Gargoyles Canyon

Gargoyles is a charming canyon that cascades off the eastern flank of Del Campo Peak in the Gothic Basin. The canyon drops 1,100 feet in less than 0.4 miles and offers a number of nice multi-tiered waterfalls, ending in a scenic final sequence at the valley bottom. This canyon is committing. Although it may be possible to escape at some points, the hillsides are steep and rocky and navigating them would be difficult and risky.

From the Barlow Pass Trailhead, head southeast for approximately 300 feet until you come across the sign for Weden Creek Trail (#724) on your right. Head up the trail for 2.9 miles and 1,600 feet of elevation gain until the creek intersects the trail underneath a nice view of Del Campo Peak. This is the waterflow checkpoint.

PLEASE NOTE: The first rappel is about 25 yards downcanyon from the trail. R1: 70' DCL from single bolt DCL R2: 100' DCR from unlinked bolts DCR R3: 120' DCL from unlinked bolts. There is a short 15' waterfall immediately following this waterfall. It can be downclimbed without difficulty in moderate conditions. A tributary joins from DCR after R3 that adds about 25% more water to the flow. R4: 40' DCR from single bolt R5: 160' DCL from single bolt at the edge. There is a traverse line bolt 15' back from the edge that is unnecessary as the anchor at the edge can be easily reached DCL by walking up and over the rock mound on dry ground. Two-stage rappel. R6: 50' DCL from single bolt. R7: 100' DCR from single bolt. Two-stage rappel. There is a broad, open rim before the drops become more tightly clustered in an aesthetic final sequence. The next four falls (in two rappels) from the top of the rim are 'The Gargoyles', the final one featuring a rooster tail in moderate+ conditions. R8: 155' DCL from single bolt near the edge. Two-stage rappel. This is a beautiful rappel line where the main waterfall shoots overhead and you are in the spray, which becomes more concentrated as you descend. R9: 170' DCR from unlinked bolts below small pothole. Two-stage rappel with a rooster tail on the final stage. The former R10 has been filled in by rockfall in 2024. Scramble down 25' to the point where the canyon floor flattens out. This is a good changing area before the exit hike.

Long pants are recommended for either exit option. The timing is roughly the same. Option 1 Follow the GPS track on the map above. This is the dry option, and involves some bushwhacking, a 200' elevation gain and some tricky navigation that may be difficult in the dark. This option is not recommended if you have less than 2 hours of daylight. Follow the creek rubble veering left as long as you can. It becomes overgrown - be careful of sudden drops or loose boulders hidden by the brush. Continue following the path of least resistance, continuing to angle left, eventually entering brushy hardwoods. Once you enter the pine forest, the walking becomes significantly easier. Follow the GPS track and begin looking for pink flagging after about 100 yards. In 2021, a clear path that avoids devils club and thick brush was flagged, with each flag visible from the prior. The flagging ends at a large root ball. At this point, angle uphill, continuing to follow the GPS track. Be sure to angle right - going straight up will cause you to miss the trail's switchback. Rejoin the trail and follow it out for about an hour back to your car. Option 2 This option is all downhill or flat, has minimal bushwhacking, but many log crossings and some knee deep water in the riverbed. After the last rappel, stay in the canyon proper drainage, bearing right at the first braid, and take it all the way down to Weeden creek. This takes about 15 minutes and there is some waist high friendly bush bashing. Creek walk left down Weeden Creek, crossing many deadfall logs, to the confluence with South Fork Sauk River, which takes about 45 minutes. At the confluence, go right upstream SF Sauk for about 100 meters, then exit the river on a use trail and find the main Monte Cristo Trail in about 1-2 minutes. Head left down Monte Cristo Trail for 1.5 miles.