Taco Canyon

A short but pretty slot in the middle of an area without slots. First documented in August 2019, but newish-looking bolts were already there. First descent unknown. As the entire slot can be done in <30min, this is not a canyon worth going much out of your way for. But if you live in Tuba City, it is worth a few hours to do!

The original highway access point has been gated and has a lock. The canyon can still be completed, but with about twice the time and significantly more effort which makes the experience less worthwhile. Turn off the 264 onto an unmarked sandy road and follow the KML to the parking pin / overlook. High clearance needed but 4x4 should not be necessary in dry conditions. Continuing beyond the HC Park pin will require 4x4 and may be impassable for some vehicles due to washed out sections of road and deep sand. Hike the rough road down a few hundred feet. Reference the KML track, and follow the road system / game trails for 2.5 miles across the highly exposed desert floor until you reach the head of the canyon.

Easy walking in a narrow slot will bring you to the only rappel. R1: 35’ bolt RDC One easy downclimb. The narrows deepen and tighten considerably. This section is short, but beautiful, with interesting rock features along the canyon walls.

Continue down canyon until a game trail appears LDC. Take this up and out of the canyon, and make your way over to the remnants of an old road which can be followed back to the approach road. Again, this hike has incredibly high sun exposure. There is literally no shelter. Go prepared, or don’t go at all.