Hose Monster Canyon
Class 3 · 3.3 mi · +1,637 ft
Also known as Angel Falls. In winter Hose Monster is an ice climb (three pitches, WI5+); the rest of the year you can do it top down as a canyon, from the Echo Overlook trail with some off-trail bushwhacking. The canyon is short, but it can be wet and cold.
Approach: from the Cathedral Rock trailhead parking, follow the South Loop Trail to Echo Overlook. The drop-in to the gully is on the big switchback just past the overlook, at about 9,350 ft. Dropping through the gully takes two optional rappels, both overhung halfway: oR1, about 100 ft off the tree anchor on canyon right, and oR2, about 60 ft, ghosted off a tree. To skip them, follow the ridge on canyon left to a steep, loose express descent that brings you down near the start of the canyon. Follow the watercourse down to the mouth of the canyon and a large log where it drops.
R1 (about 230 ft): set up a short rappel off the tree anchor behind the log to reach and rig the real rappel off the chain anchor on canyon left. The rappel off the chains is about 165 ft. Don't stage people at the chain station: it's small and the ledge has little room. Instead, have each person rappel to the station, rebelay there and continue down the 165 ft rappel. It lands on a large ledge. Continue down canyon to the second rappel; a slide on canyon right may need a partner assist.
R2 (about 210 ft): rig the bolts on canyon left to walk down about 10 ft to a set of chain anchors, then rig the rappel from those for an easier pull.
Exit: bushwhack straight down the watercourse to the trail, then turn left and follow the trails back to the Cathedral Rock trailhead. No permit is needed.
Access
Parts of the range are the Mt. Charleston Wilderness, where motorized equipment isn't allowed: no power drills. Dogs must be leashed at trailheads. Campfires are banned year-round within a mile of homes in Kyle and Lee Canyons, and the Forest Service adds seasonal fire restrictions in summer, so check before you go.