Contigo
Region: Hartwell Canyon
Distance- 2 mi
Elevation- 1,000’
Duration- 2 - 3.5 hours
Difficulty- Easy
Descent- 2-3 rappels up to 150’
Anchor Materials: 35’ of webbing + 4 rapides
Driving Directions: Park at the End of Rope parking, just past Hartwell Canyon on your right, and before the Loy Canyon TH. There is an obvious pull off on the right side with a large dead tree to sit on for tour photos. This lot sees a lot of jeep tour traffic, please be courteous and leave room for others.
Overview: An easy option that often gets overlooked by canyoneers on the hunt for classics. Although Contigo doesn’t offer up the best rappels in the region, it does offer a short and sweet adventure in a rugged and remote wilderness setting.
Rarely seen petroglyphs
Straight forward rappels
Scenic Approach
Approach: Starting at End of Rope Parking, follow social trails toward the main approach gully. Cross over a small drainage and follow the gully up on the left side. Continue up the gully past a rockslide and to a 10’ crack that is the crux for most. The crack can be climbed on the outside, or more easily by going up under a large, choked tree. Continue up to the top of the gully, reaching a cozy saddle with panoramic views of Hartwell Canyon. From the saddle continue down to the main red rock bench and continue right or south to the start of Contigo.
R Zero: A bolted rappel of 60’ on the left side can be bypassed by downclimbing into an obvious crack on the right side
R1: Less than 100’ from a tree
Immediately after is a 15’ crack downclimb on the left
R2: 150’ from a bolted anchor station on the left.
Exit: Continue down the drainage until it merges with Hartwell Canyon. Take a right into the main drainage and continue boulder hopping to the turn off for the exit gully. Take the gully ~400' up and over a saddle. Weave through manzanita and locate social trails back to End of Rope parking.
Preservation: Please respect archaeological sites and sensitive terrain along your journey.
Route Established By: Garrett Bennett & Holly Dison