Name: Pritchett Canyon/Hunter Rim Loop
Rating: 4.0

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Features Views

The last two miles of this loop if done clockwise are extremely difficult to navigate. The grade is inaccurate. There are portions of climbing and descending 90 degrees. It is easy to get lost or cliffed out. There is extreme exposure with some high risk scrambling and bouldering involved. The cairns are few and not visible. Use extreme caution.

Overview

The terrain is rocky and sandy with short, steep ascents. Some highlights you'll see are arches, petroglyphs, a granary, views of Behind the Rocks Wilderness Study Area, killer singletrack above Hunter Rim Trail and Gatherer Canyon, and a spring. At about mile 10.5, going in the clockwise direction, the route finding becomes very difficult and it's easy to get cliffed out. Requires Class 4 down climbing.

Need to Know

This is recommended as an expert-only trail loop. There is an extremely technical section along the Hunter Canyon Rim with exposure and route-finding where experience is needed.

Runner Notes

At the start of Pritchett Canyon there is a $1 fee to cross private property.

Description

This 12.4-mile loop has long, rugged sections in Pritchett Canyon and Hunter Canyon Rim Trail. Hunter Canyon Rim Trail has high, exposed singletrack and is above Gatherer Canyon. There are a few rock arches in Pritchett Canyon and a granary up a side drainage just before the Hunter Canyon Rim Trail singletrack.

Most people complete this route clockwise, starting at Pritchett Canyon and end at Gatherer Canyon. The only major turn is at the Pritchett Canyon/Behind the Rocks/Hunter Rim Junction. Turn right at this junction onto the Hunter Canyon Rim Trail.