Hodge-Podge Canyon

A short, scenic canyon with conglomerate rock . . . and stuff that didn't quite get to solidify into rock. Worth doing for an easy, short excursion. Requires high clearance 4x4 with skid plates.

From Ballarat ghost town, drive south on a graded unpaved road about 3.8 miles to South Park Canyon Road. If you only have a Subaru or similar, drive as far as you feel comfortable up this road. Park exit vehicle about 1/2 mile up road. Drive shuttle vehicle about 1 mile up. Contour over to head of the canyon.

Optional R1: is actually a moderate downclimb down a sloped chute in reddish-brown swirled rock Conglomerate rock layer starts. R2 20 feet, anchored with retrievable rigging on a big rock R3 50 feet from a cairn anchor. Drops down a vertical chute Optional R4 20 feet from a cairn or downclimb. Nice narrows.

When you exit into a wash, find easy use trail on left back up to your vehicle, 10 minutes.