Whisper Canyon

Whisper Canyon is a small drainage through a fractured white sandstone layer that spans the area between West Clark Bench to the south and the Cottonwood Canyon anticline to the north. It is not a destination canyon, but it makes for a quick and engaging sequence of rappels in a very scenic location. The drainage is never deep and can be escaped at every point along the descent, making it an ideal non-committing route for canyoneers who want to practice their natural anchor and ghosting skills in a casual setting. It can also be combined with Catstair Canyon for a couple more hours of entertainment.

Turn north off Highway 89 at the Catstair Canyon East trailhead. Drive to the parking area and make sure to close the gate behind you. The road is usually in good condition, but some clearance may be required. Hike west along the wash until you reach the small drainage in white sandstone. This is Whisper Canyon. Climb the fractured ledges along the canyon while avoiding the abundant crypto-biotic soil until you reach the top of the canyon, then drop into the wash. The scenic sandstone area above is known as Catstair Heights.

After a small downclimb and some fluted sandstone chutes, use natural anchors to descend the three obvious drops. R1: 25ft R2: 25ft R3: 35ft The last obstacle is a small chute that can be downclimbed or rappeled.