Canyoneering Route Description

Wretched Canyon - 3A III
Death Valley National Park, California.

Quick Facts

11-28-10, 6 people, 1 Day (Travel time in route 7.75 hours) Pictures Icon

Time Required - 7 to 8 hours
Distance - 2.5 miles Total, 0.5 miles Technical
Rappels - 8 Rappels, Longest Rappel 50 feet.
Elevation Range - -235 feet below sea level - 1320 Feet
Shuttle Required -No Vehicle - Passenger Permit Required - No

Gear Used for Canyon

Rappelling and anchor gear, Ropes and or pull cords for rappels up to 50 feet and 50 feet of 1 inch webbing for sling placement.

General Comments

ATTENTION!!
Death Valley is considering a new permit system in response to the impact of the growing popularity of Canyoneering.
Lets continue to show the park just how respectful we can be to our environment.

Specific issues the park is concerned about:
1. Anchors: Bolting is Illegal in Death Valley National Park! Do Not Add Bolts. Natural anchor options are abundant.
Recent illegal bolts have popped up in Helios and Rainbow Canyons.
2. Poop: Dig a cathole at least 6 inches deep and 200 yards from any water source or campsite. Pack out all toilet paper.
3. Collecting fire wood is illegal, just don't do it!

Other basics:
Avoid walking in water when possible (Willow Canyon, etc). Hike on durable surfaces and previously worn paths (avoid trampling vegetation or fragile soil crusts). Pack out all trash including organic material (including seed shells, apple cores, orange peels, etc). More info can be found here: http://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/backcamp.htm

Lets keep this wonderful resource pristine so that we may continue to enjoy the canyons with limited regulations!

Wretched Canyon is a fun day out but does not offer the big canyon feel some of the other canyons in the area offer.  But with that said I would recommend Wretched as a fun route.

Thanks to Rick Kent for finding this and pointing it out for us to go see what was in there.

Driving Directions

To get to the Trailhead

From the junction of highways 178 (Bad Water Road) and 190, drive 13 miles south on highway 178 to the turn off for Natural Bridge.  Continue south past the turn off for Natural Bridge 1.1 miles and park alongside the road.  There is no parking spot, just find a comfortable place to get off the road (pkErbusBt).

To leave the Exit Vehicle / Escape Pod

No exit vehicle is needed.  This is done as a loop route.

Maps

GPS coordinate information listed at the bottom.  For information about waypoint naming and map symbols, refer to the Glossary page.

Map Link Icon
Click the links for maps of the route. Map of the entire route.

Details

The Approach:
From the parking spot (pkErbusBt) walk north east across the alluvial fan toward the base of the mountain.  About 0.7 miles from the road is where you will start to climb up the side of the mountain (wWretchedRP-01).  

It is difficult to explain where to start up the side of the mountain so a GPS is recommended.  Looking from the road you should see larger canyon going all the way up the side of the mountain which is about 0.7 miles south of the Natural Bridge parking lot, that’s Abysmal Canyon.  Another 0.3 miles south is another canyon that runs all the way up the side of the mountain, that’s Purgatory.  Wretched Canyon is about 500 feet south of Purgatory and does not go all the way up the side of the mountain and it looks much shallower.  Your route up will be between Purgatory and Wretched (south side of Purgatory and north side of Wretched).  Look for the alluvial gravel pile hill that has the traditional cone shape to it.  The gravel hill to the right (south) of it will be spread out and is actually two hills run together.

Start up the gravel hill on the north side of Wretched (wWretchedRP-01).  About 300 feet up the gravel hill will be a large feature of conglomerate rock that you will need to get around.  Traverse around it to the left (north).  

As you traverse around the conglomerate feature look for a n easy way to slide down into the ravine to the left (north).  A descent route down should present itself about 160 feet from where you started traversing around the conglomerate (wWretchedRP-02).  If you miss the drop down point and continue another 150 feet up the ridge you will get to a notch that you won’t be able to pass and will need to back track 150 feet to here.  Be careful when sliding down to the drainage as everything is loose and you could go for a tumble.  

When you get down into the drainage (wWretchedRP-03) to the left (north), climb up a shallow ridge next to the drainage you dropped to.  Of note the large canyon on your left is Purgatory.  As you climb up you should see a small cliff band just above you.  Aim for the left (north) end of the cliff band where it blends into the side of the slope you are climbing up.  

About 275 feet up you should be at the top of the cliff band (wWretchedRP-04).  At the top of the cliff band the area is wide open with a series of shallow drainages and ridges.  Continue east up the side of the mountain.  Travel seems to be easier and with more solid footing down in the drainages on the way up.  

If you followed the most obvious drainage on the way up it will top out a little over 500 feet after leaving the top of the cliff band (wWretchedRP-05).  As the drainage tops out traverse right (south) a few feet to find another drainage to start up.  The next drainage will top out after about 200 more feet (wWretchedRP-06).  After the second drainage tops out continue up the side of the mountain slowly traversing to the right.   

