Inspired by theme parks’ height restrictions, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has introduced a more practical measurement tool for Utah’s narrow slot canyons: a width gauge. Installed at the trailhead of Spooky Gulch near Escalante in 2022, the device allows visitors to test whether they can safely pass through the canyon’s tightest sections before venturing in and potentially requiring a lengthy rescue.
The installation was put in place in 2022, but we thought we should let you know in case you weren’t aware.
Keeping folks from getting stuck—the BLM slot canyon width checker
The slot canyons of Utah’s back country are a wonder of nature. Every year, thousands make their way into the canyons, and every year, some get stuck.
In Utah’s Escalante country, Spooky Gulch is particularly popular. You don’t need climbing gear or special knowledge to get inside. But look out! Spooky Gulch is spooky from a dimensional standpoint. If you’re too wide, you may not get back out without help.
Taking a page from the Disneyland playbook, the Bureau of Land Management came up, not with a height ruler, but with a width checker. “The signs are mounted on structures illustrating the narrowness of the canyon and allow visitors to test their ability to pass through the narrow slot section,” says the BLM.
The BLM continued, “To help prevent the hazardous situation of being stuck in a narrow canyon, the new trailhead signs are a great resource for visitors to know their limits and reduce the chances of having a hazardous situation in the future for other visitors and rescuers.”
Four-hour wait times to get unstuck
History shows the width-gauge is really a good idea. In the past some visitors got stuck, and were safely removed. But it wasn’t a picnic. “Due to the remote location, rescue operations can take 4+ hours. Spending that amount of time lodged between rock walls is not only an uncomfortable situation for the victim but it’s also a preventable one that requires the valuable resources of search and rescue professionals. The Bureau of Land Management encourages all visitors to use the preventative warning signs as intended.”
If the BLM needs a private-industry sponsor to help fund these kinds of projects, maybe they should look to WeightWatchers®.
For more information on the width-gauge, check out the BLM posting.
RELATED
- Utah’s ‘biggest party ever’ canceled after BLM intervention
- BLM will pay you to camp host at these Montana spots
- Will BLM firings ignite a crisis at Burning Man?
- Want to RV on BLM lands? Download free maps for your device today
- Montana BLM announces fees at formerly free campgrounds
RVT1218b
That seems kind of narrow-minded of the BLM.
Rick
Lol
That will stop a lot of people. Though some will still try!
Of course if they’re stuck long enough, they may get through.
The airlines are now curious.
I did a lot of this canyon stuff as a kid, and I had to laugh. Then I happened to look down to try to see my feet. Fail. Guess I can only visit the GRAND Canyon.
Thank you for sharing this information, Russ and Tina! Seems an excellent idea. Have a great day and safe travels!
Great idea! I’ve enjoyed going through a slot canyon, it’s beautiful, but I can see that some people would have challenges a certain points…and then what? Yikes! Now I wish they could come up with something to “prevent” people from hiking (without enough water) in the heat – or thinking they can. It’s amazing to me that rangers here in southern AZ have to rescue people every single day, even in the summer, who believe they can still make it up and back “in time” before it gets too hot!