Mormon Monster

Region: Brins Mesa     

Total Distance: 5.5+ miles

Elevation : 2,000’+   

Difficulty: Hardest     

ACA: 3Alll     

Duration: 7-9+ hours

Longest Rappel: 300’

Rope: 1 x 300’ + 1 x 330’ Pull Chord

Anchor Materials: 40’ of webbing + 3-4 rapides

Parking: Park at Brins Mesa TH for the Monster Approach. For the original approach During icy or wet conditions approach park at Wilson Mountain TH (Midgley Bridge).

Overview:  In combination with the Monster Approach from Brins Mesa this version of Upper Mormon Canyon will give Grizzly a run for it’s money as far as difficulty and reward. Casual rappelers or those new to the sport may find the rugged nature of this route less appealing. Experienced hikers and canyoneers may find the approach more enjoyable and the short technical section worthwhile. Whichever way you approach the monster will require a lot of effort for what is often considered the best rappel in the Red Rock Region.

•  Coconino watercourse

•  Fantastic 300’ free hanging rappel

•  Amazing with flow

•  Seldom seen views

Monster Approach (Reccomended): Starting at Brins Mesa TH hike 1.18 miles to the top of the mesa. Once atop Brins Mesa identify a faint social trail on the Right or North side. Follow this trail just over half a mile towards the overlook, a low key local hiking destination with views of the seasonal waterfalls and towering cliffs of Wilson mountains south face. The overlook is a great spot to view Jehova 300 and enjoy a snack before continuing up to the first bench.

 From the overlook trail navigate through dense foliage and fallen trees, over another ditch, and toward the alcoves and cliff band to the west. A promininent sandstone feature hides the gully used to gain the first bench of Rainbow Ridge. The rockslide gully follows the often shaded West side of the nose up loose terrain. The gully is rather steep and will require tip toeing around large dead trees and crumbled boulders (helmets recommended). The ascent is just a few hundred feet and will land you on the first bench.

Once atop the first bench continue hiking through bushy terrain up to the Coconino ridgeline. Easy scrambling will get you up to the prominent ridge (Rainbow Ridge). Follow the ridgeline North towards the face of Wilson. Continue right or east until you can locate a 35’ chimney on your left. Exit the top of the chimney on the left side around an exposed corner and up to mellow terrain. After you emerge from the chimney you have about 400’ remaining on the ascent. Hike toward the black basalt layer where you will find collection of 4th class lines up the basalt. The heroic basalt top out completes your ascent and rewards you with epic views seldom seen. Follow the cliffs edge on the right or east side to access the canyon below. Down-hike into the watercourse and get ready before continuing to the monster rappel.

Shuttle Approach/ Original Approach: For those craving a more straightforward and less adventurous approach, or during less than ideal conditions, the original approach will get the job done. This option will require leaving a vehicle at Brins Mesa Th and starting from Midgley Bridge where parking is limited. Hike the Wilson Mountain trail to the turnoff for upper Mormon Canyon.

Descent: If starting at the head of the canyon, you will likely encounter an additional rappel of <100’ to access the main drainage. Follow the coconino watercourse avoiding deep pools and potholes by climbing around on the right side. As you approach the edge the watercourse becomes more defined and dumps onto a large pothole near the big drop. Down climb the watercourse to the bolted anchor on the back side of the pothole. Rigging the rope from here is ideal. Others may want to down climb around the pothole on the right side and get on rope here.

R1: 300’ off bolted anchor to the first large ledge.  We used a fiddle stick on this rappel and extended our pull side to 330’.  I have found it useful to use edge protection and check the rope between rappellers. This rappel is jerky and less enjoyable with too much friction on your device and may cause damage to your gear. Edge protection can be useful here.

R2: 150’ off tree in the center of the watercourse (optional). During dry conditions this obstacle can be downclimbed around on the steep slabs outside the watercourse.

R3: 125’ off pine tree LDC with bushes at the bottom. Trail the rope to avoid trees below.

Exit: Follow the main drainage boulder hopping through Mormon Wash. Depending on the conditions in the wash you may want to exit early. There will be a small ditch on your right and faint game trails connecting back to the Brins Mesa trail. Coordinates for the wash exit are listed in the coordinates up top. If you exit the wash please be mindful of sensitive soils and terrain and follow traveled terrain.

Coordinates:

Turnoff: 34.90027, -111.77930

Approach Gully: 34.90986, -111.77536

Approach Chimney:  34.91423, -111.76807

R1: 34.90905, -111.76038

Mormon Wash Exit: 34.89455, -111.77293

Route Established By: Garret Bennet & Eric Jansen

Ryan Fontaine on “The Monster” with flow. Photo Courtesy Of: Jared Krupela