Canyoneering Route Description

Abysmal Canyon - 3A III or IV
Death Valley National Park, California. 

Quick Facts

04-04-09, 5 people, 1 Day (Travel time in route 11.25 hours) - North Fork via Dante's View - top down.
02-14-10, 9 people, 1 Day (Travel time in route 9.1 hours) - South Fork via Natural Bridge Trailhead - bottom up.
01-02-11, 4 people, 1 Day (Travel time in route 9 hours) - North Fork via Natural Bridge Trailhead - bottom up.
02-19-11, 8 people, 1 Day (Travel time in route 10.8 hours) South Fork via Natural Bridge Trailhead - bottom up.
02-14-15, 7 people, 1 Day (Travel time in route 9.2 hours) South Fork via Natural Bridge Trailhead - bottom up.

Bottom up starting from the Natural Bridge trailhead.

South Fork **Preferred Route
Time Required - 9 to 11.5 hours
Distance - 5.2 miles Total, 1.9 miles Technical
Rappels - 22 Rappels, Longest Rappel 250 feet.
Elevation Range - 100 - 3400 Feet
Shuttle Required - No  Vehicle - Passenger

North Fork
Time Required - 8.5 to 11 hours
Distance - 4.3 miles Total, 1.4 miles Technical
Rappels - 19 Rappels, Longest Rappel 250 feet.
Elevation Range - 100 - 2870 Feet
Shuttle Required - No  Vehicle - Passenger

Top down starting from Dante's View.

South Fork
Time Required - 10.5 to 13 hours
Distance - 8 miles Total, 1.9 miles Technical
Rappels - 22 Rappels, Longest Rappel 250 feet.
Elevation Range - 5700 to -255 below sea level
Shuttle Required -Yes 37.8 miles all pavement  Vehicle - Passenger

North Fork
Time Required - 10 to 12 hours
Distance - 8.4 miles Total, 1.4 miles Technical
Rappels - 19 Rappels, Longest Rappel 250 feet.
Elevation Range - 5700 to -255 below sea level
Shuttle Required -Yes 37.8 miles all pavement  Vehicle - Passenger

Gear Used for Canyon

Rappelling and anchor gear, Ropes and or pull cords for rappels up to 250 feet. and 100 feet of 1 inch webbing for anchor replacement.

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!

Abysmal has some incredible views from the raps along the big drop in the canyon and offers some fun down climbs.  One of the highlights is the very peculiar natural anchor used for rap 16 in the main canyon.  Read the route description or look at pictures if you want to know what it is, or just wait for the fun surprise.

The preferred route is to do the South Fork and start the route up from the Natural Bridge parking area.  This will eliminate the need for a shuttle vehicle, cut down on over all time and show off the south fork which is much more interesting than the north fork.

This route description has both routes (top down and bottom up) described.  These two route options lay out a non technical route that can be hiked in either direction between Dante's View and the Natural Bridge Canyon parking area.  Some technical Canyon routes branch off of this route.  For that reason I have decided to cover both routes here so that the information can be referenced if one decided to take an alternate route to one of the canyons in the area.

Driving Directions

To get to the Trailhead

If doing the route from Dante's View (top down route).
Your start will be from Dante's View.  From the junction of highways 178 (Bad Water Road) and 190, drive east on highway 190 about 10.7 miles to the turn off for Dante's View.  Follow the signs to Dante's View which is another 13 miles.

If doing the route from the Natural Bridge trailhead (bottom up route).
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.  From the turn off, drive 1.5 miles east along the dirt road to the parking area for the Natural Bridge trailhead (tNaturalBridge).

To leave the Exit Vehicle / Escape Pod

If doing the route from Dante's View (top down route).
Park along side the road about 0.8 miles south of the Natural Bridge turn off on highway 178 (Badwater Road).  There are no parking spots just find a comfortable place to get off the road (pkAbysmalBt).

If doing the route from the Natural Bridge trailhead (bottom up route).
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.  From the turn off, drive 1.5 miles east along the dirt road to the parking area for the Natural Bridge trailhead (tNaturalBridge).

Maps

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

Click the links for maps of the route. Map of the entire route.
Map of the technical section.
Map of the tech section, exit and lower approach.

Details

The Approach from Natural Bridge Trailhead (bottom up route):
Recommended Route:

Note:
This is the preferred route for either fork of Abysmal.  The route involves a long steep climb up from the Natural Bridge parking area so be prepared.  Doing this bottom up route makes the route a loop and negates the need for the long car shuttle.

From the Natural Bridge parking area (tNaturalBridge) look for a small hill along the base of the mountain that is more of a chocolate brown color about 0.4 miles from the parking area.  On the north side (closest to the parking area) of the small chocolate colored hill is a gentle slope starting up the mountain.  Walk 0.4 miles over to the base of the gentle slope (wNatBrdgeRP-01).  

Go east up the gravel slope.  About 0.2 miles up the gravel slope the rock turns to an orange color and the slope gets a lot steeper (wNatBrdgeRP-02).  This steep grade will continue for much of the approach.  

Another 0.4 mile up is a vertical rock face that needs to be bypassed (wNatBrdgeRP-03).  Traverse left (north) along its base then climb up and around it.  

About 300 feet after the vertical rock face is another section that will need to be overcome (wNatBrdgeRP-04).  This is a wide area with near vertical sections.  Find one of a few routes up through here.  You will use your hands a little but the climb up through here is pretty easy scrambling if you find a good route through.  

About 0.3 miles above the wide vertical section is an orange patch of rock at the base of a blackish colored hill (wNatBrdgeRP-05).  

Another 0.2 miles up is the top of an orange colored hill (wNatBrdgeRP-06) along the ridge you are now following.  

