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2 triplogs
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Aug 24 2012
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 Triplogs 2

52 male
 Joined Aug 21 2011
 Sedona, AZ
Babe's Hole Spring CanyonFlagstaff, AZ
Babe's Hole Spring Canyon
Flagstaff, AZ
Canyoneering avatar Aug 24 2012
zul36 • Triplogs 2
Canyoneering4.00 Miles 1,510 AEG
Canyoneering4.00 Miles
1,510 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
The drive to the Kelsey Springs TH is pretty straight forward, takes about 40-50 min of dirt roading w one short and slow section not suited for cars.

The hike down is quick and easy until you hit the right hand turn into the boulder filled drainage ... all volcanic rock hopping which becomes LONG, SLOW and TEDIOUS. Plan on a full hour of rock hopping before you hit the sandstone goodies.

You can skip the keeper pot by using a small pine tree (locate a strap web and ring). There were no keeper pot hole issues by doing this.

We did have some rattlesnakes to wrestle with on our way down the first rap, very entertaining. We could not get them to move. They sat coiled below our rope uncomfortably close. We refused to throw rocks at them out of respect, beautiful wildlife encounter. We dropped a few coils of rope directly on top of the large Black Tail. It did not move or rattle ... hmmm ... Now What?? We spent some time looking for an alternate entry, no luck. Ledgy and edgy with no anchor options. Going back to the small Pinion Pine tree, we find a second Black Tail sitting directly on our rap landing point. This one much more interested in sending out his warning rattle. Dropping a few coils of rope onto these snakes for about 10-15 minutes, they finally move over, by a whopping 10ft. Uncomfortably CLOSE and out of options we nearly decide that these snakes are gong to send us back up the boulder field to our car ... we decide to make the rappel while being scolded loudly by rattler #2. Scary.

If you go during the hot summer months, keep an eye out. I believe that these snakes have no way out of this short section of canyon. Snake Pit!!

Great little canyon ... another great Fall canyon as there is little or no water to deal with.
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  1 archive
Aug 24 2012
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 Triplogs 2

52 male
 Joined Aug 21 2011
 Sedona, AZ
White Box & Hanging Gardens of WCCCamp Verde, AZ
White Box & Hanging Gardens of WCC
Camp Verde, AZ
Canyoneering avatar Aug 24 2012
zul36 • Triplogs 2
Canyoneering3.60 Miles 540 AEG
Canyoneering3.60 Miles
540 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Warning: If you do not have a 4x4 vehicle with top clearance, do not drive this road. Regardless of vehicle, you will beat it into the ruff and rocky terrain for 90min. Speed of travel here is about as slow as hiking. This road continues to get worse and worse each season. The go-arounds are just as bad as the original sections. I drive a 4-runner with a 2.5 inch lift and all terrain tires which is well suited for this drive but it is 'Not Fun Four Wheeling' at 1 MPH.

Warning: If it rains while you are out here, you will NOT get back out. Muck holes and mud slop will render you stuck. Shovels, straps and a winch suggested if there is any rain in the forecast.

Personally, I think the best way in (and OUT) at this point is by mountain bike. Drive the dirt road until you reach the nasty, rocky section. Pull your mountain bike out and ride to the suggested TH. Guaranteed that this is the fastest, safest and least frustrating way in.

The hiking trail is a slip and slide erosion fest with rock stacked markers down to the creek. After all that, you are into the goods.

From Camp Verde, plan on 2.5 solid hours of driving pavement, dirt road, 4x4 and the steep hike to get to the water. Then it's all day fun and beauty with the obvious 2.5 hour return to Camp Verde.

I am posting this trip report so that the group leader can be best prepared, know what your getting into. It really is a great spot and worth the mass effort to 'get it' on a hot Summer day with the right group.
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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