Quandary Canyon

Location: San Rafael Swell
Rating: Intermediate  4B III
Length: 8-10 hours
Longest Rappel: 100 ft (30 m)
Start: Hidden Splendor Road
End:  Hidden Splendor Airstrip
Permits: None
Wet Suit: Yes
Shuttle: Yes

Overview: Quandary offers a challenging adventure into some pothole, wading, swimming, climbing and more. The canyon contains some darker narrow sections, arches, open desert and much to see. An experienced climber might take a longer route around, avoiding the more technical difficulties and finish in just a few short hours without all the technical gear you usually need. However, the canyon contains some super difficult keeper holes along the direct route making the rating ‘advanced’.

Approach:

From Hwy 24 head west on the Temple Mountain. At the fork in the road take the left fork (Hidden Splendor Rd). After about 4 miles Stay left as you will meet another road coming in from the right (Tan Seep). After about 1 mile stay left again as you will come to yet another fork in the road. Continue 10 miles across McKay Flat. The next intersection takes you to Tomsich Butte and Reds Canyon on the right, but stay left once more. Follow another 15 miles to the Hidden Splendor Air Strip. The Hidden Splendor Airstrip marks your parking place to spot a car. Head back the way you came in another car 2.2 miles to Hidden Splendor Mine. Park here. Quandary and Knotted Rope are south of your direction. Simply start by following the wash shortly and then head to the large bluff east of your direction.