U-Turn 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. An interesting, very short diversion of a canyon while spending time in Arches National Park. 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.

Up rock gully. Turn right at top. There are two domes that need to be passed to get to the start of the Drop. Stay LEFT around both domes. The first dome has no exposure. Second Dome must climb up Class 1 scramble then head LEFT around the dome with some exposure. Hand line may be beneficial.

Mostly BOLTED Rappels are 15'-102' depending on anchor location Please avoid wrapping your rope around the obvious anchor at R3. Numerous parties have apparently been doing so which has led to severe and unsightly grooving. :( At the bottom of the last pitch, please avoid the sand dunes. Follow the arrow installed by the NPS and skirt around walking on the rock.