5 Mile Wash
Vital Statistics
Mileages
Approximately ½ mile with a 50’ rappel with overhang, or
1 and ½ miles without the rappel to the Colorado River.
Elevations
3640’ to 3120’
Trailhead Access
From HWY 89, 0.2 miles north of mile marker 535. The trailhead is marked by a small cairn and fire ring. Total mileage to trailhead from HWY 89 is 2.1 miles.
Trail Description
From the parking area head toward Colorado River/Six Mile Canyon. Follow main route 1/8 mile down slope to a break in the Kaibab. Drop off, go through a tight squeeze between two large rocks and then bear left and down. You may see several purple and white arrows along this route; they are accurate for the most part. You are now heading to the base of the pouroff, keep south (left) as you descend. There is a distinct route down along the south side of the canyon. When the canyon starts to open up, you should head for the center of the drainage if you intend to do the rappel. If you want to avoid the rappel, stay on the route which will contour south. Approximately ¾ mile down river you have a choice of either descending a break through the Toroweap or going a 1/8 mile farther to a talus slope. At the river, you can hike upriver to two beaches.
Water Sources
Colorado River.
Campsites
Two small beaches at the Colorado River.
Special Interest
This is a short, fast route to the Colorado River. One of the variations requires technical skills and equipment. Be careful here during thunderstorms as it obviously is subject to flash flooding. At one time there was a cable erected at the lower pouroff. This cable has been removed but people often install anchor points and erect ropes to aid in traversing a narrow ledge that makes it unnecessary to rappel. These anchors and ropes should never be trusted.
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