Elder Spring (West Fork)

Elder Spring (West Fork) gets its name from Elder Spring at the confluence of the east and west fork. This is a fun sandstone canyon consisting of four rappels and a solid down climb. There are enough small down climbs mixed in with sandstone narrows and sandstone ramps to keep it interesting. While fun, I probably wouldn’t repeat the canyon.

Use the same parking as Elder Spring (East Fork). Park at a pull off just after an old fence 40.42172, -109.18117. Follow the gravel road north until you find a cattle trail heading west. Cross the bush choked gully to reach the west side of the canyon. Hike up the obvious slope west of the canyon. Easy hiking, staying along the west edge of the canyon, until you reach a break in the cliffs that can be descended.

Scramble into the canyon to reach 40.44244, -109.18158. From this point head down canyon over loose rocks and small sandstone slides. The first rappel is only 15-20 minutes down canyon. There are multiple small down climbs where a handline is useful. The last person can down climb with spotting or partner assist.

Same as Elder Spring (East Fork). Work a short distance through the brush, staying east on a bench, above Elder Spring, to avoid the worst of it. It’s an easy hike back to the car along the cattle trail.