Tributaries of North Wash - Canyon One, Shillelagh

Map

Map of the North Wash tributaries.

Shillelagh Canyon Route Description

UT 95 crosses over the dry streambed that emerges from Shillelagh Canyon, 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.