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Outlaw Canyon

Utah > Southeast Utah > San Juan County > Bluff
Warning Access Issue: RAIN, WET ROCK and RAPTOR CLOSURES: The sandstone around Moab is fragile and is very easily damaged when it is wet. Also please ask and be aware of Raptor Closures in areas. DetailsDrop down

Description

This is the western of the three canyons that are cut into the Bluff Member north of town. This local name doesn't appear on maps. It offers typical Bluff seclusion in close proximity to the car. There are ruins and rock art sites scattered throughout, so keep a keen eye to the canyon walls. There is a giant dune that rolls up against the cliff guarding the mouth of the canyon on its east side. Above this dune is a panel of petroglyphs.

In hiking and scouting the canyon, there seemed to be limited systems of interest to climbers. No anchors or evidence of climbing activity was seen. The Bluff Member in the canyon seems to be generally pretty soft and sandy.

Getting There

Drive west out of Bluff on Highway 191 for a mile or so and turn north on an unmarked gravel road that leads toward the cliffs. This spur ends after a 1/3 of a mile or so near a gravel pit. Park here and hike over the hill/dune near the mouth of the canyon and follow faint trails along the bottom of the canyon.

Routes from Left to Right

5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c
 1
Squatters' Spoils
Trad
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Squatters' Spoils
 1
5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c Trad

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

A spillover pool near the mouth of the canyon.
[Hide Photo] A spillover pool near the mouth of the canyon.
An old, faint panel of petroglyphs.
[Hide Photo] An old, faint panel of petroglyphs.