Barney Springs Canyon

[mttgilbert]

If anyone has done a trip through Barney Springs Canyon recently (or not so recently) please PM me. I have some questions I would like to ask.

Thanks in advance!

[Furdaddy]

Please post info here, as I'm interested in Barney Springs Canyon too.

Thanks!

[jkern15674]

Are you referring to the side canyon of west fork in sedona? If so: the first rappel is a short 2-stage drop that can be rigged from a tree on canyon left. Both drops are only about 15' though and can be down climbed with some difficulty. Immediately afterwards is a 20' rappel from a dead log situated 15' back from the edge. the rappel, like just about every rappel in this canyon, has an undercut and awkward start to it. Once down, a short walk will bring you to rappel #3 and you have a choice: rig the rappel from a rotting log pile straight down the canyon, or risk a somewhat sketchy traverse to canyon right and rig from several sturdy trees. Rappel #4 is 40' from a sling through a pinch point formed by boulders at the top (note: do not use the sling located on far canyon right, it will force your rope into a narrow crack during the rappel, increasing the possibility of getting it stuck), rappel #5 is 25' from another sling around a choke stone and has a particularly troublesome start. To begin with a 15' chimney next to a large boulder, followed by a 45' rap from a choke stone, followed by a sloping 100 footer. Just around the corner is a tricky down climb followed by a 4' jump into pool and another short swim. Turn the corner and the next drop (30' from a choke stone at the top around a corner into a keeper pot hole) awaits. According to Williams, it is possible to climb up on the right side of the canyon and avoid the pot hole. The hole is quite large, the water is deep and cold and the side you must escape has a perfectly smooth and steeply sloping lip. Once one member of your group is out, they can assist the rest of the party. Rappel #9 (50') lies just beyond the pool. Do not pull your rope from above the keeper pool, instead, connect your ropes together to use the anchor point above the keeper pot hole for this drop as well Once everyone is safely through this section, a few down climbs and a little walking will bring you to your final rappel an 80 footer from a tree on canyon right. If so it is a technical canyon with 1 pot hole keeper and several raps. I would make sure at least one person is a competent rock climber.

[mttgilbert]

Thanks, I've read both Todd's and Tyler's descriptions of the canyon. I was hoping someone had been there recently and had some first hand information about water levels, anchors, debris, etc.

P.S. if you don't have Todd's permission to reprint his material here you should probably delete it. It is copyrighted.

[jkern15674]

We descended it mid- June and the keeper was tricky but with a throw bag we were able to scale it, though with all the monsoons recently I would imagine it won't be a problem. The anchors are as stated but as with any tech canyon bringing a bolt kit should be standard and used with discretion. Debris is in the canyon but nothing like the black hole stacks, it could have changed after all the rains though.