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Secret Place #11 (Cremation Canyon*)
*
Alias, not found on any map.
| Summary: |
A unique technical canyoning trip with 6 rappels to 200
ft. When I was here the stream had a
small but steady flow. High water levels may increase the difficulty of this
canyon considerably. Gear
required: a 200 ft rope and 200 ft pull cord, harness w/ descending gear, webbing, dry bags,
helmet and possibly a wet suit. This canyon may be completed using natural
anchors, please leave the bolt kit at home. |
| Road
Conditions: |
Passenger Car |
| Navigation: |
Easy |
| Length: |
7-9 hours |
| Date
Hiked: |
October 2003 |
| Weather
Conditions: |
Cool and Sunny |
|
Required Skills: |
 |
| Hike
Description: |
From the parking area, follow the trail as it heads down
through the forest. Remain on the trail for the creek until it abruptly
begins to climb up and away from the watercourse at a large expanse of slick
rock. Begin descending the slick rock which, true to its name, is
exceedingly slippery. At the bottom of the slick rock, you'll be forced to
bush whack your way through some thick brush (stay mainly to the left
through this section). Just beyond is rappel #1 (your anchor is a sling
around a tree) which is the longest in the canyon at 170 ft. Continuing down
canyon, you'll have to climb down several steep and slick sections of
granite and possible do a traverse or two if you're determined to avoid
wading like we were. Immediately after one such traverse you'll reach the
top of the narrows where the granite walls close to form a narrow chasm
through which the stream plunges. While there is no swimming, you might
become wet from the spray from the falls. If you're concerned about becoming
chilled this might be a good place to put on your wet suit. Rap #2 is 50 ft
from a sling around a boulder (route your rope to the right over the top of
a rock to avoid the worst of the water fall). Rap #3 is 90 ft under a choke
stone from a sling around a rather non-secure looking rock in the middle of
the watercourse (though it looked somewhat sketchy, a test of the anchor
indicated it was solid). Note: It is possible to do both of these raps at
once with your 200 ft rope, however, this might make pulling your rope
difficult. Best to set it up as two rappels (at least for the last member of
your group). Rap #4 is 70 ft from a sling around a rock in the water course.
The canyon widens below this point and shortly you will reach Rap #5, a
sloping 100 footer from a sling around a boulder on the right (this looked
like it might be down climbable, however with the slickness of the rock,
it's safer to rappel). Once down, climb around on the right to avoid some
obstacles, then climb back down into the water course at a large fallen tree
to Rappel #6, which is 130 ft from a tree on canyon left. A short walk down
canyon will bring you to a trail which will be on the left. Begin climbing
this well defined path as it negotiates a series of switchbacks to a trail
junction. Stay left at all junctions and continue climbing until the path
leads you back to the head of the slick rock slope which you descended
earlier. Retrace your steps along the trail back to your car. |
| Rating
(1-5 stars): |
 
The author, his wife and a friend completed this canyon in 8 hours. |
| Photos: |
Click picture for larger
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