Racquet Chute

Contrary to most canyons, this short series of waterfalls is best done during snowmelt in June. At peak snowmelt, some rappel lines might be just a bit much. However, every drop can be walked around and every waterfall is visible on the approach up the hill on well worn social trails. Racquet Chute is a good warm up to the aquatic canyoning season or practice option close to the Front Range. This is not a destination canyon, but like East Vail Falls, can be a good addition to take a break from I-70 traffic on an early Sunday return drive home Utah or Colorado's Western Slope. The geology on the south side of Vail is sedimentary with red, grey or maroon sandstone, grit, conglomerate and shale.

Park in the lot by the racquet courts. Hike to the left of the racquet courts on a well worn trail. Take a left fork at the edge of the fence line, up a small hill toward the woods to the South. A plank of wood serves as a bridge over the creek. Take another left at the next fork to reach the bottom of R5. Social trails are on both sides of the creek. Climb uphill next to the creek looking at each waterfall until at the top of the fifth falls.

R1: 30' for 15' falls from a tree on Canyon Right R2: 35' for 20' falls from a tree on Canyon Right R3: 65' from a tree on Canyon Left utilizing a shared ice climber anchor R4: 25' from a boulder in Canyon Center or Downclimb on Canyon Right R5: 70' from a tree on Canyon Right for a long low angle cascade with a 20' vertical section at the end where it meets the trail

Follow the approach trail on Canyon Left back to the cars.