This is a cool canyon for the family and the daring adventurer as well. Not to mention the beautiful views of the San Rafael Swell and wonderful photo ops. It offers a wonderful easy hike through some interesting narrows, side canyons, and eventually a view of Jug Handle Bridge. Or you can make it more interesting by rapping down a multi-pitch route through the middle of Jud Handle Bridge to the canyon floor. Whatever your flavor is, this is a good one.

The canyon is easy to get to. Take Hwy 24 to Temple Mountain Road and then West to Temple Junction. Turn right and follow the dirt road North parallel to the East rim for approximately 2.5 miles to the wash that leads to Farnsworth Canyon.

The adventure begins by hiking up an open wash into a wonderful narrow. This is the beginning of Farnsworth Canyon. Be prepared for water collection if it has rained hard recently. Continue heading through the canyon and you will find the canyon opens up. There are different directions to go from here depending on what you intend to do. If you are doing the raps or want to view the bridge, you will veer slightly left into the second section of the canyon. If you are exploring then you can go right, left or continue up Farnsworth Canyon.

Once out of the second canyon section you will find yourself at the head of the canyon. Straight ahead is the escarpment where you will eventually ascend down into Jug Handle Bridge Canyon on the right. Look around and enjoy Mother Nature's beauty. If you are doing the Jug Handle Bridge rap, veer left following the wash and work your way around the left of the escarpment. Heading Northeast, look for the old mining road going up the side of the ridge. Follow it to the rock slide gully behind (North) the escarpment. Here is where you will ascend to the top for a 360 degree view of the San Rafael Swell.

Once at the top you will turn right and head Southwest to the South edge of the escarpment rim. Looking over the edge you will notice three different small canyons. The canyon you will rap into is the one to the far right. If you are above the correct canyon you will be able to view Jug Handle Bridge. Continue moving right down the rim until you come to the right side of Jug Handle Bridge. Here you will find a sling around a rock anchor for your first rappel.

This is where the hike and rap part ways. If you are just hiking, you will return the way you came. However, if you are in the mood for more adventure, let's go do the Jug Handle Bridge rap.

Be sure to set up your rappel so it will hang over the edge and allow the rope to be easily pulled from below. You will eventually pull your rope and you don't want any hang ups. Rappel down to a ledge just right of the arch, about 35 feet. Pull your rope, loosely coil it and head over to Jug Handle Bridge.

Now the real fun. Time to rap through Jug Handle Bridge. Anchor off the tree at the head of the opening. Rap down the overhang into the bowl and onto a ledge about 70 feet below. Here there is a landing. Don't unhook your rappel. Walk down the ramp to the next ledge and rap down. You can unhook here or continue down further, your choice depending on the length of your rope(s). Pull the rope(s), loosely coil and head to the final anchor.

Next, you will rap down another 60 + feet to the upper level of the canyon floor. Your anchor is a rock with a sling on the right side of the ledge. This is another overhang rap with about a two or three step wall at the beginning. You can continue past a pile of rocks to the real bottom of the canyon base or unhook your rap and down climb. Now comes the fun part, NOT. Pull your rope, coil it, secure your climbing gear, it's time to down climb out of the canyon where you will eventually enter back into Farnsworth Canyon.

This completes your loop of the escarpment. Now it's time to hike out and back to the car.