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| Deer Creek / Kanab Creek Loop, AZ | | -
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| | Deer Creek / Kanab Creek Loop, AZ | | | |
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Deer Creek / Kanab Creek Loop, AZ
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| Backpack | 52.00 Miles |
6,000 AEG |
| | Backpack | 52.00 Miles | 5 Days | | |
| 6,000 ft AEG | | | | |
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| partners | | Another great loop in the canyon albeit a difficult one! John arranged the permits and we car camped near Sowats trailhead the night before. In the morning we setup the shuttle leaving one vehicle at Sowats and then driving over to Bill Hall Trailhead and Monument Point.
Day 1
Ready to go about 10am on a beautiful morning made for some excellent views descending off Monument Point. We dropped down to the Esplanade to find numerous water pot holes. After the big drop from the rim the Esplanade is an easy stroll with big views. Eventually we finished crossing the Esplanade and dropped to Surprise Valley. We hit the junction and turned for Deer Creek dropping again to Deer Creek Spring which unfortunately was dry. After that just a short scramble down to the Deer Creek camp where two other tents were already there. We found a spot and settled in for the night except for a quick trip to the Patio just above the Deer Creek Narrows.
Day 2
This day we had marked as most likely the hardest day of the loop so mentally we had prepared somewhat for what lay ahead. First up though we enjoyed the Deer Creek Narrows and falls which are why probably 98% of the people make the trip down here. I’d been here in 2014 and it was just as I remember a beautiful spot so we took our time enjoying the section and the waterfall at the bottom.
Done with Deer Creek now it was time for the hard part and relatively unknown part of the day. The descriptions were all mentioned as difficult and some had made the river hike to Kanab Creek in 2 days instead of 1 like our plan. Lots of ups and down with some hiking on a cliff band above the river which was probably the easiest part of the difficult route. There were some cairns and faint route for most of it. Eventually we dropped back closer to river level and the fun begins. What I would call extreme bouldering and no real path to speak of. Everyone would cheer when we would find a 50 foot section of sandy beach to hike but this was extremely rare. The relentless bouldering continued to Fishtail Creek and a short break where I found some good water and filtered a few liters. This is also the spot where some people camp to break up the river hike.
After Fishtail it was more of the same bouldering and by this time we were all tired so it made travel slow and tedious. The afternoon dragged but we finally made it to Kanab Creek just as it was getting dark. John had scouted ahead and found a suitable camp site for the night. Now dark we setup camp but really we were just happy to finish the toughest part of the loop and be at camp.
Day 3
Next morning we got started about 9am. We had another day that was thought to be difficult but not as much as the previous day. We started up Kanab Creek and the towering walls that were very photogenic in the morning light. Really liked this section and the first few hours relatively easy with minor wading in the creek. Eventually several miles up stream we made it to Whispering Spring/Falls side canyon. We dropped packs and headed up the side canyon to a small grotto. We stopped for a short break before heading up to the main grotto and falls. The main grotto is really cool area and spent time around the pool and checking out the falls. We headed back out to Kanab Creek and continued up stream for the next goal of the day Scottys Hollow. Unfortunately we didn’t quite make the time we wanted and decided to stop just short of Scottys Hollow but we did find a really nice camp spot on a bench.
Day 4
Next morning we were close to Scottys Hollow so that was first up. It’s a great side canyon with water, pools and interesting geology. We spent about an hour checking it out but wish we had more time for sure. Back down at Kanab Creek we headed for Showerbath Spring and another highlight of Kanab. It’s a cool hanging garden as advertised and we filled up water and spent time enjoying the spring. Continuing up canyon next stop was the confluence of Kanab Creek and Jumpup Canyon where we had lunch. I camped here in 2018 and it’s the park boundary so north of the confluence is outside the park. Nice to see the previous camp site. After lunch we continued up Jumpup Canyon and through the narrows. Much easier hiking since Showerbath Spring but still very scenic. Jumpup is several miles long so no shortage of great hiking and we also stopped for a quick side trip up Indian Hollow narrows. Not too far above Indian Hollow the canyon opens up as Jumpup passes the confluence of Kwagunt Hollow and finally Sowats Canyon. From there we hiked a bit further on Jumpup to our camp for the night. Another long day but easier than the previous two.
Day 5
Last day in the canyon was by far the easiest. We had to hike out about 7 miles with majority of it on real trail which we had not seen in almost 4 days. From there we headed up Sowats Canyon to the spot where Jumpup Nail Trail crosses. Then followed the trail up to the Esplanade and across the flats over to junction with Kwagunt Hollow. There is some water just down from the junction in Kwagunt so we took one last break and filtered enough water for the hike out. Good grind uphill to the Sowats Trailhead where we had left a vehicle first day. Then we all piled in and drove back to Bill Hall to retrieve the other vehicle. Physically demanding but a great loop trip that could have benefited with one extra day! |
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