After the orange hill, the ridge drops slightly to a saddle then back up the next hill.  Continue east up to the peak of the next hill (wNatBrdgeRP-07).  This hill top is the high point on the route and is labeled peak 2896 on some maps.  

From the peak continue down north to a saddle about 450 feet away (wNatBrdgeRP-08).  From this saddle veer left (northeast) and drop into the wash below (yNatBdgLwrSFTp).  

Note:
Once in this wash at (yNatBdgLwrSFTp) there are 2 options.  
Also of note is this is the entry for Natural Bridge Canyon which travels west from this point.

Option One -- North Fork of Abysmal Canyon:
For the North Fork of Abysmal follow a smaller drainage to the southwest about 0.2 miles to a short drop that can be down climbed along a slope on the right (yAbysmalNF-Tp).  This is the top entry for the North Fork of Abysmal.

TO CONTINUE: Jump to - North Fork Canyon / Technical Section.

Option Two -- South Fork of Abysmal Canyon:
For the South Fork of Abysmal Canyon continue with the rest of this approach description.  

Travel up the larger wash to the east about 200 feet then climb up out of the wash to the right (south) and start walking up a ridge running southeast.  About 0.2 miles up, the ridge tops out as it intersects with a larger ridge running up and east (wAbysmlTpRP-16).  

Another 0.1 miles up is a large cairn along the way up the ridge (wAbysmlTpRP-15).  Continue up east.  About 400 feet after the cairn is another ridge intersecting (wAbysmlTpRP-14).  Turn right (south) and follow up this next ridge.  

Follow along the ridge about 500 feet to its high point (wAbysmlTpRP-13).  Keep going south along the ridge another 400 feet to an orange tip or peak along the ridge (wAbysmlTpRP-12).  

From the orange peak veer left (southwest) and drop to the wash below (yAbysmal-SF2Tp).  This spot in the wash is the top entry for the South Fork of Abysmal Canyon.  From here continue west down the wash.  To continue the South Fork of Abysmal Canyon, skip to the technical canyon description for the South Fork.

TO CONTINUE: Jump to - South Fork Canyon / Technical Section.

The Approach from Dante's View (top down route):

This route is not recommended.  It adds a few miles to the route and also involves a long car shuttle.  While this route drops from Dante's View and descends to the canyon it is not necessarily easier.  The steep slopes down are tedious travel and there is a lot of ascent as well since the route travels up and over a few big ridges.  But since some might want to do this anyway, here is the information. 

Note that it is more difficult to put this approach route into words.  

From the Dante's View parking area head north and follow the well worn use trail toward Mount Perry (tMntPeryUseTrl).  The use trail is well worn and passes by Dante's Peak (pDante'sPeak) about 0.4 miles into the trail.  

About 1.8 miles from the trail start the trail fades away as it heads west (wMntPeryRP-01).  Do not follow it west, instead turn right (north) and go about 250 feet to the start of a hill heading up and west (wMntPeryRP-02).  Starting up the hill you will begin to see rocks with a white dot painted on them to help with following the trail.   

A little over 500 feet the hill tops out on a ridge (wMntPeryRP-03).  Turn right (north) and follow along the ridge using the white paint spots to help keep you on track.   

After about 200 feet, will be another short section of the trail that is clear and easy to follow.  As the trail fades away again (wMntPeryRP-04), another section of painted rocks is set to help with staying on route.  Another 0.2 miles and the trail will cross a small saddle which feels more like a wide flat area (wMntPeryRP-05).  

From the small saddle (wMntPeryRP-05) follow the trail north and it will soon curve around west.  

About 0.3 miles from the small saddle will be another saddle (jTyphonSouth) that is much more of a defined saddle.  As a visual land mark, the north side of this saddle is a hillside that is made up of red and white layers of dirt.  This saddle is where the route to the South Fork of Typhon Canyon would leave the Mount Perry Use Trail.  

From this saddle (jTyphonSouth), follow the trail north as it traverses around the hill side with the red and white layers of dirt.  

About 0.4 miles further the trail crosses another saddle.  Just beyond this saddle is a huge cairn on the left (west) side of the trail (wMntPeryRP-06).  The cairn is one of many left over's from mining activity.  

About 160 feet past the huge cairn is where you will leave the Mount Perry Use Trail and start descending toward Abysmal and other canyons in the area of Abysmal Canyon (jAbysmal).  

When leaving the trail walk about 60 feet to the northwest to the top of a small mound.  From this mound continue down the ridge that runs northwest.  The path down this ridge is a faint path that is hard to follow in some spots and easier to follow in others.  Since there are mine artifacts in the area, this trail was most likely made by miners a while back.  

Along the ridge to the northwest will be some rock features (out croppings) along the way.  The first will be a pinkish out cropping about 0.2 miles from the trail.  The second will be a larger more red out cropping about 450 feet later.  The third will be almost 200 feet later. A faint trail goes around each of these on the right (north) side.  Just after the third outcropping the trail will continue down the ridge slightly left (south) of the ridge crest.

About 700 feet after the third out cropping or 0.4 miles down the ridge from where you left the Mount Perry Use Trail will be some mining remains (wAbysmlTpRP-01).  There is a saw blade and various pieces of wood and other items.  There is also a table and chisel which looks like it was used to chip at and look over rocks pulled from the area.  If you look around you can also find remnants of an old wooden barrel.

From the mining artifacts follow the ridge still northwest about 0.2 miles to just before a patch of dark red rocks just to the left of the ridge.  Just before reaching the dark red rocks (wAbysmlTpRP-02), turn right (north) and descend to the wash below.  The descent to the wash is steep, rocky and easy to slip on.

Once in the wash below (wAbysmlTpRP-03) climb up and out the other side (north).  After the steep portion of the climb out, continue up the now less steep portion to the top of the ridge.

