Deep in the heart of the San Rafael Swell there lies a hidden core of Cedar Mesa Sandstone, a layer very conducive to the formation of slots and narrows. There are a good number of drainages that have cut deep enough into it to carve out substantial canyons, and one of the gems of the whole area is the Baptist Draw/Upper Chute Canyon combo. Two beautifully sculpted narrow slots pair with each other to form a perfect day's worth of slot canyons.
The combo starts by dropping into Baptist Draw. Two good sections of narrows come pretty quick once you reach the canyon floor, with the second being much more narrow than the first. There is little obstacle in these two sections, and aside from some small downclimbs it is quite easy.
The third and final section of narrows is the tighest of the three. It gets really skinny at one point, requiring people to turn to the side and shuffle through without packs in order to get through. The first rappel, which can be downclimbed pretty easy, is about 18' high and comes pretty quick into the 3rd narrows. Once through those it's just a couple of corners and then you are at the big rap into Upper Chute Canyon. This drop is about 60 to 70 feet and is pretty easy. There should be some good anchors here to use.
The third and final section of narrows is the tighest of the three. It gets really skinny at one point, requiring people to turn to the side and shuffle through without packs in order to get through. The first rappel, which can be downclimbed pretty easy, is about 18' high and comes pretty quick into the 3rd narrows. Once through those it's just a couple of corners and then you are at the big rap into Upper Chute Canyon. This drop is about 60 to 70 feet and is pretty easy. There should be some good anchors here to use.
Once in Chute Canyon, you need to turn left and go upcanyon. Right away you should be faced with a good example of what the name of the game for this canyon is: upclimbs over small dryfalls. If there is any water in the canyon these upclimbs may be more challenging. But if it is dry they should all go pretty smoothly. The canyon above here is spectacular, with plenty of sculpted corridors and amazing colors.
All in Upper Chute.
Before long the canyon relents and the walls open up and you find yourself walking in a sandy wash. From here you need to exit on the left side of the canyon and work your way back to the car, a whole hell of a long ways up on the hill. Take it slow and steady and you will be ok. The upper third of Chute Canyon is probably the most beautiful section as it is quite sculpted and textured, with some amazing colors to see. There are numerous logs in this section wedged between the walls, often at incredible heights, such as 50 feet off the deck. It is a sobering testament to the power of the flash floods that created this place.
All three in Upper Chute.
The walk back to the car is pretty terrible but it isn't that long, and the feeling of victory once you reach the car is well worth it. This canyon is pretty high on my list and I am excited to go back sometime.
Music: "Let It Be" by Blackmill. I do not own the rights to this song. This is strictly a fan video and is not used for monetary profit.
Additional Photos
All photos and videos copyright Kit Davidson unless otherwise noted.