Shape Shifter 

Region: Loy Canyon     

Total Distance: 3.5 miles + 700’     

Difficulty: Moderate 

ACA:  3AlI    

Duration: 3 – 5+ hours

Longest Rappel: 110’

Rope: 1 x 110’ + 1 x 110’ Pull Chord

Anchor Materials: 40’ of webbing + 5 rapides

Parking: Loy Canyon TH

Overview: With the best approach in Loy Canyon and more than meets the eye, Shape Shifter is an adventure route worth exploring. Mindful rope deployment and edge transitions will make this route more enjoyable. Shape Shifter has a little bit of everything and isn’t as straightforward as its nearby neighbors. Thought provoking obstacles will prove extra challenging during wet or icy conditions. Awkward starts and exposed ledges make this route less than ideal for those new to the sport. Please preserve the peace and respect the private property close by. Teams of 4 or less recommended.

• Free hanging/ over hung rappels

• Moderate down climbs

• Adventurous approach

• A fun alternative, warm up, or link up for Hang ‘Em High.

Approach:  Starting at Loy Canyon TH, hike 1 mile to a cropped and bark less tree that stands in the middle of the trail. Take a left at this landmark onto a social trail up 2 short chimneys to the main alcove. After visiting the alcove go back to the trail and follow it south west up to a prominent saddle. Continue along the saddle and to the striped cliff face on the west/ far side of the saddle. You will see and obvious large Ponderosa pine on the other side of the saddle. Continue past this pine tree following a trail along the cliff face to an obvious break in the cliff band and up to the next shelf. Traverse this shelf to R1 Located on a juniper tree near the sloping edge.

Descent: Up to 5 rappels under 110’. Locate the R1 Juniper on the sandstone bench, A few options exist but the largest juniper is recommended.

R1:  110’ off a juniper tree. This rappel starts off sloping and on wall, and drops into a free hang after about 35’. It is recommended to trail the rope until in the fre hang for a straight drop out of the trees.

After R1 navigate across the flat bench to the head of the watercourse on the right.

R2:  35’ off a juniper near a small cave located RDC, overhung with crispy flakes on the edge. You may want to run the out to 60’.

Stem above the slot that is choked with bushes in the watercourse. This slot tends to hold water.

After the brush choked slot there is advanced 20’ chimney down climb RDC that can be bypassed with some easy down climbing on the left sd.

R3:  25’ off a single bolt rdc, This rappel is over hung, and can be down climbed around on the left in dry conditions.  

R4:  35’ from the base of a bush RDC.

R5: 100’ of a juniper on an exposed ledge RDC.

Exit: Gear Down after the last rappel. There is a large dead tree in the watercourse, where you will leave the drainage on the left side. Do not continue down the drainage as it will soon land you on the private property. Exit the drainage making your way up to the top of the mound on the left side. Continue following the gps track away from the property and toward Loy Canyon trail. Watch for sensitive soils and catclaw, and please respectful of the private property close by.

Coordinates:

Turnoff Tree: 34.94556, -111.92444

R1: .34.94048, -111.93035