Monoxide, or Dragon as we called it when we did it Thanksgiving 2003, reminds me that a 2-star canyon can still leave a lasting impression. A couple of new friends of mine at the time (Kent Beverly and Penny Martens) invited me to join up with them for Thanksgiving weekend in Hanksville to do canyons. This canyon was the first project of the weekend. We spent a very cold, blustery day in both forks of the canyon, rim walking each side before finally dropping in.

When I re-visited the canyon recently, I was surprised at how etched it was in my memory from spending a day there 8 years earlier. It is short, but has a very interesting section just before the first rappel in the west fork. The east fork is not particularly interesting, and not recommended.

So why the name Dragon? As the west fork begins to slot up, on the rim on the left, is a long cliff band that looks remarkably like a sleeping Dragon. I don't remember if Kent or Penny named it, but it certainly fit well. You are not likely to notice the slumbering monster while descending the canyon, but it is very obvious if you happen to be on the rim looking at it.

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