A rare slot canyon with tilted limestone bed in tilted limestone at a narrows of Pahranagat Wash. This is a dry tributary to Colorado River. Arrow Canyon Dam blocks it at its upstream end, which is a flood control structure that was built in 1930s by Civilian Conservation Corps.To bypass the dam, you will need to climb or detour. It is best to go out-and back from the downstream end. The distance from the trailhead (marked with signs and cables barriers across the canyon) to dam varies depending on the source. The canyon cuts through different rock layers and its character, particularly its width, changes quite a lot depending on which rock unit.The canyon's lower narrows are cut into limestone, which in some places supports cliffs up to 200 feet high. However, the canyon here is only 20 feet wide. The narrows are flanked by a prominent side canyon. It exits into open desert in about a hundred yards. As you go back into the main canyon, the soil beneath your feet becomes more fine, basically dry mud. It supports a richer vegetation cover.Although Arrow Canyon Dam is designed to block flash floods from coming down Pahranagat Wash directly, it's still advisable to stay out of the area if there are any thunderstorms. Many large side canyons that run below the dam have clearly seen floods in recent years.
