Horsetank Wash

With sections of sculpted narrows, lush foliage, and quite a few swims (even in dry months), Horsetank Wash is a canyon that features a little bit of everything. What makes this canyon special are the climbs, both up and down. Through the main section of the canyon there are a number of short downclimb problems that are fun to think through, but shouldn’t pose significant challenges for intermediate canyoneers. The crux of the canyon comes on the exit, with a few sections of lower fifth-class climbing and a couple other short third to fourth class scrambles. All of these offer safe spots to belay from the top for all but the lead climber.

Follow forest road on KML map. This road is suitable for 2wd high clearance vehicles for most of the way, however, it will eventually turn rocky near the end and 4x4 low range may be helpful, depending on conditions. Campsite added to kml.

R1: 50' tree high, RDC (bypasses pothole) R2: 20' boulder pinch R3: 10' boulder pinch or possible downclimb. R4: 60' boulder pinch, followed by a long swim and challenging 15' downclimb CL which can be meat anchored for all but the last person. R5: previously, a 20' rock pinch CR. ***NOTE*** This anchor failed on June 15, 2024 resulting in an injury which required extraction via helicopter for treatment. Be aware that a new anchor will need to be found/made. In previous archived videos there seems to be a slung tree on CL 20 ft up canyon of the drop. This drop is also well-featured and can be downclimbed by a strong climber.