This is a good introduction route to canyoneering for the beginner at approximately 9.5 miles in length round trip. Not a technical route by any means. A few short pitch raps with a dramatic 80 foot rap overhang at the Baptist Draw and Chute Canyon merge. This route also has some of the best deep slot narrows of the easier canyons. A great route to get hooked on canyoneering. No need for artificial anchor on this route, there are plenty of natural anchors with pre-positioned slings. Check the anchors and slings carefully and replaced as needed.

Base camp is located at Cowboy Camp. A fairly open cattle range area with a large fire pit. This is a good place to camp or spend the night if you want an early morning start. See map/charts page for directions into Cowboy Camp from I70.

From Cowboy Camp take a North heading to begin your hike. You will soon encounter a draw. Take the draw right (East) following it until you come to a large draw (not the small one) coming in from the left. Take this to the North and continue up the draw until about half way, then climb the slope to the right. Once at the top of the slope you will come to a dirt road. The road is the crest between the draw and a drainage that leads down to Baptist Draw and the entrance to the canyon. Follow the drainage and cow trail down Northeast until you come to the fence and a natural cairn. This is a beautiful early morning stroll.

The entrance to Baptist Draw is East or the cairn, just follow the rocky/sandy wash. You can't see much of the canyon from here, so don't be fooled. The canyon starts out fairly flat with some slope on each side, but soon becomes narrow and fun. The real beauty of the canyon is soon revealed showing why it is worth the long hike into and out of. Here you will find deep slot narrows where you will have to remove your packs and crawl, squeeze, and turn sideways to pass. There are numerous chock stones to negotiate by climbing over and under to get around.

Eventually, you will encounter your first rap or assisted sling down climb of about 10 feet. This is fairly easy, but might be a little tough for the beginner due to the squeeze. As you follow the narrow you will next come to a 30 foot drop. This is your first real rap. This is a fun one, but fairly easy and straight forward. Continue through the canyon until you can't go any further. You are now at the merge.

The merge is where Baptist Draw drains into Chute Canyon. This is a beautiful spot with a 80 foot rap and overhang. The rap will be a little difficult for the first time rapper due to the tricky start. Without a firm step off on the ledge, you will have to work your way down at an angle where it drops off to the overhang. This is a little intimidating, but can be negotiated by the first time rapper with a little coaching.

This is your half way point and a good place to take a break, have lunch and do some exploring if you have time. If you planned time for Upper Chute Canyon you will go left. If you didn't or decide not to, you will go right to finish the loop.

As you proceed down Chute Canyon you will encounter some large boulders and eventually come to the next and final rap. This is a short 20 footer off a large boulder. The rest of the way you will encounter winding deep slotted narrows that open up and then close just as quickly. These narrows will afford some great photo ops and refuge from the day's intolerable summer sun.

The jaunt down Chute Canyon ends at Chute Junction. You will know when you have arrived when it opens up and you see a sandy knoll on the right and a small drainage. This is where the rubber meets the road. The narrows are over and it's nothing but a long 2+ mile uphill trudge back to Cowboy Camp.

Try to enjoy the hike. The scenery is typical of the region. When you get to the top of the drainage Cowboy Camp will be a little further more on your left.