At the top of the climb out on the ridge (wAbysmlTpRP-04), look for a hill about 600 feet to the north that is made up of a mix of orange and white dirt.  The next goal is to get to the saddle on the east side of that hill.

Between you and the hill is a deep wash.  To get around the wash, look for a faint path leading north east then veering north as it travels around the deep wash.  The path fades away to nothing as it goes around the head of the wash.

From the head of the wash go north west a little over 200 feet to the saddle at the base of the red and white hill (wAbysmlTpRP-05).  From this saddle follow a wide shallow chute north down into the wash that winds down around the north side of the red and white hill.

About 0.2 miles down the wash on the the north side of the small red and white hill is the junction for Erebus Canyon (jErebus).   There is no land mark for this point in the wash but with a watchful eye it is easy to know when you are in the right spot.  As you continue down the wash keep an eye out for the salt flats of death valley to come into view in the distance to the west.  When you have a view down the wide open wash with the salt flats visible in the distance you are in the right spot.  The canyon you are looking down with the salt flats beyond is Erebus Canyon.

To continue toward Abysmal travel up the bank of the wash to the north.  A little over 400 feet away is a cairn about 2.5 feet tall (wAbysmlTpRP-06).  There are a lot of cairns scattered all over the area so GPS may be a good idea if you want to find the same cairn described here.  This cairn is on the far north side of the wide drainage you have been crossing.

About 100 feet northeast of the large cairn is a small chute dropping down to the next drainage (wAbysmlTpRP-07).  Drop down the chute and start following the wash downstream to the north west.  This wash is not part of the wide drainage heading toward Erebus Canyon.  This wash is north of that wide drainage and leads down to the North Fork of Purgatory Canyon.

0.2 miles downstream of the chute, climb up and out of the wash on the north side (wAbysmlTpRP-08).    The sides of the wash will be steep and about 20 or 30 feet high.  Find a comfortable spot to climb up.

When you get to the top of the climb out from the wash, look northeast for a small reddish colored hill on the ridge.  Traverse the side of the ridge about 0.2 miles over to this small reddish hill (wAbysmlTpRP-09).

From the reddish hill, look north and locate an almost black section on the next ridge.  Travel down from the reddish hill and across the wash below then climb up to the top of the ridge on the upper side of the black spot (wAbysmlTpRP-10).  From the top of this ridge (wAbysmlTpRP-10) you have a clear view of a red hill in the distance that looks like part of its side slipped off to expose a white center.  Abysmal starts near that hill.

From the top of the ridge above the black spot, follow the ridge northwest about 200 feet then turn right (north) and work down the steep side and into the wash below (yAbysmal-SF1).

Note:
Once in the wash (yAbysmal-SF1) you have two options.   

Option One -- South Fork of Abysmal Canyon:
For the South Fork of Abysmal, travel down wash to the northwest about 0.2 miles to a drop.  That drop will be rap 1.  Unfortunately I do not have information on that rappel but it is around 50 or 60 feet.  The bottom of rap 1 for this route will be slightly down canyon of the rap 1 if accessing the South Fork of Abysmal using the bottom up approach.  This rap 1 will replace the rap 1 used if accessing from the bottom up.
TO CONTINUE: Jump to - South Fork Canyon / Technical Section.

Option Two -- Continue on to the North Fork of Abysmal Canyon:
For the North Fork of Abysmal Canyon continue with the rest of the approach directions.

From the wash (yAbysmal-SF1Tp) climb out by going up the ridge to the east.  The climb out is a steep scree covered ridge which will take a lot of effort to get to the top.  Near the top of the ridge you will see a saddle to the north with a red and white striped mountain visible behind it.  When you reach an elevation about equal to the saddle, traverse north over to the saddle (wAbysmlTpRP-11).

From this saddle drop down north to the next wash (yAbysmal-SF2Tp).  Traveling down the wash to the southwest will lead to the other entry for the South Fork of Abysmal Canyon which is used if accessing via the bottom up route.

From the wash (yAbysmal-SF2Tp) you will be able to see an orange colored tip on a ridge to the northeast.  Climb the hill side to get to the top the orange tip on the ridge (wAbysmlTpRP-12).

From orange tip on the ridge, follow north along the top of the ridge about 400 feet to the high point (wAbysmlTpRP-13).   

Continue about 400 feet north east past the highpoint then contour over to another ridge that drops down to the west (wAbysmlTpRP-14).  

About 400 feet down the ridge to the northwest is a cairn (wAbysmlTpRP-15) that marks where the ridge forks.  Follow down the right (more north) ridge.   

About 500 feet beyond the cairn, drop down into the wash below to the right (north) with the wide flat bottom (wAbysmlTpRP-16).  

After getting to the bottom of the wash follow it downstream a few hundred feet to a narrow point that looks like a canyon route might start to the north or northwest.  This opening is the top of the south fork for Natural Bridge Canyon (yNatBdgLwrSFTp).   

From this spot follow a smaller drainage to the southwest.

Follow a smaller drainage to the southwest about 0.2 miles to a short drop that can be down climbed along a slope on the right (yAbysmalNF-Tp).  This is the top entry for the North Fork of Abysmal.

TO CONTINUE: Jump to - North Fork Canyon / Technical Section.

North Fork Canyon / Technical Section - - (North fork section above the junction of the north and south forks):
About 250 feet from the first drop (yAbysmalNF-Tp) marking the top entry for the canyon is another drop of about 40 feet (wAbyNtFrkRP-01).  This drop can be down climbed along a marble chute.  The down climb is a little tricky and has moderate exposure.  It would be best to belay all but the last person.  

