I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Capitol Reef National Park is awesome! Everything from scenic drives to short walks and long backcountry hikes make this the perfect destination for hardcore desert rats and families alike. If it’s slot canyons you seek, well, the Reef has those, too. Along the park’s eastern boundary there are three tiny cracks well worthy of exploration: Burro, Cottonwood and Sheets Gulch. After exploring Cottonwood Wash last spring, I couldn’t wait to go back for more, and during a recent trip to the park, two friends and I had the chance to add Burro to the list. Here’s what you can expect if you decide to explore it.
The hike begins on the shoulder of Notom-Bullfrog Road. Parking is limited, but not to worry, there probably won’t be much of a crowd. There was only one other car near us on the day we explored Burro Wash. The first portion of the hike is far from the most scenic: schlep along the packed sand path amongst sagebrush and scattered cacti. At least there are a few rock formations in the distance to gaze at while you hike through this barren frontcountry. Two miles in, hikers arrive at a cattle fence with an official park sign. Close the gate behind you and get ready for the goods!
A narrow, sandy wash on hiker’s right is your path. Soon the first obstacle (a large chockstone) appears dead ahead. Climb over this problem, or backtrack to a point on the south side where you can scramble up and out of the wash, then back down in to avoid the chockstone. The next mile of the canyon is the main attraction: two sections of slots as tight and dark as nearly any I’ve had the privilege of exploring. These narrows can often stay filled with water many days after a storm, so be prepared to get wet, or possiblly stem and chimney your way over them to stay dry. When our group did this hike (mid June, 2013) the majority of the canyon was bone dry, so we had to do little but wiggle our way through the tightest sections.
At approximately 2 3/4 miles, we encountered our absolute favorite part of the hike: a very rugged 1/4 mile section saw us wade through a nasty pool of water, climb over a chockstone, and then stem our way over a few other obstacles (topped off by thousands of creepy spiders clinging to the walls just inches from our faces). At mile three, hikers will enter a large chamber that features an impassible pour off. It is possible to continue beyond this point by retracing your steps to the start of the final narrows section, and then friction climbing up the steep walls to the north. Drop back into the wash above the pour off to squeeze out every last mile of canyon before ending at another impassable dry fall. Our crew opted to skip this final portion, as storm clouds were building overhead and our legs were nearly spent. We cracked off a few photos in the large chamber room and headed back down Burro Wash, enjoying the return hike every bit as much as the way in.
The best seasons for hiking Burro Wash and the neighboring slot canyons are fall through late spring. Summers can get brutally hot, and our trip in mid June had us wilting in 90 degree heat. Bring plenty of water as there are no reliable sources within the canyons. NEVER hike in a slot canyon if there is a threat of a storm in the area. With walls so tight and obstacle-filled, it would be no fun to try to negotiate a slot with a powerful surge of water flowing downstream.
Getting There: From the junction with Highway 24, drive south on Notom-Bullfrog Road for 7.8 miles. Park in the small turnout on the shoulder of the road. The hike begins at the signed trail for Burro Wash.
Maps: USGS topo maps for Notom, Golden Throne, Bear Canyon and Sandy Creek Benches.
Special Gear: Good pair of desert shoes or boots (you’ll need souls that can grip against the sandstone walls), plenty of water, and sunscreen.