Sunglow Canyons / Trail | Bicknell

Canyoneering Sunglow Canyons / Trail - BicknellHiking Sunglow Canyons / Trail - Bicknell Sunglow Canyons / Trail

Bicknell

Overview | Getting There | Route | Photos | Maps | Comments

Overview

Tue

Snow showers likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 36. West northwest wind 14 to 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

36 | 24

Wed

A chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 36. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

36 | 17

Thu

A chance of snow showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 38. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

38 | 16

Fri

A chance of snow showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 41. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

41 | 21

Sat

A chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 42. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

42 | 24

View Full Weather Details
SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear / Standard Technical if doing the technical return
RAPPELS: East Fork: 2 to 15 m ( 50 ft. ), West Fork: 5 to 30 m ( 99 ft. )
WATER: None.
FLASHFLOOD: Low

Tue

Snow showers likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 36. West northwest wind 14 to 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

36 | 24

Wed

A chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 36. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

36 | 17

Thu

A chance of snow showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 38. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

38 | 16

Fri

A chance of snow showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 41. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

41 | 21

Sat

A chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 42. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

42 | 24

View Full Weather Details
Ryan and Abseil McGee setting up one of the rappels in the West Fork. Not recommended for dogs unless they have a climbing harness and skilled human.

Ryan and Abseil McGee setting up one of the rappels in the West Fork. Not recommended for dogs unless they have a climbing harness and skilled human.

Starting near the Sunglow Campground, this is a hike I would highly recommend. The hike, just outside of Capitol Reef, allows dogs and offers similar scenery to the park. If you're traveling in the area with a pet and looking to hike or just trying to get off the beaten path, this is a good choice.

The hike meanders up from the canyon bottom to big views amongst towering Wingate Sandstone walls. Once on the mesa top, Boulder Mountain and Bicknell Bottoms offer a striking contrast to the desert sandstone. Hikers return the same way.

In addition to the hike, technical canyoneers can take one of two options back to the trailhead. The East Fork of Red Canyon has 3 rappels and is best suited for those looking for a hiking day with a few short rappels to end the day. I would rate the East Fork as good, but not great.

The West Fork option is best suited to canyoneers looking for a very beginner friendly canyon. With a short approach, easy starts, and a short section of narrows, the West Fork may well be the best entry level canyon in the area.

Note: The East Fork canyoneering route is straightforward, but with somewhat awkward rappel starts. Probably not recommended for absolute beginners, but those with a little rappelling experience will enjoy the short technical slot.
Note: Sunglow Campground is an amazing forest service campground with water and toilets. This is a highly recommend camping alternative to the busier campgrounds in the park. You won't have to wonder about the name after spending a sunset there.
Below the rappels in the west fork

Below the rappels in the west fork

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Sunglow Canyon (West Fork)

By: richardpattison

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