150 feet down canyon of the 40 foot down climb is the top of Rap 1 for Abysmal North Fork.  There is an easy down climb along a smooth marble area to a small shallow gravel-filled pothole.

Rap 1 (dAbyNF-R1-2) drops a total of about 95 feet over 2 stages of 30 feet and 70 feet.  The first 30 feet is along a smooth rock section while the second stage drops down along a more rough section with lose rock along the way.

Rap 2 is about 75 feet down canyon of rap 1.  Rap 2 is anchored by a large rock at the top of the rappel and drops a little over 40 feet.  

About 400 feet down canyon from rap 2 is an easy 20 foot down climb.

Another 600 feet down canyon is another short down climb of about 25 feet (wAbyNtFrkRP-02).  The lower portion of this is steep and slick but there are ample foot holds.  It is still a good idea to belay all but the last person.  Some people have rigged this as a rappel and may or may not have an anchor set here.  I note this to help avoid confusion on rap counts.

0.2 miles down canyon of the down climb is the confluence of the North and South forks of Abysmal Canyon.

TO CONTINUE: Jump to - The Main Canyon / Technical Section - - (below the junction of the north and south forks).

South Fork Canyon / Technical Section - - (South fork section above the junction of the north and south forks):
The start down into the South Fork of Abysmal will start from one of two places, depending on which approach route was used.  

(yAbysmal-SF1Tp) will be used if accessing from the top down route. 
(yAbysmal-SF2Tp) will be used if accessing from the bottom up route.  

If accessing via the top down route, follow down the wash from (yAbysmal-SF1Tp) northwest about 0.1 miles to a drop.  The drop is Rap 1.  I have not checked into this rap yet but it is about 50 or 60 feet.

If accessing from the bottom up route, follow down the wash from (yAbysmal-SF2Tp) southwest about 0.25 miles to a drop (there will be a couple quick down climbs along the way).  This drop will be Rap 1 (dAbySF-R1a).  Rap 1 is anchored from a large boulder in the wash and drops about 50 feet down a pinkish white vertical wall.  Rap 1 can be bypassed by climbing up and over RDC for an easy scramble down.

The two entries into the South Fork of Abysmal meet just below rap 1 for both entries.  

Down canyon of rap 1 the canyon offers easy wash walking and is pretty wide open.   

About 0.2 miles down canyon of rap 1 is a drop of about 15 feet down pinkish white rock.  The drop looks difficult to down climb but is much easier that it appears.  Down climb on the RDC side of the drop.  

Another 300 feet down canyon are a couple more short easy down climbs along some gray rock.  

Rap 2 (dAbySF-R2-3) is about 0.3 miles after rap 1.  Rap 2 is anchored from a cairn anchor and drops about 50 feet down a slightly sloped chute.  Rap 2 can be down climbed.  

Just below rap 2 is a sloped down climb followed by a 15 foot drop down a slot.  The 15 foot down climb looks intimidating from the top but is quite easy if you stem down.

Rap 3 is a little over 100 feet down canyon of rap 2.  Rap 3 is anchored from a cairn anchor and drops about 40 feet.  Down a fluted wall of pink, red, orange and a little grey.  Down canyon of rap 3 is easy wash walking again. 

Rap 3 can be bypassed RDC by climbing up and over then down a chute.  This chute is about 15 feet and has a lot of loose rock and should be down climbed with care.  After the chute is a rock ramp down to the wash.

Rap 4 (dAbySF-R4) is about 375 feet after rap 3.  Rap 4 is anchored from a cairn anchor and drops about 140 feet total.  Rap 4 starts down a series of drops along a sloped wall then along a horizontal section then down an almost vertical wall about 40 feet.  The first half of rap 4 is down climbable but the rope will be needed for the lower portion.

Rap 5 (dAbySF-R5) is about 300 feet down canyon of rap 4 with a down climb along the way.  Rap 5 is anchored from a cairn about 25 feet back from the top of the rap.  The drop on Rap 5 is about 30 feet giving a total rope travel of about 55 feet from the anchor.  Down canyon of rap 5 are a few short very easy down climbs.   Rap 5 is down climbable with the first 6 feet being a challenge.

About 180 feet down canyon of rap 5 is the confluence of the North and South Forks of Abysmal (jAbyMain). 

TO CONTINUE: Jump to - The Main Canyon / Technical Section - - (below the junction of the north and south forks).

The Main Canyon / Technical Section - - (below the junction of the north and south forks):
About 200 feet down canyon of the confluence of the forks is rap 1 in the main Abysmal Canyon.  This rap will be rap 6 if access here was via the South Fork or will be rap 3 if access here was via the North Fork.   

Note:
Rap numbers in the main canyon will begin at number 1 again.  Since the north and south forks have different numbers of raps, it is not possible to maintain a linear naming convention.  Remember rap 1 in the main canyon is rap 3 if you entered via the north fork and is rap 6 if you entered via the south fork.  

Rap 1 in the main canyon (dAbyMN-R1) is anchored from a cairn anchor and drops about 40 feet down a sloped pour off.  

Rap 2 in the main canyon (dAbyMN-R2-3) is a little over 300 feet down canyon of rap 1 in the main canyon. Rap 2 is anchored from a cairn anchor at the top of a smooth rock pour off and drops about 160 feet to a shelf below.  About 30 feet down Rap 2, is a small sand filled pothole creating a small ledge along the rap.  Just below the top of Rap 2 is a small rock wedged in the chute.  The last person down should try to set the knot below this rock to ensure the rope does not stick in the cracks on either side of the rock.  When the last person makes it to the pothole ledge, they can easily pull the carabiner past the wedged rock and ask for a test pull from those below.   

At the bottom of Rap 2 is a shelf large enough for a lot of people.  From this ledge is the top of the next rap for the big drop, rap 3.  

