Upper Cut Canyon - Moab

Upper Cut Canyon

Moab
Technical Canyoneering

Upper Cut Canyon is a great route that contains several fun problems to solve, combined with a nice shaded approach hike, some fun minor scrambling and several fun rappels. This route is a major improvement over the traditional Sunseed Canyon technical route.

Circle of Friends:
Upper Cut Canyon is part of the "Circle of Friends" program. Members of the "Circle of Friends" have access to more specific information, explicit route information, GPS waypoints, trailhead location and detailed maps. If you would like more information on joining the "Circle of Friends" visit the sign up page.

"Circle of Friends"

General Information:
Upper Cut Canyon is a technical canyoneering route that contains several entertaining rappels and some interesting scrambling. Upper Cut Canyon requires complete technical gear. Upper Cut Canyon is rated 3A II using the Canyon Rating System. This canyon is accessible year round, but the route would not be enjoyable during the hot summer month's. This is an excellent winter and cold weather route. In normal conditions this canyon does not require any swimming or wading.

Navigation for this route is moderate. The route does traverse through some major areas of cryptobiotic soil that can be easily avoided with a little care. A GPS is useful and good map reading skills essential. This canyon has an extremely small flash flood danger.

Trailhead Information:
The Upper Cut Trailhead is accessible year round to all vehicles and is located within 10 minutes of downtown Moab.

Cryptobiotic Soil:
Follow the route described and please avoid disturbing all cryptobiotic crust. Stay on existing trails, walk in wash bottoms or on slickrock. Go out of your way, literally, to avoid cryptobiotic soil. Cryptobiotic crust requires years of undisturbed growth before it becomes visible as an irregular, blackish mat on the soil surface. A single footprint by a careless hiker can destroy years of growth.

Video:
Enjoy a short video from Upper Cut Canyon in Moab, Utah.

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