Dec 13, 2016 — Sheepbone and Quarry Canyons make for a great beginner canyon loop in Lake Mead. I recommend just parking on Lakeshore Road and following the dirt road, leaving it to head toward the mouth of Sheepbone Canyon. There are a series of washes that lead through the desert, but no one correct route. Shortly after entering the mouth of Sheepbone Canyon, we encountered an obstacle with a fixed rope. There are a few of these along the way, some more difficult than others, and all ascendable without the ropes if you have some climbing skills. The ropes certainly make this canyon more beginner-friendly. On all three of my visits through this canyon, there were always lines in place, so thank you to whoever added them.
A bunch of climbs and obstacles later, we made it to the head of Sheepbone Canyon and headed through more pretty narrows until it opened up. A drainage pops up on the right, which we followed to the saddle separating Sheepbone Canyon from Quarry Canyon. A few years later, I did a nice loop in the River Mountains which included Falls Peak that might be worth checking out if you're in this area. Anyway, from the saddle, we headed north down into Quarry Canyon. The rappels themselves aren't super interesting, but it's a nice warm-up canyon to start the year. The canyon eventually opens up and ends at an ugly quarry. I have no idea what's going on here. We accidentally went through a gated area, but I don't think it matters. We got back to Lakeshore Road and followed it back to the car.
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