About 600 feet farther up will be the base of some yellowish colored rock (wWretchedRP-07).  Work your way up and left of the yellowish rock to bypass it.   After getting up around the yellowish rock area continue up about 500 more feet and look for a convenient place to drop in (yWretchedTp).

Note:
The canyon does continue a short distance above here.  If you have time and desire take a moment to hike up canyon about 600 or 700 feet to see what lies above.  There are a few drops of 10 to 20 feet each and all are easily climbed or by passable.  The area is pretty so it may be worthwhile.

The Canyoneering / Technical Section:
From the drop in point (yWretchedTp) walk and scramble down canyon.  From here the canyon is not deep but does offer some fun down climbs and scrambling along the way.  The drops range from 6 to 20 feet and most are easily by passable.  

About 350 feet down canyon of the drop in point is the first rappel.  This drop could be bypassed as well but the terrain starts to take on a shallow canyon feel making it a good spot for a first rap.  

Rap 1 (dWretchedR1-3) is anchored from a cairn anchor and drops about 30 feet down a sloped wall.  

Rap 2 is right at the bottom of rap 1.  Rap 2 is anchored from a large rock horn on the RDC side.  Rap 2 drops about 40 feet with a ledge about 10 feet down.  

Rap 3 is right at the bottom of rap 2.  Rap 3 is anchored from a small boulder in the wash.  Rap 3 drops about 35 feet with the first 15 feet being easy to down climb.  

Down canyon of rap 3 about 150 feet is a drop of about 45 feet (wWretchedRP-08).  It looks like you would need to rappel but you don’t.  Hope down a 4 foot ledge on the LDC side and scramble down right next to the drop.  

Down canyon of this 45 foot drop are more down climbs along the way.  None of them are very difficult.  A little over 400 feet farther down canyon is a section of white marble like rock with a drop to down climb (wWretchedRP-09).  This down climb is a little challenging and fun.  

Just after the white marble like section is another drop of about 40 feet which is easily bypassed RDC.  

Rap 4 is shortly after the drop that was bypassed after the white marble like section.  Rap 4 drops about 50 feet.  If setting up an anchor for rap 4 you will likely set up a choke stone in one of many cracks on the RDC side.  

Optionally rap 4 can be down climbed on the RDC side by climbing down a few feet then working over into a crack part way down then stem down.  This down climb will be difficult for short people though.  If you have a good down climber rap 4 maybe be faster if they provide a meat anchor for the rest then down climb the drop last.  

Just down canyon of rap 4 is a 10 foot down climb to the top of rap 5.  

Rap 5 (dWretchedR4-5) is about 60 feet down canyon of rap 4.  Rap 5 is anchored from a large rock horn LDC and needs a rock placed over it to keep the webbing from rolling off.  Rap 5 drops about 35 feet.  

Rap 6 (dWretchedR6) is about 175 feet down canyon of rap 5 with a short down climb between.  Rap 6 is anchored from a cairn anchor about 30 feet back from the drop and drops about 20 feet down a gentle slope.  

Down canyon of rap 6 is a drop of about 35 feet that is bypassed on the LDC side.  

Rap 7 (dWretchedR7) is about 175 feet down canyon of rap 6.  Rap 7 is anchored from a large rock about 8 feet back from the drop.  Rap 7 drops down 2 stages of 20 feet each and a 10 feet landing between stages.  The second stage is a bit of an awkward start.  

About 70 feet down canyon of rap 7 are a couple of 6 to 8 foot down climbs in a spot where the canyon does an odd right left twist in the drops.  After the right left turn is another sloped down climb of about 15 feet before reaching the start of a long straight hallway like corridor.  At the other end of the hallway is the top of rap 8.  

Rap 8 (dWretchedR8) is at the end of the long hallway and about 500 feet down canyon of rap 7.  Rap 8 is anchored from a large rock embedded in the wash about 10 feet back and drops about 15 feet.  

Down canyon about 175 feet after rap 8 is another drop of about 40 feet (wWretchedRP-10).  The easier down climb along the drop is on the RDC side.  As you get to the bottom of this down climb look to the right (north) and you will be able to see the notch up on the ridge you had to get around on the approach.  

Continuing down canyon are multiple down climbs in the cement layer (conglomerate rock that looks like concrete).  There will be another drop of about 30 feet over mostly black rock.  This down climb will give some a challenge.  It is not too bad if you take your time and be careful.  Weaker down climbers may want a hand line on this.  

Next is a lot of easy scrambling over a few hundred feet of canyon as you get down to the mouth of the canyon at the alluvial fan (yWretchedBt).

The Exit:
From the exit of Wretched Canyon (yWretchedBt) walk 0.7 miles east across the alluvial fan where you parked the car (pkErbusBt).

GPS Waypoint Information

Downloadable GPX files available at BG-Gear Store (easier than manual entry and a great way to support Bluugnome).
Waypoint naming convention and map symbol information can be found on the Glossary page.  Elevations are approximate.
BEFORE manually entering coordinates set your system to WGS84 datum and Lat/Lon hddd.ddddd° coordinate format. 
Inconsistent datum's and coordinate formats will result in location errors.