Rap 3 is the longest rappel in Abysmal Canyon and starts from the ledge at the bottom of rap 2.  It is anchored from a cairn anchor and drops about 250 feet.  Rap 3 drops along a series of sloped and vertical sections along a rough rocky wall.  From the top of this rock debris it is an easy scramble the last 20 feet to the canyon floor.

Rap 4 (dAbyMN-R4-5) is shortly down canyon of rap 3.  Rap 4 is anchored from a large pinkish rock sitting on a ledge about 15 feet from the top of the rap.  The total drop for Rap 4 is about 70 feet as it drops along a rough slightly sloped wall.   Rap 4 can be quickly bypassed by climbing around LDC.

Rap 5 is near the bottom of rap 4.  Rap 5 drops about 35 feet down a fairly smooth wall and is anchored from a large rock within some rock fall debris at the top of the rap.  

Down canyon of rap 5 are a few down climbs mixed with flat gravely wash.  Each of the down climbs is easy to get past and range in height from 10 – 20 feet.  A couple of these require climbing around on the sides of the canyon.   The drop about 700 feet down canyon after rap 5 is about 40 feet and is easily bypassed by going up and over RDC then down a scree pile.  A use trail is starting to develop for this bypass.

Rap 6 (dAbyMN-R6) is about 0.4 miles down canyon of rap 5.  There is very little or no anchor material available for rap 6.  About 40 from the top of the rap RDC is a gray rock sticking up out of the wash with a smooth horn.  Wrap the rope the rope around this smooth horn for the anchor.  Pulling the rope leaves nothing behind.  Rap 6 drops about 35 feet down a fairly smooth rock wall.  

Shortly after rap 6 is a drop of about 15 feet.  This drop is down climbed LDC along the more jagged section of the rock.  

Rap 7 (dAbyMN-R7) is about 120 feet down canyon of rap 6.  Rap 7 can be anchored from a large rock LDC of the drop.  Although this is labeled as a rap it can be down climbed by most.  Down climbing it does offer one portion with significant exposure and little to hang on to.  This is why it is labeled a rap.  The total drop is about 50 feet over 2 stages.  The second stage is the portion that can be a bit awkward to down climb.   

Rather than use the rock as an anchor for Rap 7, one of the better down climbers in the group can provide a meat anchor then down climb the drop after everyone else is down.  This should speed things up by allowing each person in the group to do what they are more comfortable with.  Some may rap the drop, and others can down climb but will have a rope hanging they can grab if needed.  

After rap 7 are a couple easy down climbs then the canyon offers an open wide flat easy wash to walk in.  Soon the canyon gets narrow again and winds a bit as you approach the anchor for rap 8.  

Rap 8 (dAbyMN-R8) is a little over 500 feet down canyon of rap 7.  Rap 8 is anchored from a cairn anchor and drops about 60 feet down a tight slot.  Rap 8 is moderately easy to down climb if you enjoy chimney style down climbs.  

Rap 9 (dAbyMN-R9) is a little over 100 feet down canyon of rap 8 with one short down climb along the way.  Rap 9 is anchored from a large rock protruding from the wash about 20 feet back from the top of the rap.  The rap drops along a rough wall with a slope near the bottom.  The total drop is about 65 feet.  

Shortly after rap 9 is a down climb of about 10 feet down a slick section of rock.  Shortly after the slick down climb is a larger drop of about 30 feet.  This next drop can be down climbed along a chute LDC of the drop.  

Rap 10 (dAbyMN-R10) is about 500 feet down canyon of rap 9.  Rap 10 can be anchored from a cairn anchor if desired.  The other choice for the anchored is a knot anchor in one of the cracks in the canyon wall instead.  The knot anchor is set back from the top of the rap about 40 feet RDC around a corner.  Rap 10 drops about 30 feet down a slightly winding chute then down a rougher wall.  Rap 10 can be down climbed as well.

Rap 11 (dAbyMN-R11) is a little over 100 feet after rap 10 and is anchored from a boulder choke stone near the top of the rap.  Wrap the rope around the boulder and pull when done leaving no anchor behind.  Rap 11 drops about 50 feet down a sloped wall.  The rock debris at the top of Rap 11 has a lot of rope sticking cracks among the rocks.  Be careful on placement of the rope.  

Raps 12, 13 and 14 (dAbyMN-R12-14) are one right after the other and start about 300 feet down canyon of rap 11.  

Rap 12 is anchored from a large rock near the top of the rap and drops about 35 feet.  Rap 13 is right below rap 12, is anchored from a cairn anchor and drops about 60 feet down a slightly sloped wall.  Rap 14 is right below rap 13, is anchored from a large rock about 35 feet back from rap and drops about 40 feet.  If desired, Rap 14 can be bypassed by climbing up and over RDC.

A short distance down canyon of rap 14 is a down climb of about 10 feet.  A pack lower is helpful as is a spot just in case.  After one more easy down climb is rap 15.  

Rap 15 (dAbyMN-R15) is about 700 feet down canyon of rap 14.  Rap 15 is anchored from small boulder at top of rap and drops about 30 feet.  

Raps 16 and 17 (dAbyMN-R16-17) are about 75 feet down canyon of rap 15.  

Rap 16 is anchored from an interesting rock feature RDC.  The natural anchor is a rock standing on end wedged between the wash floor and a low rock ceiling and is about 20 feet from the top of the rap RDC. Rap 16 drops about 20 feet.  

Rap 17 is right at the bottom of rap 16.  Rap 17 is anchored from a cairn anchor and drops about 50 feet.  It appears rap 17 can be bypassed with a down climb LDC.  All but the last 15 feet is easy.  The last 15 feet is sheer and not a good down climb.  

