Sheets Gulch

Sheets Gulch is located 12.7 miles (20.4 km) south of Highway 24 on the Notom-Bullfrog Road.

About one mile (1.6 km) up the wash (west) you will encounter a major side drainage on the right (north); stay left. A short distance further up canyon another drainage enters; stay right at this junction. One mile (1.6 km) further, the wash bottom narrows and you may find a few pools of water associated with several small chockstones and dry falls. The most difficult obstacle along the route, another chockstone and pool, is encountered about 4.1 miles (6.6 km) from the road. A good climber will be able to negotiate this alone, but most people will need assistance from another person. The last obstacle is about 5.3 miles (8.5 km) from the trailhead. Here you will encounter a high pour-off in a cave-like chamber; bypass this by backtracking about 100 yards (91 m) and climbing out of the wash on the left (north) side of the canyon. Beyond this point, numerous stands of Douglas fir begin to appear on cool, shaded, north slopes, and the canyon walls begin to change from the white Navajo sandstone to the red Wingate. There is an intermittent seep with cottonwood trees about 6.7 miles (10.8 km) in from the trailhead. Soon the canyon opens up and becomes much wider. This is a good place to turn around if you are on a day hike. To return to the trailhead, simply retrace the route back down the canyon. If you left a second vehicle at South Draw Road/Tantalus Flats, or if you are on an overnight trip (free backcountry permit required), it is possible to continue up canyon for several more miles. One-way distance from the Notom-Bullfrog Road to South Draw Road/Tantalus Flats is approximately 11.6 miles (18.6 km). Eventually, an old jeep trail will lead you out of Sheets Gulch to South Draw Road and Tantalus Flats. If you left a vehicle at Tantalus Flats, your hike will end there. If your vehicle is on the Notom-Bullfrog Road, return to the trailhead by retracing the same route back down the canyon.