Click to show / expand the list of waypoints below........
Wretched 1 - Drive to Trailhead
  1. extBadWatr-190          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.44835   W -116.85247        Elev: 10 Feet
    Junction of highway 190 and Badwater Road (178).
  2. extDevilsGolf          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.29845   W -116.81171        Elev: -200 Feet
    Turn off for the Devil's Golf Course. Park here to leave an exit vehicle when doing Brimstone Canyon.
  3. extNatBridge          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27404   W -116.79292        Elev: -241 Feet
    Exit for the road to the Natural Bridge trailhead.
  4. pkErbusBt          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26218   W -116.78070        Elev: -235 Feet
    Park a vehicle here along the highway for transportation after exiting the bottom of Erebus Canyon.
Wretched 2 - Approach
  1. pkErbusBt          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26218   W -116.78070        Elev: -235 Feet
    Park a vehicle here along the highway for transportation after exiting the bottom of Erebus Canyon.
  2. wWretchedRP-01          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26557   W -116.76933        Elev: 40 Feet
    This point is a short distance up the aluvial pile you will use to start the ascent up to Wretched.
  3. wWretchedRP-02          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26619   W -116.76793        Elev: NaN Feet
    Slide down into the drainage on the left (north) here. If you continue up the ridge you will get to a notch that you can not pass. If you get to the notch it is only about 150 feet to back track to hear.
  4. wWretchedRP-03          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26629   W -116.76774        Elev: NaN Feet
    Down in the drainage after dropping down into it to bypass a notch in the ridge.
  5. wWretchedRP-04          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26607   W -116.76688        Elev: NaN Feet
    Top of the cliff band. THe area is wide open from here and you can kind of choose your own route.
  6. wWretchedRP-05          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26581   W -116.76505        Elev: NaN Feet
    THe shallow drainge that can be used on the way up tops out here.
  7. wWretchedRP-06          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26586   W -116.76410        Elev: 760 Feet
    Top out of another drainge used on the climb up to Wretched.
  8. wWretchedRP-07          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26525   W -116.76242        Elev: NaN Feet
    Base of a yellow colored section of rock.
  9. yWretchedTp          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26520   W -116.76087        Elev: 1,320 Feet
    Drop in point for the top of Wretched Canyon. Optionally you can hike up canyon about 600 feet to see the scenic portion above here.
  10. sWretchedTp          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26450   W -116.75924        Elev: 1,489 Feet
    Top of the optional scenic portion of Wretched Canyon. Between here and the point marked as the head area few drops of 10 to 20 feet each which are all bypassable pretty easily.
Wretched 3 - The Canyon and Exit
  1. yWretchedTp          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26520   W -116.76087        Elev: 1,320 Feet
    Drop in point for the top of Wretched Canyon. Optionally you can hike up canyon about 600 feet to see the scenic portion above here.
  2. dWretchedR1-3          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26509   W -116.76195        Elev: NaN Feet
    Raps 1 thru 3 - Wretched Canyon. Rap 1 anchored from a cairn anchor and drops about 30 feet. Rap 2 anchored from a rock horn RDC and drops about 40 feet. Rap 3 anchored from small boulder and drops 35 feet.
  3. wWretchedRP-08          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26483   W -116.76275        Elev: NaN Feet
    Down climb of about 45 feet that looks like a rappel. Climb down along the LDC side of the drop after hopping down a 4 foot ledge.
  4. wWretchedRP-09          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26485   W -116.76408        Elev: NaN Feet
    Smooth marble like section of rock to down climb. This down climb is a little chalenging but fun.
  5. dWretchedR4-5          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26477   W -116.76464        Elev: 655 Feet
    Raps - 4 thru 5 - Wretched Canyon. Rap 4 drops about 50 could be anchored from choke stone RDC or use a good down climber as a meat anchor then down climb last. Rap 5 is about 60 feet down canyon of rap 4, is anchored from a large rock horn LDC and drops about 35 feet.
  6. dWretchedR6          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26484   W -116.76501        Elev: NaN Feet
    Rap 6 - Wretched Canyon. Anchored from cairn acnhor about 30 feet back and drops about 20 feet down a gentle slope.
  7. dWretchedR7          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26502   W -116.76544        Elev: NaN Feet
    Rap 7 - Wretched Canyon. Ancored from a large rock about 8 feet back from the drop and drops down two stages of about 20 feet each.
  8. dWretchedR8          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26544   W -116.76693        Elev: NaN Feet
    Rap 8 - Wretched Canyon. Anchored from a large rock embedded in the wash about 10 feet back and drops about 15 feet.
  9. wWretchedRP-10          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26523   W -116.76735        Elev: 200 Feet
    Start of more down climbs. Keep an eye out here to look over and see the notch on the ridge that you had to get around on the approach up.
  10. yWretchedBt          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26530   W -116.76900        Elev: 30 Feet
    Bottom exit of Wretched Canyon where it empties out onto the alluvial fan.
  11. pkErbusBt          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26218   W -116.78070        Elev: -235 Feet
    Park a vehicle here along the highway for transportation after exiting the bottom of Erebus Canyon.

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