About 600 feet down canyon of rap 17 the canyon opens to the large alluvial fan for Abysmal (yAbymalBt).

The Exit:
Once on the alluvial fan (yAbymalBt), you have two options for the exit. 

If you are doing a top down version of this canyon and left a vehicle parked on the highway, walk east across the alluvial fan a little over a mile to the highway where you left the escape pod (pkAbysmalBt).

If you you are doing a bottom up loop version of this canyon, turn right (north) and walk 0.8 miles back to the Natural Bridge parking area (tNaturalBridge).

GPS Waypoint Information

Click to show / expand the list of waypoints below........

Abysmal 1 - Drive to exit vehicle and lower appraoch Trailhead.

extBadWatr-190          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.44835   W -116.85247        Elev: 10 Feet Junction of highway 190 and Badwater Road (178). extDesoltnCyn          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.39642   W -116.84753        Elev: -186 Feet Exit for the road to Desolation Canyon. 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. extNatBridge          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27404   W -116.79292        Elev: -241 Feet Exit for the road to the Natural Bridge trailhead. tNaturalBridge          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.28127   W -116.76980        Elev: 390 Feet Trailhead for Natural Bridge. pkAbysmalBt          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26570   W -116.78338        Elev: -255 Feet Park a vehicle here along the highway for transportation after exiting the bottom of Abysmal or Purgatory Canyons.

Abysmal 2 - Drive to upper approach Trailhead

extBadWatr-190          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.44835   W -116.85247        Elev: 10 Feet Junction of highway 190 and Badwater Road (178). ext-20Mule-In          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.40941   W -116.79466        Elev: 840 Feet Entrance to the 20 Mule Team Rd. extHoleInWall          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.40480   W -116.78271        Elev: 1,039 Feet Exit for the Hole in the Wall road. ext-20Mule-Out          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.39784   W -116.77033        Elev: 1,148 Feet Exit to the 20 Mule Team Rd. extDanteVw190          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.36312   W -116.70905        Elev: 210 Feet Exit for the Dantes View road off of highway 190. extFurnaceCk          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26833   W -116.66365        Elev: 3,148 Feet Exit from the road to DAntes View to Furnace Creek Road (Greenwater Valley Road). tMntPeryUseTrl          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.22096   W -116.72657        Elev: 5,460 Feet Trailhead for the Mount Perry Use Trail. Sections of the trail are hard to follow while other sections are very worn in.

Abysmal 3 - Approach from the bottom (Natural Bridge Trailhead)

tNaturalBridge          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.28127   W -116.76980        Elev: 390 Feet Trailhead for Natural Bridge. wNatBrdgeRP-01          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27538   W -116.76820        Elev: 200 Feet Start of a gentle slope up on the north side of a chocolate brown hill along the base of the mountain. wNatBrdgeRP-02          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27598   W -116.76562        Elev: NaN Feet Top of gravel section where it meets the orange colored rock and gets much steeper. wNatBrdgeRP-03          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27579   W -116.75955        Elev: NaN Feet Vertical rock wall that needs to be bypassed. Travers left (north) along its base then climb up and around it. wNatBrdgeRP-04          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27587   W -116.75858        Elev: 1,650 Feet Wide area of near vertical that can be navigated through in a couple different ways. wNatBrdgeRP-05          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27723   W -116.75392        Elev: NaN Feet Orange patch of rock near the base of a blackish color hill. wNatBrdgeRP-06          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27669   W -116.75033        Elev: 2,644 Feet On the peak of an orange hill along the ridge. wNatBrdgeRP-07          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27744   W -116.74804        Elev: 2,870 Feet Highpoint on route at the top of peak 2896. wNatBrdgeRP-08          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27775   W -116.74652        Elev: NaN Feet Saddle just before getting down to the top of Natural Bridge Canyon. yNatBdgLwrSFTp          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27826   W -116.74495        Elev: 2,770 Feet Top Entry for South Fork of Lower Natural Bridge Canyon yAbysmalNF-Tp          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27594   W -116.74507        Elev: 2,670 Feet Top Entry to the North Fork of Abysmal Canyon. wAbysmlTpRP-16          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27674   W -116.74230        Elev: NaN Feet If following the bottom up route turn left (east) and continue up the now larger ridge. If following the top down route drop off side of ridge to the wash on the right (north) with the wide flat bottom. wAbysmlTpRP-15          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27638   W -116.74006        Elev: NaN Feet Cairn marking a fork in the ridge. If following the bottom up route continue east up the ridge. If following the top down route to Abysmal Canyon take the right fork and follow it down to the wash below to the right (northwest). wAbysmlTpRP-14          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27622   W -116.73877        Elev: 3,400 Feet If following the bottom up route to Abysmal Canyon turn right (south and get onto the ridge running up and south. If following the bottom down route to Abysmal Canyon contour over from orange ridge to this ridge that heads down to the west. wAbysmlTpRP-13          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27507   W -116.73939        Elev: 3,331 Feet High point of the orange ridge. wAbysmlTpRP-12          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27402   W -116.73972        Elev: 3,260 Feet Orange tip or peak along the ridge. yAbysmal-SF2Tp          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27319   W -116.73907        Elev: 3,122 Feet Top entry to the South Fork of Abysmal Canyon if approaching via Natural Bridge trailhead (bottom up route).

