Canyoneering
The San Rafael Swell

Steve Allen

70 halftones, 9 maps
Paper $16.95
ISBN 978-0-87480-372-3

"This not only is the most authorative hiking guide to the Swell available, it is the most detailed and wisely assembled guide I have seen for any area."
--Books of the Southwest

The San Rafael Swell, lying between Canyonlands and Capitol Reef National Parks, is a seemingly endless expanse of slickrock, reefs, rivers, narrow canyons, mesas, towers, and pinnacles. Canyoneering: The San Rafael Swell is the first comprehensive and accurate guide to the San Rafael Swell. Allen has detailed sixty-three major hikes and many side trips into every corner of this million acres of spectacular territory. Designed as a guide for wilderness enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels, Canyoneering provides detailed information on trip length, difficulty, elevation gain, and water sources. Side trips, points of interest, and historical information are also noted throughout the text. Nine area maps and thirty road descriptions ensure that time will not be wasted finding trailheads.

This book documents for the first time four natural bridges and the single largest arch in the area. The Swell contains five Wilderness Study Areas and another eight areas that are currently under consideration. Canyoneering is the definitive guide to the rugged beauty of this country.

Steven Allen started hiking the San Rafael Swell in 1972. A certified Emergency Medical Technician, he has guided many trips for the Telluride Guide and Mountaineering School, Colorado State University Mountaineering Club, and the Sierra Club.