Tributaries of North Wash - Canyon One, Shillelagh

Slot Canyon Regions
Capitol Reef
Death Valley
Escalante River
Grand Canyon
North Lake Powell
Other Locations
Page
Paria River
San Rafael Swell
Sedona
Zion National Park

Slot Canyons
Site Map

Site Search

Photograph Search

North Lake Powell > Tributaries of North Wash > Canyon One

UT 95 crosses over the dry streambed that emerges from the most northerly of the four North Wash tributaries at mile 27.4. At this point, the whitish Navajo sandstone cliffs on the northeast side are low and gently sloping, and do not hint of any interesting canyons beyond but after a short walk over sandy dunes the walls close in somewhat, the streamway becomes more entrenched and soon forks. The left (west) branch is the main drainage and has some nice but short slot-like passages with swirling rock formations that tend to end at steep pour-offs, beyond which are more open areas. It gains height steadily via inclines or chokestones/dryfalls and has a few quite dark passages but is generally shallow. The right (east) branch also splits and both channels have more short narrows containing chokestones, deep circular potholes and occasional muddy pools. All of this canyon can be seen in about one hour.

Tight narrows

Curvy walls

Pinkish rocks