Abysmal 4 - Approach from Dontes View down.

tMntPeryUseTrl          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.22096   W -116.72657        Elev: 5,460 Feet Trailhead for the Mount Perry Use Trail. Sections of the trail are hard to follow while other sections are very worn in. pDante'sPeak          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.22644   W -116.72512        Elev: 5,700 Feet Dante's Peak. Accessed along the Mount Perry Use Trail. jBadCyn          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.23647   W -116.71637        Elev: 5,180 Feet Leave the Mount Perry Use Trail here to start toward Bad Canyon. wMntPeryRP-01          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.24223   W -116.71783        Elev: NaN Feet Trail begins to fade as it continues west. Do not follow it west, instead turn right (north) and go about 250 feet to a hill leading up west again. wMntPeryRP-02          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.24319   W -116.71846        Elev: 5,140 Feet Start of painted rocks to help through a difficult to follow portion of the trail. This is near the bottom of a hill side going up west. wMntPeryRP-03          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.24356   W -116.72010        Elev: 5,215 Feet Hill tops out on a ridge here. Painted rocks marking trail. Turn right to continue north. wMntPeryRP-04          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.24505   W -116.72001        Elev: NaN Feet Paint spots begin again to assist with following the faint trail. wMntPeryRP-05          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.24751   W -116.72010        Elev: 5,065 Feet Mount Perry trail crosses a saddle here. jTyphonSF          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.24962   W -116.72317        Elev: 5,110 Feet Junction where the route to the South Fork of Typhon Canyon leaves the Mount Perry Use Trail. Mount Perry trail crosses a saddle here. Just beyond this saddle is a red and white hill the trail traverses. wMntPeryRP-06          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.25508   W -116.72199        Elev: NaN Feet Large cairn to the left (west) of the trail just beyond a saddle the trail crosses. jAbysmal          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.25552   W -116.72184        Elev: 4,945 Feet Leave the Mount Perry Use Trail here to go toward Abysmal and other canyons in the area of Abysmal Canyon. wAbysmlTpRP-01          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.25812   W -116.72801        Elev: NaN Feet A few mining artifacts left here. wAbysmlTpRP-02          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.25924   W -116.73043        Elev: NaN Feet Leave the ridge and travel down to the wash below to the right (North). wAbysmlTpRP-03          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26050   W -116.73102        Elev: NaN Feet Bottom of the wash after descending from the ridge. wAbysmlTpRP-04          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26132   W -116.73122        Elev: 3,848 Feet Top of the climb out from the wash. From here look for a faint trail leading north east then veering north around a small hill to a wide open wash. wAbysmlTpRP-05          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26249   W -116.73114        Elev: NaN Feet Saddle at the base of a red and white small hill. Travel down the chute to the north. 21-MAR-10 9:25:26AM jErebus          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26394   W -116.73400        Elev: 3,580 Feet Junction for Erebus Canyon. Follow the wash downstream southwest to go to Erebus Canyon. To continue toward Abysmal or Purgatory travel north across the wash. 21-MAR-10 9:33:00AM wAbysmlTpRP-06          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26507   W -116.73378        Elev: NaN Feet Large cairn in the wide open wash. A small chute to the north east leads down to a lower section of the wash. wAbysmlTpRP-07          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26531   W -116.73397        Elev: NaN Feet Small chute dropping to lower portion of the wash. wAbysmlTpRP-08          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26660   W -116.73727        Elev: 3,355 Feet Climb out of wash on the north side. wAbysmlTpRP-09          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26787   W -116.73935        Elev: NaN Feet Reddish colored hill along the ridge. wAbysmlTpRP-10          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26963   W -116.73997        Elev: NaN Feet Ridge top above black spot on the side of the ridge. yAbysmal-SF1Tp          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27141   W -116.74053        Elev: 3,110 Feet Top entry to the South Fork of Abysmal Canyon if approaching via Dante's View (top down route). If doing the South Fork of Abysmal from the top down follow down the wash to the north west. If doing the North Fork of Abysmal from the top down climb up the long steep scree slope out of the wash to the east. wAbysmlTpRP-11          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27206   W -116.73929        Elev: NaN Feet Saddle after the climb out of the wash. yAbysmal-SF2Tp          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27319   W -116.73907        Elev: 3,122 Feet Top entry to the South Fork of Abysmal Canyon if approaching via Natural Bridge trailhead (bottom up route). wAbysmlTpRP-12          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27402   W -116.73972        Elev: 3,260 Feet Orange tip or peak along the ridge. wAbysmlTpRP-13          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27507   W -116.73939        Elev: 3,331 Feet High point of the orange ridge. wAbysmlTpRP-14          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27622   W -116.73877        Elev: 3,400 Feet If following the bottom up route to Abysmal Canyon turn right (south and get onto the ridge running up and south. If following the bottom down route to Abysmal Canyon contour over from orange ridge to this ridge that heads down to the west. wAbysmlTpRP-15          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27638   W -116.74006        Elev: NaN Feet Cairn marking a fork in the ridge. If following the bottom up route continue east up the ridge. If following the top down route to Abysmal Canyon take the right fork and follow it down to the wash below to the right (northwest). wAbysmlTpRP-16          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27674   W -116.74230        Elev: NaN Feet If following the bottom up route turn left (east) and continue up the now larger ridge. If following the top down route drop off side of ridge to the wash on the right (north) with the wide flat bottom. yNatBdgLwrSFTp          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27826   W -116.74495        Elev: 2,770 Feet Top Entry for South Fork of Lower Natural Bridge Canyon yAbysmalNF-Tp          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27594   W -116.74507        Elev: 2,670 Feet Top Entry to the North Fork of Abysmal Canyon.

Abysmal 5 - North Fork

yAbysmalNF-Tp          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27594   W -116.74507        Elev: 2,670 Feet Top Entry to the North Fork of Abysmal Canyon. wAbyNtFrkRP-01          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27543   W -116.74555        Elev: NaN Feet 40ft drop that can be down climbed along a marble chute. Some may want a belay here. dAbyNF-R1-2          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27521   W -116.74602        Elev: NaN Feet Raps 1 and 2 for Abysmal Canyon North Fork. Rap 1 anchored from cairn in small pothole and drops 95 feet over 2 stages. Rap 2 anchored from large rock at top of rap and drops 40 feet. wAbyNtFrkRP-02          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27460   W -116.74888        Elev: NaN Feet Down climb of about 25 feet. All but last person should be belayed. jAbyMain          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27335   W -116.75069        Elev: 2,190 Feet North and South forks of Abysmal join here. From here down is the main canyon.

