Leprechaun Canyon (West Fork)

Leprechaun Canyon can be explored using two primary approaches: a bottom-up hike starting near Highway 95 or a top-down route beginning at the upper trailhead accessible via the Turkey Knob dirt road. The upper trailhead is located along Turkey Knob Road, a dirt road passable to most vehicles, although high-clearance is recommended. This road is marked on most maps, so detailed directions are not included here. Pro Tip: Parking can become crowded. Turn your vehicle around when parking to avoid maneuvering difficulties later. From the trailhead, several social trails lead southward following natural watercourses but two routes are most prominent. To minimize environmental impact, stick to these established routes, which should appear on most modern maps. Western Approach Drainage: This is best for reaching the West or Middle Leprechaun Forks. (Alternative) Eastern Approach Drainage: This is most suitable for accessing the East Leprechaun Fork, and while it will get you to the other forks, it is a less efficient option for doing so. Near Highway 95, a short dirt road next to the Leprechaun Canyon drainage provides an ideal parking area for your starting/exit vehicle. From this point: Regardless of which approach route is taken, once the drainage for West Leprechaun Canyon is reached, leave the social trail and head down the drainage. From here you will have two options for starting the canyon which are detailed below.

The top of the West Fork of Leprechaun Canyon also has two small forks, or prongs. Historically canyoneers would begin the canyon by winding their way around the rim of the east prong down to a spot in the main drainage where both prongs meet. Today, however, it is more common to directly descend the canyon via the west prong but both options are described here. Once in the West Leprechaun drainage, simply rappel the first drop you encounter. There will likely be a very overbuilt cairn anchor here making it pretty obvious that this is where to start. Once in the West Leprechaun drainage, instead of rappelling at the first drop, contour to the east following a shelf below the top of the mesa. Continue to a rocky finger that points southward and gives way to the slickrock rim east of the east prong. From here walk down the slick rock bowl to the junction between the two prongs. At this junction will be rappel 3 (or what was traditionally the first rappel).

Once through the narrow section the canyon opens up to a stunning corridor with sheer walls arching up on both sides. Take a moment to enjoy this spot and gear down then continue down canyon as the cliff walls recede and the canyon opens up into a draw. Follow the main sandy wash back to the highway.