Canyoneering Nighthawk Canyon
Grand Wash
Overview
Sun 46 | 29 |
Mon 49 | 31 |
Tue 45 | 28 |
Wed 44 | 28 |
Thu 42 | 25 |
View Full Weather Details |
SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall
GEAR: Standard Technical Gear - Pothole Skills/Tools
RAPPELS: 6+ to 63 m ( 207 ft. )
WATER: Possible water in potholes. Wetsuit in cooler seasons
FLASHFLOOD: Moderate, but you can see the whole drainage and skies on the approach.
A permit is required for this trip. For permit information see this page.
Sun 46 | 29 |
Mon 49 | 31 |
Tue 45 | 28 |
Wed 44 | 28 |
Thu 42 | 25 |
View Full Weather Details |
Important Note: The Scenic Drive, used to access this trailhead, will be closed from April 29, 2024 through fall of 2024. See the park page for details: https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/scenic-drive-rehabilitation-project.htm
This is a short canyon with a bit of spice. Each of the Shinob forks (Timpie, Na-Gah, and Nighthawk) have their own very distinct personality. With this one, Nighthawk, the personality is potholes. The meat of the canyon is a short section of many potholes leading to a final dramatic rappel into Timpie. This is a good team work canyon, offering plenty of opportunities for problem solving and partner assists.
A Note On Time: This canyon will vary greatly depending on the experience of the team. Many of the pothole entrances are downclimbs and/or require teamwork. Because of the difficulty, this is an intermediate or better canyon for people with pothole and natural anchor skills. I know several groups have taken 7+ hours to work through the canyon. Our group (5) was made up of mostly climbers with not a lot of canyon experience. Our time was 2 hours to the start of the pothole section, and just over 4 hours car-to-car. This is with a fast group that was comfortable with the downclimbs.
I would guess an average group will take about 6 hours, but many may take significantly longer if inexperienced working through pothole difficulties and partner assists. This is a canyon that can change dramatically with floods. Be sure to have solid pothole skills, they may be needed if sand washes out of some of the deeper potholes.
I would guess an average group will take about 6 hours, but many may take significantly longer if inexperienced working through pothole difficulties and partner assists. This is a canyon that can change dramatically with floods. Be sure to have solid pothole skills, they may be needed if sand washes out of some of the deeper potholes.
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