Abysmal 6 - South Fork

yAbysmal-SF2Tp          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27319   W -116.73907        Elev: 3,122 Feet Top entry to the South Fork of Abysmal Canyon if approaching via Natural Bridge trailhead (bottom up route). dAbySF-R1a          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27281   W -116.74277        Elev: 2,940 Feet Rap 1a South Fork Abysmal. Anchored from large rock boulder in wash and drops about 50 feet down vertical pink and white wall. Rap 1 can be bypassed by going up and over RDC for an easy scramble down. dAbySF-R2-3          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27301   W -116.74797        Elev: 2,570 Feet Raps 2 and 3 South Fork Abysmal. Rap 2 anchored from cairn anchor and drops about 50 feet down slightly sloped chute. Rap 2 can be down climbed. Rap 3 is about 100 feet down canyon of rap 2, is anchored from cairn anchor and drops about 40 feet. Rap 3 can be bypassed up and over then down a chute RDC with a lot of loose rock. dAbySF-R4          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27282   W -116.74932        Elev: NaN Feet Rap 4 South Fork Abysmal. Anchored from cairn and drops about 140 feet over a series of drops. dAbySF-R5          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27310   W -116.75028        Elev: NaN Feet Rap 5 South Fork Abysmal. Anchored from cairn and drops about 30 feet. Rap 5 is down climbable but the first 6 feet is a little challenging. jAbyMain          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27335   W -116.75069        Elev: 2,190 Feet North and South forks of Abysmal join here. From here down is the main canyon.

Abysmal 7 - Main Canyon (below the confluence)

jAbyMain          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27335   W -116.75069        Elev: 2,190 Feet North and South forks of Abysmal join here. From here down is the main canyon. dAbyMN-R1          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27306   W -116.75098        Elev: NaN Feet Rap 1 in Abysmal main canyon. Anchored from a cairn anchor and drops about 50 feet down a slopped wall. A nice black stripe of rock runs through this rappel. dAbyMN-R2-3          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27259   W -116.75184        Elev: NaN Feet Raps 2 and 3 in Abysmal main canyon. These 2 raps make up the first part of the Big Drop in Abysmal. Rap 2 anchored from a cairn anchor and drops 160 feet. Rap 3 anchored from cairn anchor and drops 250 feet. dAbyMN-R4-5          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27239   W -116.75271        Elev: NaN Feet Raps 4 and 5 in Abysmal main canyon. Rap 4 anchored from a large rock and drops 70 feet. Rap 4 can be quickly bypassed by climbing around LDC. Rap 5 anchored from a rock within some rock fall debris and drops 35 feet. dAbyMN-R6          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27161   W -116.75820        Elev: 1,160 Feet Rap 6 in Abysmal main canyon. Anchored from grey rock horn protruding from wash about 40 feet up canyon of the drop. The rap drops about 35 feet. dAbyMN-R7          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27159   W -116.75873        Elev: NaN Feet Rap 7 in Abysmal main canyon. Anchored from large rock RDC and drops about 50 feet down 2 stages. This rap is down climbable by most. dAbyMN-R8          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27172   W -116.76068        Elev: NaN Feet Rap 8 in Abysmal main canyon. Anchored from cairn anchor and drops about 60 feet down a tight slot. Rap 8 is moderately easy to down climb by those who enjoy chimney style down climbs. dAbyMN-R9          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27168   W -116.76111        Elev: NaN Feet Rap 9 in Abysmal main canyon. Anchored from large rock protruding from ground and drops about 65 feet. dAbyMN-R10          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27175   W -116.76271        Elev: NaN Feet Rap 10 in Abysmal main canyon. Anchored from 2 possibilities. A cairn anchor or a knot choke RDC. Drops about 30 feet and is down climbale by some. dAbyMN-R11          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27175   W -116.76319        Elev: NaN Feet Rap 11 in Abysmal main canyon. Anchored from boulder sized choke stone and drops about 50 feet. dAbyMN-R12-14          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27176   W -116.76428        Elev: NaN Feet Raps 12 - 14 in Abysmal Canyon. Rap 12 anchored from large rock and drops 35 feet. Rap 13 anchored from a cairn and drops 60 feet. Rap 14 anchored from a large rock and drops 40 feet. Rap 14 is easily bypassed by climbing up and around RDC. dAbyMN-R15          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27179   W -116.76615        Elev: NaN Feet Rap 15 for Abysmal main canyon. Anchored from small boulder and drops 30 feet. dAbyMN-R16-17          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27177   W -116.76643        Elev: 340 Feet Raps 16 - 17 in Abysmal Canyon. Rap 16 anchored from a cool natural anchor RDC and drops 20 feet. Rap 17 anchored from a cairn anchor and drops 50 feet. yAbymalBt          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27090   W -116.76787        Elev: 170 Feet Bottom Exit for Abysmal Canyon.

Abysmal 8 - Exit

yAbymalBt          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.27090   W -116.76787        Elev: 170 Feet Bottom Exit for Abysmal Canyon. tNaturalBridge          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.28127   W -116.76980        Elev: 390 Feet Trailhead for Natural Bridge. pkAbysmalBt          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 36.26570   W -116.78338        Elev: -255 Feet Park a vehicle here along the highway for transportation after exiting the bottom of Abysmal or Purgatory Canyons.