Deep Creek (Raggeds Wilderness)

A straightforward canyon with easy downstream walking in lower water for two 200+ft waterfalls. (220' ropes would be ideal, but both rappels can be downclimbed using two 200 ft ropes) With guidance, this could be a good canyon for beginners. The rappels are longer but never overhanging. The scenery is impressive. The geology of the area is a quartz monzonite porphyry laccolith. This igneous intrusive rock filled in the gap between two sedimentary layers.

From Colorado Hwy 133 (between Carbondale and Paonia), near the Paonia Reservoir drive 6.2 miles SE on Colorado Route 12 toward Kebler Pass. Turn north on FS-795 for 1.9miles to the Raggeds Wilderness Trailhead. FS-795 earns the 4WD HC required note. (first-come first serve campsites are in the area, but it's possible to book the Spruce and Hawsapple campsites in advance through the Paonia State Park website). From the trailhead, hike 0.75 miles on the Raggeds Trail, then go right on the Spud Pass Trail for another 2.9 miles. Toward the top of Deep Creek at an elevation of 10,000ft, walk pass a talus slope covering the trail to a tall stand of pine trees. Turn left toward Deep Creek there to avoid the thicker scrub brush and gamble oak.

The top 0.65 miles of Deep Creek provides easy walking as the creek has worn a low angle path. Beware slippery wet rocks, the dry rock has good traction. The difficulty of stream travel may increase with increased water flow. On warm days, wetsuits are not required. R1: 220' anchors off a large pine tree on canyon left. A 60m=200' rope will reach if you downclimb the rest. Carefully negotiate the creek between the bottom of R1 and a tree anchor higher on the Canyon Right hillside for R2. Set up a rappel to negotiate the stream or climb around on canyon right. R2: 220' anchors off a smaller pine tree on canyon right. A 60m=200' rope will reach if you downclimb the rest.

After R2, depart the Creek after 3min of negotiating talus and willows and head south when the creek opens for 1500' to regain the Spud Pass Trail. Return 2.4 miles back to the trailhead.