Reid Neilson Draw

Location: San Rafael Swell
Rating: Basic Canyoneering  2B II
Length: 2-5 hours
Longest Rappel: None
Start: 4 miles from I-70 Exit 129
End:  There and Back
Permits: None
Wet Suit: No
Shuttle: No

Overview: A relatively open canyon with some pockets, short pools, and narrows. Good for a short day hike. Since this canyon is so close to I-70, this canyon makes for a nice pit-stop and can be easily explored when traveling along I-70.

Approach:

From I-70 exit 131 Temple Mountain Rd. Follow the Temple Mountain Rd south 3.0 miles. Just before fence and cattle guard turn left (directly across BLM road 7198). Drive 2.7 miles along the main dirt road. You will notice a wash. This is Reid Neilson. Continue just a few feet more to a fork and turn left. The road is blocked by a fence - most likely because the road drives right into the canyon (50 ft to the floor), and missing this little land mark would make for a really bad day. Park and follow the fence line back toward the wash or follow the road back to the wash and head north down the wash. The canyon opens up immediately after 10 min or so. Walk the left side ridge line and climb down where it's most convenient. Reid Neilson ends when Crawford Draw comes in on the left.