Itchy and Scratchy

Named after the kid's cartoon in The Simpsons, these two non-technical 450ft long dry slot canyon hikes are exciting and confidence inspiring for 3-4 year olds and a place to stretch the legs (barely scratch the canyon itch?) for experienced canyoneers. Both slots are pretty and have nice features. Graffiti is minimal. There was some broken glass near the start of the trail to look out for. Obstacles are all easily upclimbable for kids. Parents may want to help young kids in one or two places to avoid the consequence of a tumble. This area can be buggy and hot in the summer. The trails are shared by mountain bikers. Private land is noted on the map, but these small slots and trails are all on BLM land near Temple Canyon Park. Technically, these two short canyons south of Canon City are in the Wet Mountains, but have been grouped in the Front Range subregion at this time.

Drive Temple Canyon Road 3 miles south of Canyon City. Park on the right at the Redemption Canyon trailhead. From the trailhead, hike 0.4 miles down switchbacks to the wash where the Itchy drainage joins on the left. Continue another 0.15 miles in the wash to the bottom of Scratchy (Redemption Canyon) on the left. The hiking trail exists just to the north, but climbing up and down the slot is more fun.

Upclimb Scratchy. The crux for kids is a 10 foot chute, with an easier upclimb on Climber's Right. Downclimb Scratchy and from the main wash below, head right hiking a quarter mile to the bottom of Itchy, taking the right fork away from the approach trail up the Itchy drainage. Upclimb Itchy. The crux for kids may be right at the start where a large boulder is wedged on the left and some parental help may be beneficial on the ramp to the right. Downclimb Itchy and hike back down the wash to the approach trail and retrace the trail on the right to the parking lot for a total of 0.6 miles +110'