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| Canyoneering | 1.60 Miles |
300 AEG |
| | Canyoneering | 1.60 Miles | 2 Hrs | | 0.80 mph |
| 300 ft AEG | | | | |
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| | Basic Canyoneering - Scrambling; easy climbing/downclimbing; frequent hand use; rope recommended; easy exit | | A - Dry or little water; shallow or avoidable water; no wet/dry suit | | I - Short 1-2 hours |
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| no partners | | Friday was my hike day while on our yearly Unit 8 elk hunt campout. It seems like someone always gets drawn within our group every year so the trip is almost guaranteed. I never truly had high expectations for this canyon. I've just always had a feeling that something good was down in there. Topo and Google Earth research was inconclusive, however I still had to satisfy my curiosity. The hike started out average at best. I was pleased to find that canyon flow from Bear Spring was very good with numerous large pools. I rounded a corner about a 1/2 mile down from the trailhead and viewed the canyon immediately drop into a deep gorge with multiple drops. WOW!! I never imagined this was coming. I get so exited when I find an obscure hidden gem that few have experienced. Exploring has its perks.
The first waterfall, although steep and nasty had a manageable down climb route. The second waterfall dropped into a deep beautiful grotto with sheer cliffs and all sides. The lower grotto was stuffed with large oak trees. This setting would be sooo nice in the summer! Getting down this big waterfall was not an option without rope. There were zero safe bypass routes. I wanted down there so bad that I didn't care if it took me the rest of the day to find a way in. I backtracked to the first waterfall and scrambled up to the canyon rim. I began to look for a way in from above. The options were limited, however I spotted a manageable way down that was within my comfort zone. I noticed some skid marks in the ground from deer. If they can make down, so can I... Before reaching the canyon bottom, there was a lower bench with a nasty cliff that needed to be dealt with. The deer found a steep narrow notch between two cliff faces lined with spindly oak and mud that worked just fine. I was in!! I hiked and scrambled no more than about 200 yards up canyon and arrived at my destination. I just love this stuff! The setting was so special and the waterfall was a beautiful combination of running water and ice sickles. I had so much fun with the upper gorge that I didn't even bother to finish my hike into the lower canyon. My day was complete.
Bear Canyon likely has more to see. That will be saved for another day. I'm personally really looking forward to a summer revisit. Adding thick summer foliage should be irresistible. Not having to slip and slide down icy boulders and rock faces will be a welcome bonus also. Arizona has so much to offer. I love this state!
Warning: Do not drive to this trailhead after heavy rain or snowmelt without four-wheel drive! You might not make it out. I barely did...
Note: Following the primary canyon route is class 3, however with some ambition, most obstacles can be managed without rope and specialty equipment . |
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| MATTHEW 11:28-30 / PSALM 84:1-2 |
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