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Secret Place #10 (Crystal Canyon*)
*
Alias, not found on any map.
| Summary: |
This technical canyoneering adventure passes through a
wet oasis in the middle of a dry desert. The canyon requires 3 rappels (2 in
waterfalls) and some sketchy climbing on a steep scree slope.
To exit the canyon using the route I describe, everyone in the party will
also need to have decent climbing skills or be able to ascend a rope. Gear
required: 2 x 50 meter ropes, harness w/ descending gear, webbing, dry bags,
helmet and a wet suit if attempting this canyon in anything but the hottest
weather.
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| Road
Conditions: |
High Clearance Vehicle |
| Navigation: |
Difficult |
| Length: |
5-8 hours |
| Date
Hiked: |
September 2003 |
| Weather
Conditions: |
Hot & sunny, then clouds and sprinkles |
|
Required Skills: |
 |
| Hike
Description: |
Your first challenge is finding the entry point. Since
I'm keeping this one a secret, I'm afraid I'm not going to offer any help.
Drive as close as you can to the canyon rim, then head cross country to the
rim itself and route find (a gps will take much of the guesswork out of this
task) to the prominent land mark which marks the technical section of the
canyon. A cliff band at the top of the canyon will require a rappel of about
70 feet. I suggest leaving a rope in place at this point so you can use it
to climb out afterwards (evidently there is a hiking route out of the canyon
about 2 miles down stream, but it is supposedly a nasty bushwhack). After
rappelling past this top cliff band descend the scree slope towards the
creek. Choose your route carefully and watch your footing, the rock is very
loose and the hillside steep. Once in the canyon bottom, the fun begins. Hop
in the stream bed and walk the slippery rocks down stream. You will soon
come to a short water slide followed by the first waterfall. There is a deep
pool at the base of this falls, so the best way down is simply to jump. It's
about 15 feet if you jump right next to the falls, those who are a little
more cautious can climb down to a lower point about 6 feet above the pool.
Swim around the corner and you will come to waterfall #2, this one must be
rappelled and your anchor is a glue in bolt on canyon right. Since you'll be
landing in a deep pool, I suggest setting the rope length so that the end of
the rope is just in the water. You can have someone in your group spot from
the rim above the falls. There is another bolt on a rock outcropping just
below the falls. If water levels are very high, you could use this anchor to
provide a guided rappel down this first falls and/or use it to set up a
safety line to ensure a member of your group can get to the next rappel
station without getting swept over the final falls. When I was here, this
rock outcrop was well above the water level and not accessible (and was not
needed). A 50 foot swim downstream will bring you to waterfall #3 and your
last rappel. Your anchors are 2 bolts and hangers on the right. The falls
itself is only about 15 feet, but then there is a ledge and 5 foot drop
followed by a water slide like chute that you can also rappel. Once down the
main fall it's probably easiest to walk around to the right and avoid the
ledge (though the water slide is very entertaining). Once everyone is down,
there is one last swim before the canyon opens up. Those that left a rope
fixed at the upper cliff band can route find left out of the creek and climb
the steep scree slope back to your rope. Climb the rope, or climb the cliff
using the rope as a belay to the rim and route find your way back to your
car. |
| Rating
(1-5 stars): |
 
The author completed this trip with a group of seven at a casual pace in about 7
hours, an hour of which was spent finding the entry point. |
| Photos: |
Click picture for larger
view, click your browser's 'Back' button to return to this page. |
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Passing the upper cliff band. |
Jumping waterfall #1. |
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| Waterfall #2. |
Waterfall #3. |
In the spray. |
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