Deer Creek (MRNP)

A great short roadside canyon to do if you want to splash around in some gorgeous pools with fun rappels and low commitment. There are slides, jumps and thoughtful down-climbing that go into making this canyon worth doing. A rooster tail rappel to top it all off. Note: this is not Shriner Falls, which is further south and road-side. Google maps has incorrectly labelled these falls as such.

From road pullout near GPS cords, walk down into the creek and start your adventure.

Being in MRNP natural anchors are necessary. However this doesn't reduce the quality of any rappel lines. Pools can be deceptively VERY shallow. Depth check every jump. The main section of Deer Creek Falls can produce multiple hazard. The pool at the bottom of the steep falls forms a very turbulent pool in moderate-high flows. It has been rappelled in moderate conditions, however a second major hazard exists just downstream. In the narrows immediately following, the flow is forced under a large log causing a strong strainer to form. Thankfully it's easy to avoid both sections by downclimbing DCR. Continue downstream for a few more obstacles, being weary of pool depth. Exit at the bridge just before Chinook Creek.

Follow the trail uphill for 20 mins back to your car!