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An unsettlingly steep ravine delivers you from the North Rim to the river below.


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Map Key

0.5

Miles

0.8

KM

Point to Point

7,985' 2,434 m

High

6,417' 1,956 m

Low

0' 0 m

Up

1,568' 478 m

Down

62%

Avg Grade (32°)

73%

Max Grade (36°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views

  • Wilderness permits are required to enter this route. They can be obtained from the North Rim Ranger Station.
  • Campfires are not permitted.
  • Poison ivy is present here. Wear long pants!

Description

The park's steepest and potentially most dangerous inner-canyon route is not to be taken lightly. As a bare minimum, the less challenging S.O.B Draw or Long Draw (Gulch) routes should be completed to get a taste of what visitors are in for when considering Slide Draw.

The footing on this route is terribly loose, and the entrance to the unmaintained route requires a 30-foot downclimb. The experienced and capable hiker who decides to confront this gnarly route is sure to remember it well.

At the bottom of the canyon, there is one campsite near the river.

Flora & Fauna

The waters of the Gunnison River are especially fine for fishing. A valid Colorado fishing license is required and there are specific regulations to fishing in the area. Find out more by visiting the NPS's fishing page.

Contacts

Shared By:

Eric Ashley with improvements by Matt Cheng Zedler

Trail Ratings

  2.8 from 4 votes

#8

in North Rim

#43868

Overall
  2.8 from 4 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
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2 Star
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#8

in North Rim

#3,175

in Colorado

#43,868

Overall
8 Views Last Month
736 Since Dec 20, 2016
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Photos

Bottom of the draw at the river is beautiful and quiet.
Sep 19, 2019 near Montrose, CO
Trailhead is marked with this sign reminding you a wilderness permit is needed.
Sep 19, 2019 near Montrose, CO
30' downclimb to "drop in" at the top of the draw. Not hard as rock is solid.
Sep 19, 2019 near Montrose, CO
Hiking down the upper part of the draw. Everything is loose.
Sep 19, 2019 near Montrose, CO
Steepness of the draw is obvious in this photo. Again, everything is loose.
Sep 19, 2019 near Montrose, CO
At points, you essentially are using the walls of the draw to downclimb.
Sep 19, 2019 near Montrose, CO
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