Canyoneer Hog 1 (Boss Hawg) and Hog 2 (Swine Flue) Canyons North Wash BLM, UT

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Hog 1 (Boss Hawg) and Hog 2 (Swine Flue) Canyons GPX Track

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This is a technical canyon. If you are unfamiliar with how to build anchors or the gear required for canyoneering do not attempt this route.

Oct 23, 2019 — The Hogs are a series of 4 canyons in close proximity to one another. Unsure which we'd want to do, our decision was made along the approach when Matt and I saw Hogs 1 and 2 in the distance, parallel streaks of excitement embedded in the rock. We did Hog 1 first, and then Hog 2. Overall I'd say Hog 1 had more stemming and scrambling, and required more work to get through. There were also some fun partner-assist moves, and the longest rappel was 50 feet. Hog 2 was prettier, but a bit easier. It had an 80-footer (apparently there's a longer (130ft) rappel that we must have bypassed by accident via our approach?). Neither canyon has particularly crazy surprises, but expect to do a lot of squeezes through Hog 1, and Hog 2 has a particularly interesting dark rappel at its mouth known as the "Birthing Canal".

There are two routes to escape the drainage from both canyons (see map): a Class 3 gully just to the south of the junction of Hog 1 and Hog 2, and a Class 5 shortcut on the ridge that separates the two canyons. If you're comfortable on sketchy sandstone slab, head up the Class 5 shortcut to more easily access Hog 2 after finishing Hog 1. Add a mile to the day if you don't do the Class 5 slab move and instead need to head up the Class 3 gully to get back up to the rim. The Class 3 gully exit is fairly straightforward, but there is a bit of crumbly rock and the moves aren't trivial toward the top.

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As we started along the social trail through the desert, this is a photo looking toward the Henry Mountains.

Hog 1 and Hog 2 visible center and right, respectively. Upon seeing these two, we decided these would be the two Hogs we'd do for the day.

Working down into Hog 1 along the rim.

The fun begins shortly after dropping into Hog 1.

Starting into the narrows. Lots of fun high stemming.

A few partner-assist or handline obstacles shortly after entering the narrows.

More fun stemming and squeezing.

A rappel that could be down-climbed except for the last ten feet or so.

Pretty walls as the narrows open up a bit, a reprieve from the squeezing.

Exiting Hog 1 and heading to the confluence with Hog 2. A ridge separates the two that serves as a shortcut. It's a Class 5 slab move, and the alternative would be to ascend the Class 3 gully, skipping the shortcut.

The Class 5 ridge shortcut. Matt later came down and we hoisted our packs up with a rope, and took off our shoes. Slab is scary.

Looking back toward the confluence of Hog 1 and Hog 2.

Hog 2 visible ahead.

Entering Hog 2, a rappel.

A pretty section within Hog 2.

Some fun down climbs and nice lighting on our visit.

A really pretty rappel.

Looking up at a rappel into another pretty rappel.

A brief section of openness before more pretty narrows.

Some fun, optional high stemming.

Entering the final rappel (some may down climb this), a really nice dark pit.

Looking back up at the last rappel. Matt used a headlight.

Exiting Hog 2.

Looking back at the confluence of Hog 1 (left) and Hog 2 (right).

Approaching the Class 3 escape gully.

Class 2 stuff to ascend the first section of the escape gully.

Looking back down the Class 2 section.

About to start up the Class 3 section.

Looking back down the Class 3 sections at Matt coming up.

Looking back down into the escape gully below as we ascend back to the social trail.

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Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!