Eardley Canyon

Location: San Rafael Swell
Rating: Intermediate  3B V
Length: 12-16 hours
Longest Rappel: 80 ft (25 m)
Start: 5 miles from I-70 Exit 129
End:  13 miles south of I-70 on dirt road
Permits: None
Wet Suit: Yes
Shuttle: Yes

Overview: A canyon that offers all the fun canyoneering perks of cold water, swims, tight narrows, potholes, rappelling, scrambling, and more. It is recommended to bring a bolt-kit for this adventure just in case.  Flash floods come through this canyon enough to tear up the anchored bolts leaving you to figure out how to get down. Use a bolt kit as a last resort – emergencies only please. You should know how to use or build natural anchors.

Approach:

First leave a spot a car at the end of Eardley Canyon. From I-70 head south on Hwy 24. Turn west at mile marker 148 onto dirt road (approximately 13 miles south of I-70). Drive 3.7 miles along Washboard Road past some rough spots and a wash. Once you reach the end, head back to I-70. From I-70 head east to exit 129. Head north and east at exit 129. Follow the road 3.1 miles to a dirt road on the right, Red Draw. Follow for .2 miles and the turn left to head south under I-70. Just after I-70, turn left again. Follow 1.5 miles to a forked intersection. Follow the right. The road ends at an overlook. Start here. The canyon lies just south of your position.