The Jug Salome Wilderness

[Peakster]

Can anyone tell me if gear is needed to descend the canyon or is it already bolted for raps? Webbing, Pro???
Also I did not see a clear description for where to drop into and exit the canyon, is it obvious or do I just need to download the GPS track?

[trekkin_gecko]

bolts at the big drop
so you need biner, harness and rope unless you want to jump
cactuscat and i rigged a hand line down one sketchy spot earlier
might want to use gps track for where to enter canyon
we wandered around a bit, and kelly had done it before

[Peakster]

@trekkin_gecko
Okay thanks, not sure what a hand line is? Something you use your hands to hang onto as you descend I'm guessing. And you leave rope behind?

[trekkin_gecko]

@Peakster
We didn't leave anything behind. You can rig webbing and cordage to pull when you pull handline. Grottogirl has a photo, will post if I can find it. Pretty sure 50 feet of rope is enough for drop, you pull rope from water. Have you rapelled before? Look at some photosets. 20 foot waterfall. I wouldn't jump into unknown water depth. Plus I don't like those kinds of jumps

many on here have done this
hopefully others will chime in

[SAMBA]

@trekkin_gecko

I wouldn't jump into unknown water depth.

What part of "going second" don't you understand?

[Peakster]

@trekkin_gecko
Yes, lots of repelling and rock climbing, I've had to leave webbing behind and pull rope on most "one way" repells in the boonies. I'll keep looking at photo sets. Thanks for your help!

[Heliops]

Try this http://ropewiki.com/Salome_Jug click the ratings box upper right hand corner below pic. Someone was just through there.

[outdoor_lover]

Water is high right now, most are not rappelling the big fall due to large roostertail. They are rappelling off the side. If you rappel down the big fall anyway, be aware of a crack under the water that runs the length of the fall. It gets feet stuck, ropes stuck and eats shoes for dinner. Figure on a 50 foot rappel. Sketchy down climb in one spot due to water levels. There have already been two different rescues there this year, both in the last month. Two people didn't take any gear and were stuck on the wrong side of the slot and couldn't cross. Another was going to jump and slipped up top and hit his head, he then tumbled unconscious into the pool. If you decide to jump, you have to jump "out" or you will hit a rock at the bottom. The Ledge to jump from is sketchy to get to, but usually there is a fixed hand line there. If you've not had experience with Class C Flow, might want to wait another couple of weeks. If you go anyway, plan on a ton of people and you may have over an hour wait at the rappel. If you want to be comfortable, especially waiting at the rappel, wear a wetsuit. And yes, a map and GPS is helpful, even more helpful to go with someone who's done it especially in these times with higher flow. Please also wear a Helmet.

[chumley]

Okay thanks, not sure what a hand line is?

I recommend going with somebody who has experience with this kind of thing. I appreciate that you are at least inquiring first. Find a friend who has done it and go with them.

[Peakster]

@Heliops
Very helpful, thanks!

[Peakster]

@outdoor_lover
Okay, Thanks for the info!
@outdoor_lover

[Peakster]

@chumley
I'm open to invitations to go! lol

[outdoor_lover]

@chumley
I'm open to invitations to go! lol

I might suggest getting on Social Media and Meet-Up and searching for Canyoneering Groups. There's several in Arizona. Although it seems like Climbing, Rappelling and Canyoneering are pretty alike and go well together, Canyoneering is actually pretty different and there's a lot to learn, even if you are already a climber. There are quite a few people doing the Jug right now, you can certainly ask to join up with someone. I would not do anything in Class C mode especially, without someone experienced along or some actual Canyoneering Training under your belt.

[Heliops]

James Canyon is a good primer. Off trail approach and exit,plenty of water (cold as sh**), easy rappels. It will give you a real sense of what canyoneering is all about.

[hikeaz]

Other than the rap/jump at the end (which can be a time-suck) the rest of the trip is fantastic in its own right and non-technical. Folks can just bypass the rap on creek right and then either hike down to the bottom and come back up to the pool below the rap area or shortcut back to the T/H, skipping the rap/jump.
Higgs doing his 'air rap' 15 years ago! ... https://hikearizona.com/t2005/07/05/O_1 ... 03.jpg?v=0