Canyoneering, Great White Icicle (GWI) in Little Cottonwood Canyon

The Great White Icicle canyon has beautiful views of this very steep canyon. On this adventure be ready for a challenging steep approach hike and to cross Icey water several times and deal with a trail that sometimes requires bushwacking. The views will be worth it because the Great White Icicle promises an unforgettable adventure by combining the raw power of nature with the excitement of exploration right in our own backyard!
Brent McCormick is organizing this trip. We will be descending the Great White Icicle. This is an advanced-intermediate level canyon because it’s Class-CII Rated Canyon. No beginners, only canyoners with experience doing several intermediate canyons, some of them class-C, and rappelling on a very slippery surface. The estimated time is 5 to 7 hours. There are several rappels of about 200’. Canyoners need to be able to make these rappels on an 8 mm rope without assistance and be able to add or remove friction as needed. The layout of the drops prevents the bottom belayer from seeing the rappeler all the time so everyone needs to be able to rappel using a self-belay technique. This is a wet canyon as we descend the watercourse. I will be using quick dry pants and shirt and maybe rain jacket. I expect we will only be in the splash zone and it should be very hot so some cold water may feel good. If you have questions on what to bring, call me. Recommended personal gear for each person: quick dry long sleeve shirt and pants, rain jacket, backpack, helmet, harness, rappel device capable of adding friction, safety tether (PAS), whistle, 3 extra carabiners, 1-2 liters of water, snacks.
The tough approach for this takes over an hour, is up a very steep, loose, rocky trail and has some risk. Everyone must be comfortable hiking up this type of steep trail, with just over 1000’ of elevation gain. This isn’t a guided trip and participants are expected to share in effort, buddy checking each other at each rappel station, carrying group gear, bag rope, and provide excellent fireman belay’s. Beta for the trip can be found at Road Trip Ryan’s web site. Please review it before requesting to join the trip. https://www.roadtripryan.com/go/t/utah/wasatch/great-white-icicle
This trip requires registration with the organizer. Everyone will be first moved to the waitlist and once we verify you are a paid member of the WMC and this trip is appropriate for you we will add you to the going list. Priority will be given to people who have not done this canyon before.
EVERY person that wants to go needs their own Meetup profile, with a picture AND YOUR NOTIFICATIONS NEED TO BE TURNED ON. Meetup accounts are approved by the club and requests to join the WMC Meetup take time to approve. Also, you must be a member of the WMC BEFORE SIGNING UP, sign up here https://www.wasatchmountainclub.org/join. At some point, your membership will be confirmed. If your Meetup name is different than your WMC membership name email the organizer so we can verify you. No plus 1s. There may be unique circumstances that don’t require WMC membership. Contact Brent for exceptions to membership.
• By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that: Canyoneering and other outdoor activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death; The organizers of this meetup and current and former members cannot be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant - including you - at any event; You release and forever discharge the organizers jointly and severally from any actions, causes of actions, claims, damage, loss including death or injury which may be sustained from participating in this Meetup event.
• All attendees are participating at this event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury or loss in whatever form to themselves or their guest.
• By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer and release, and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim including a lawsuit or other action arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group.
Review the WMC Acknowledgment of Risk, and Release from Liability form - https://www.wasatchmountainclub.org/docs/ActivityReleaseForm1Page.pdf
We would appreciate a $10 donation per person to help pay for the wear and tear of the gear.
Rating: MOD+
Start: 8/2/2025
Meeting: Registration Required. Meeting Place Little Cottonwood Canyon Parking Lot. https://maps.app.goo.gl/fFcKRGZcsYUuCSrS7
Meeting Time: 8:00a, we will car pool to the trail head.
Contact: Brent McCormick, 801-580-6647, bmccormi@comcast.net