Mistle Toe Canyon, AZ

Here's an alternative route up Bear Mountain through little traveled red rock canyon. This route is an access point to bear canyon from the west side of red rock secret mountian wilderness.

From car, park, avoid trespassing on any private land and travel cross country north to the prominant canyon entrance and this alternative route up the west side of bear mtn. Once in drainage travel uphill (east) towards canyon entrance for about 200 yards ( minimal bushwacking). Then skirt up the hill on the northside of the drainage (again bushwaking but minimal) Once onto the solid red rocks the route stays on the north side of the canyon until the canyon splits in two. From the split take the south side of the canyon this will lead to several climbs up dry waterfalls the first is the most problematic. The route is right up the crack using the natural features for holds. The next two are mild and easy routes are to the right side. The remaining falls will present no problems if fall #1 was acheived. The route continues uphill until eventually leading you to the saddle. From here you can explore the castle to the south or continue uphill to the top of bear mounain. The easiest route is just north of mistle toe canyon.

Warning this route REQUIRES route finding skills, 4-5th class gully climbs with some exposure. If unsure of your ability please stay home, if you do decide to venture out tell 2 persons where you are and bring a partner. With that said the veiws uptop are great and the canyon leaves you begging for more. There was not water at that particular time although during wet weather the route should be considered unpassable and would not be suggested by this author.

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2005-11-28 jkern15674