9 Mile Wash
Vital Statistics
Mileages
1.5 miles form rim to Badger Rapids (approximate distance)
Maps
7.5 Minute Quadrants: Navajo Bridge
Trails Illustrated: Marble Canyon not covered in 2004 version.
Elevations
3800’ at rim to Badger Rapids
Trailhead Access
Traveling towards the North Rim on highway 89A you will pass Vermillion Cliffs Lodge. Approximately 3.2 miles past the lodge, at mile marker 545, you will see a gate with a sign posted starting “KEEP GATE CLOSED.” Turn left onto this road and follow it for 3.75 miles to the trailhead. There are two forks near the beginning of the road; stay to the left at each one. A steep section of road approximately 1 mile from the end requires four wheel drive on the return trip.
Trail Description
The road ends at the sheer edge of 9 Mile Wash. North of the parking area is a smaller rocky side drainage. Walk down this drainage to the edge of the wash; a large cairn to the left marks the beginning of the route.
Several developing paths lead down the wash toward the Colorado River. These trails all remain high on the side of the drainage, coming together above the last and largest pour-off. A series of approximately four 10’ downclimbs brings you to a talus slope. There are two ways to start this vertical section. The first one you encounter is more exposed. It involves a direct downclimb of two 10’ sections. The second is farther out along the top of the cliff. This involves downclimbing a 20’ chimney. It takes some looking to find this section of the route. From the base of either route scramble down the slope to the river. You will be about ¾ mile below Badger Rapids.
Water Sources
Colorado River
Campsites
Trailhead and the river.
Special Interest
Backpackers may want to bring rope for lowering their pack through the downclimbs. These are completely vertical but have excellent holds. This route description replaces a duplicate description that was titled “The South Badger Canyon Route”.
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