Tierdrop Canyon

The Dirt is Alive!: If you look closely, you can see a microscopic community of life in the soil. Dark, lumpy surfaces are mature biological soil crust: a mixture of cyanobacteria, mosses, lichens, fungi, and algae. Young, living soil looks a lot like sand, and it needs to be left undisturbed for many years to mature and help plants grow. Just one footprint does years of damage. Dark, mature soil crusts are the basis of life in this desert. One footprint destroys years of growth. This remarkable soil community holds the sand together, absorbs moisture, produces critical nutrients for plants, and provides seed beds for new plants to take hold. Please don’t walk on it. Stay on designated trails to protect living soil and plants. One of three great loops (U-turn, NOT Tierdrop, Tierdrop) right off the park avenue trail head in Arches NP. Low risk of flash flood, easy access with little exposure, and quick exit means you could do all three in one outing. Note, Tierdrop feature natural anchors only and webbing is NOT always in place. In addition, the anchors are often far away from the drop point requiring either a lot of webbing to reach the edge or a dicey pull with increased risk of a stuck rope. Always perform a test pull.

Up rock gully. Approx 400 foot climb. Class 2 climbing most of the way. The last 10-15 feet is class 3/4 with some exposure. Recommend spotting first climber up and then a handline for followers. For Tierdrop, turn left at top and stay along ridge, if it is windy consider staying lower but avoid areas with soil.

Please note that all the anchors in this canyon are natural. There are NO fixed anchors. Therefore Rap distance may vary widely depending on the current natural anchor. Anchor position changes with canyon remodeling. Two 60 M ropes are advised or one 60 M rope and and long pull cord.

After the last rap follow the slickrock to the LEFT around the edge. There will be an eventual weakness to downclimb to the valley flour. This is the preferred exit to avoid soil erosion and development of causal trails. Alternative: R4, rap off the slick rock ledge (40 feet) to the bottom. Follow the water course down canyon and merge with the Park Avenue trail. Turn right at the junction with the social trail or enjoy the Park Avenue walk to the left then back. Head toward the rock staircase that leads up to the cars.