Wonderland Canyon
Beta for Wonderland Canyon in Capitol Reef National Park
Duration
5.5
- 8 hrs.
Longest Rappel
210 ft
Number of Rappels
3 -
5
Country: united states
State/Province: UT
City or Nearest City: Torrey
Camping:
Cook's Mesa Camping Area
Approaches:
First Rappel:
Last Rappel:
Exits:
Calculate time for your adventure
Select your approach, exit, and any shuttles in order to calcualte an estimated time
1. Approaches:
2. Canyon Time:
3 hour(s), 15 minute(s).
3. Exit Time:
Total Adventure Time:
(select route options above)
Essential Canyoneering Gear
Descender - Hoodoo
Carabiners
Quicklinks
Harness
Gloves
Rope
Helmet
Personal Anchor System
Canyoneering Shoes (LA Sportiva TX3)
Webbing (Bluewater)
VT Prusik
Pull Cord
Wet Canyon Gear
Because this is a wet canyon, we strongly recommend having these supplies
Seasonal Gear Recommendations
for Wonderland Canyon
Campsites Nearby
Wonderland Canyon Rappels
3 - 5 rappels
Slot Entrance Downclimb
Length: 13 ft
Coordinates: 38.269302,-111.191153
More anchor information coming soon.
Overview
This is a chimney-style downclimb down into a pool that is typically shin deep. Depending on your stemming sill level, you can avoid the water at the bottom.
Tips
If you are going to wear a wetsuit, suit up before this downclimb.
Top View Photos
Bottom View Photos
Rappel 1
Rappel 1 Anchor
Overview
There is a handful of downclimbs before the first rappel, and this first rappel is preceded by a 20 ft. chimney-style downclimb to a shallow pool. The rappel is directly in the watercourse after the downclimb and is a very simple rappel. This rappel will drop you to the wash below where the canyon opens up quite a bit for a short section.
Bottom View Photos
Rappel 2
Length: 200 ft
Type of Rappel: Two-stage
Rappel 2 Anchor
This big rappel is anchored from a large mound of earth about 15 ft. from the edge. Webbing is slung around the mound that offers a courtesy anchor from the start. Beware though, if using the courtesy anchor, this rappel is longer than 200 ft.
Overview
This is an amazing two-stage rappel. The first stage is around 85 ft. and the second is about 115ft.
Tips
This rappel will use all 200 ft. of your rope to get to the bottom. If you are using the courtesy anchor, this rappel WILL be longer than 200 ft. It will be about 210 ft. Make sure to rig releasable in case you need to lower someone on rappel.
Top View Photos
Bottom View Photos
Rappel 3
Length: 145 ft
Type of Rappel: Two-stage
Rappel 3 Anchor
Anchored from a deadman in a pool in the watercourse.
Overview
A short downclimb after the 2nd rappel leads to the 3rd rappel. Rappel from a deadman anchor in a shallow pool over two stages to the canyon floor.
Tips
Check the deadman anchor carefully. Use a meat anchor as a backup. In the case that the deadman gets washed out, have the first person go down using a meat anchor and then collect rocks at the bottom of the rappel and then have them hauled back to the top to build the deadman anchor. You will find few rocks that would be sufficient at the top of this rappel to build any sort of anchor.
Top View Photos
Bottom View Photos
Semi-Keeper Pothole
Length: 8 ft
More anchor information coming soon.
Overview
Downclimb into a large pothole that can have varying water levels depending on recent rain fall and time of year.
Tips
Use a partner assist the help people downclimb into the pothole and get out of the pothole.
Top View Photos
Bottom View Photos
Rappel 4
Rappel 4 Anchor
This rappel is anchored with webbing from a solution pocket high on the canyon wall.
Overview
The first stage is easy going and then the second stage is a fun free-hang.
Tips
This can be a tricky anchor to inspect. To reach the anchor, you will have to climb up using a stemming technique. There are some decent handholds on the right as you go up.
Top View Photos
Bottom View Photos
Wonderland Canyon Gallery
Wonderland Canyon Trip Reports
May 1, 2021
This might be the best canyon in Capitol Reef National Park! Wonderland Canyon does not boast many rappels, but it does boast a beautiful 200 ft. two-stage rappel and a handful of fun downclimbs. It was 80 degrees when we did this canyon. Most of our group wore wetsuits, but they weren't necessarily required. Most all of the water was/is avoidable if your stemming skills are above average. There was one swimmer and one or two chest-deep pools if you decided to take the water head-on. The semi-keeper was completely empty, so we used a partner assist to get out. All webbing was fairly new and in good condition. There was one spot of the webbing on the 200 ft. rappel that was a little frayed, but had been isolated with an alpine butterfly knot. Make sure the last person down extends the webbing all the way on the 200 ft. rappel or else you will have a difficult pull. This is a fantastic canyon for those that would be considered intermediate canyoneers.