Canyoneering - Rocky Mouth Falls, Draper 6/20/26

Emily Hacken
1 minute ago
3 min read

Sample Itinerary:

Trailhead - 8:00 am

Hike/Rappelling – 8:00 am - 12:30 pm

Directions: Rocky Mouth Falls Trailhead, Draper

(Parking is limited. you can park on certain parts of the street but you will need to follow signage to make sure you park in an ok spot)

Activity: Rappelling Rocky Mouth - this is a WET RAPPEL with multiple rappells. This is a great intro to class C canyons. That being said, the flowing water still adds a dimension of difficulty and danger and would be better suited for people that have canyoneering experience, not just rappelling experience.

Approach - Access by hiking up left before the main lower waterfall and scramble up about 5 min to a large "triangle" boulder. Turn right and traverse across the cliffs to the top of a 35 ft steep rock climb down. There is a bolt for hand lines. The steep rocky path continues on about 70 ft to the stream. There is a small bench and a large tree anchor on the right.
Rappel 1 - Tree anchor right. 35 ft rappel but we used about 45-50 ft because it trains over large boulders and such. Rappel is in the stream. Some brush to navigate through at the top.
Rappel 2 - Bolts right and chains left. 85 ft. 3 tiers. Usually hikers there so don't throw rope down. Road Trip Ryan Trip Report.

Tips:

The water can be very fast and pushy in the late spring. Consider the option to place the rappel on the left chains on the second rappel so that participants aren’t as directly in the flow.
DO NOT use a self belay for first rappeller when the water is pushing on you or down on you.
Wetsuits recommended for temps in the 70s or lower. Otherwise rainjackets were good and standing sideways to have less exposure to full weight of water helped. Though likely to get your rainjacket full of water.
Helmets mandatory due to debree that can come down the waterfall
The approach to the first waterfall has steep loose sand and rock and can be tricky / dangerous with too many people hiking on it all at once. Wear helmets going up.
Approach involves a steep down climb to the top of the first rappel which is best with a hand line for safety
If a cooler day in the 70s bring a jacket/warm layers to change into/put on after the rappel. You can leave them at the bottom of the waterfall and warm up when you’re done rappelling. We had a family member bring hot cider which was awesome!
Don’t forget to bring a rain jacket or waterproof shell with a hood to keep water out, a brimmed hat and quick drying clothes, or a a wetsuit if you prefer.

Gear: Harness (can rent), climbing helmet (can rent - can use ski helmets but not bike helmets), brimmed hat, gloves with rubber grip), thin T-shirt, thin long-sleeve shirt, fleece, rain jacket, shorts or hiking pants, running shoes or boots, 1 L water , 2-4 snacks, small backpack, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, first aid kit, wetsuit (for spring, fall, winter), 2 60 m ropes, figure 8 and carabiners for 8 block

Rentals: