Devil's Chasm, AZ :: Experience Level

[Alexvazquez]

I just started Hiking and Devils Chasm has come highly recommended, would it be be advised for me to wait a little longer and gather more experience before attempting to hike this? I appreciate anyones advice. ( i have less than 1 year)

[chumley]

It's difficult for any of the regular users here to judge what you (or any other new member) is capable of. But the description for Devils Chasm (see http://hikearizona.com/decoder=581) indicates that it is difficulty 4.0 (Advanced), and route-finding is a 3 (requires steady attention) because this isn't a real trail.

Because of its remote location, I would be hesitant suggesting this to anybody who had not previously demonstrated that they have no problem with a 4-mile hike that gains 2,500 feet — that's about the same as hiking Camelback or Piestewa Peaks two times in a row — except it's in the middle of nowhere, without a well-traveled, marked path to follow.

I'd recommend going on a hike such as this with a hiking partner who has done it before and is comfortable with the hike/location, and hiking with you and your abilities.

[Hippy]

The top chunk of devil's chasm is pretty sketchy, you have to climb up a steep sandy section, hand over foot, every foot you climb up you slip right back down a few inches, going is tough There's a tiny section with some decent exposure, you're literally backed to the rock with your front exposed to the little fall in front of you.

It's an easy hike if you're use to that kind of thing or are use to the terrain and such but I agree with Chumley, don't do it alone, don't do it without a "guide" of some sort, someone who's been out there and know what they're in for.

There is also a waterfall (I use the term waterfall lightly) you have to climb so wait until dry season, if it's "running" I hear it's very slippery and isn't too fun to climb up if you're not prepared to do so, it can be snowed in during the winter even when it has a suggested "in season" too. And if you manage to sucker someone into escorting you up there make sure they have a car that can handle the road, a passenger car COULD make it...but I wouldn't suggest it, find an AWD or 4x4 to cart you out there. We took an AWD rental out and it had a nice handle on the situation.

[kingsnake]

Never been there, but if it takes Coanbru, Teva Joe, et al, 3+ tries to get in/out, then I figure it is probably a hike *I* should probably avoid ... ;)

[big_load]

Never been there, but if it takes Coanbru, Teva Joe, et al, 3+ tries to get in/out, then I figure it is probably a hike *I* should probably avoid ...

I won't comment on the hike, but reaching the TH is a feat in itself, especially in vehicle you care about.

[The_Eagle]

@kingsnake
We tried it from the "Non-Standard" top down route (there is no route), hence the multiple attempts and failures.

[Grasshopper]

There is also a waterfall (I use the term waterfall lightly) you have to climb..

One of the waterfalls--> http://hikearizona.com/photo=117912 ;)

[sneakySASQUATCH]

I've done it numerous times including attempts from above. Everything everyone has said is accurate. I found more of a trail than previous visits when jjiii and I visited. This time of year snow and ice on the steep sections and waterfalls are going to be the issue. The visitation has increased over the last couple years please read up on ruins etiquette as there was more damage the last time I visited including camfire rings in the dwellings themselves.

[Hippy]

@Grasshopper now that's what I like to see!

[DarthStiller]

@Grasshopper
I remember that hike.

a 4WD for getting to the TH is absolutely mandatory. the creek crossing can be almost impossible if it's rained recently.

I would say the trail is definitely there, but it's very steep with a LOT of loose dirt and rock towards the top. The last half mile is nearly vertical. Going up the two waterfalls is more like rock climbing, but nothing the most remedial rock climber (like myself) couldn't handle.

I would recommend to take a GPS with a route downloaded from this website, and even post it as an event. You're almost guaranteed to get people to sign up for it. Whatever inexeperience you have would be made up by those who have more experience or who have hiked it already. I posted it as an even when my neighbor wanted to do and we ended up have a group of 9 or more.

[azbackpackr]

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Original post Jan 8.

Save your breath, guys, unless he comes back.

[chumley]

Many people find information online through searches. Not just the original poster. The thoughts and comments here will be relevant for anybody going forward.

[azbackpackr]

True, true. I did think of that. Didn't stop me from being annoyed, though. ;)

[Trishness]

@Grasshopper
I remember that hike.

a 4WD for getting to the TH is absolutely mandatory. the creek crossing can be almost impossible if it's rained recently.

I would say the trail is definitely there, but it's very steep with a LOT of loose dirt and rock towards the top. The last half mile is nearly vertical. Going up the two waterfalls is more like rock climbing, but nothing the most remedial rock climber (like myself) couldn't handle.

I would recommend to take a GPS with a route downloaded from this website, and even post it as an event. You're almost guaranteed to get people to sign up for it. Whatever inexeperience you have would be made up by those who have more experience or who have hiked it already. I posted it as an even when my neighbor wanted to do and we ended up have a group of 9 or more.

I was able to make it to the TH with a high clearance 2WD Xterra back in 2007-2008. It was pretty bad after Ellison Ranch though and I haven't been there in 5 years. I went as far as the chasm but never would have been able to go any farther with just 2WD. Maybe others who have been there in recent years can concur. The trail is one the of the toughest I've ever done. Love the area though for its solitude.

[RedRoxx44]

The last time Brian and I were thru there last year after hiking a couple of canyons north off Cherry Creek road the area around Pueblo and Devil's Chasm was in the best shape I've seen it. Of course there have been several storms since then and it'll change with that. I had the Toyota in 2wd entire time including the crossing at the Chasm and Cherry Creek.