Shaylee Birthday Canyon

Rare slot canyon minutes from Grand Junction. Although short, has good downclimbs. Beginner friendly. Not a destination canyon, but worth doing if in the area and looking for a short easy canyon.

Start at Bangs Canyon trailhead parking area. Hike about 2 miles on Tabeguache Trail to southeast trailhead for Rough Canyon. Hike up Rough Canyon trail about 1/4 mile above falls. Leave trail and head south up hill. Canyon is on right or west. Continue up hill. Head west and down into drainage and start of canyon. Trailhead: 38.98855,-108.61734 Leave Rough Canyon trail go up hill: 38.97448,-108.60127 High point on hill: 38.96935,-108.60368 Enter canyon: 38.96950,-108.60399

Head down canyon. A few fun downclimbs. First and only rappel 38 feet off of juniper tree at head. Continue down canyon to start of slot section. Downclimb tight slot down to canyon bottom. R1: 50 feet. Anchor off of juniper tree. 38.97274,-108.60326 Exit canyon: 38.97487,-108.60151

Exit into Rough Canyon. Hike down canyon. Return to trailhead same way you came.