Babes Hole Spring Canyon
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| Difficulty:3B II (v3a2 II) Raps:5-6, max ↨55ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:None Vehicle:4WD - High Clearance Rock type:Sandstone | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Condition Reports: | 22 Apr 2024
"Approach and canyon 2.5 hrs. Exit 1 hour. Flow throughout the canyon and into Liitle LO. Baby rooster tail at r1. Bring extra webbing. We did not brin |
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Best season: | Fall, Spring, HOT in summer
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Introduction
A good introductory canyon for the area.
Approach
To get there, take road 231 to intersection road 538. Follow 538 to road 538G.
Road gets rougher at 538G and high clearance is recommended if dry. High clearance and 4x4 if wet.
Follow 538G to Kelsey Springs TH. There is a sign marking way to TH. TH has an information kiosk and parking for a couple vehicles, but no bathrooms.
Follow well used Kelsey Springs Trail to start of canyon.
Descent
Most of canyon is boulder hopping and minor downclimbing to first rappel.
R1: 55’ tree LDC and back. With webbing extension drop could be shortened.
R2: 25’ rock pinch in watercourse.
Possible hip deep pool can be stemmed or bypassed LDC.
R3: 20’ cairn in watercourse, or handline/meat anchor with partner assist for last person.
R4: 20’ tree LDC into pool.
R5: 25’ rock pinch.
Downclimb / partner assist last 10’ drop.
Exit
Look for cairns LDC. Follow lightly-used Kelsey Springs Trail up to vehicle. Will pass Babes Hole Springs and Kelsey Springs for possible water source.
Red tape
Beta sites
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Super Amazing Map : Babes Hole Spring Canyon
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HikeArizona.com : Babe
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Arizona Technical Canyoneering Book by Todd Martin : Babes Hole Spring Canyon
Trip reports and media
- https://www.facebook.com/pat.winstanley.7/media_set?set=a.724205104304856.1073741921.100001461198708&type=3
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Candition.com : Babes Hole Spring Canyon
Background
The Rafael fire ravaged the area in June 2021. The upper section of canyon is quite washed out, and much of the forest along the exit is heavily burned. Large trees still may fall, use caution.