route was okay but is probably not a destination on its own.
Other Details
Skill Level:
Suitable for beginners with competent leadership.
Seasons:
Spring, Summer, Fall
Rappels:
1–4 to 45 ft
Anchors:
Natural dropping into canyon, bolts in canyon
Water:
None
Flash Flood Risk:
Extremely low
Expected Time:
2 hours
Distance:
0.78 miles
Nearby Routes:
Cobble Cave, Seahorse Canyon, Trot Me Not Canyon
The Way the Canyon Crumbles

A canyoneering route very close to the Wasatch Front

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