Balcez (Oscuros del)

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Balcez (Oscuros del) Canyoneering Canyoning Caving
Also known as: Oscuros del Balcez; Rio Isuala; Oscuros de Balcés; Oscuros del Balced; Oscuros del Balces; Barranco Oscuros de Balced; Oscuros de Balces. For other features with similar names, see Balcez (disambiguation)
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Balcez (Oscuros del) Banner.jpg

‌
Difficulty:‌3C2 II (v2a5 III)
Raps:‌max ↨33ft
Metric
Overall:3-3.5h
Approach:45min
Descent:1.5h ⟷0.9mi ↑197ft
Exit:1h
Red Tape:‌Permit required
Shuttle:‌None
Rock type:Limestone
Location:
Condition Reports:
8 Aug 2021

"Lots of guides and tourists. Flow perfect, not especially challenging but tons of fun!

(log in to submit report)
Weather:
Best season:
Anytime;NOT in Winter
winterspringsummerfall
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Regions:
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Introduction

A shot but stunning slot canyon with high walls and good flow, one of the best in Sierra de Guara. The narrows are second to none!

This is a perfect half day canyon. Guided groups may be present, but progress is fast. Be prepared for cold water!

Approach

Using the GPS tracks, follow the rough road on foot from the parking area. Soon after passing a sign at the intersection with your exit trail (which is common with day hikers), turn right onto a rocky trail that cuts upwards (to the south), then wraps around the east side of a mountain and descends steeply to the canyon.

  • Balcez River from above

    • Walk downcanyon a few minutes and suit up when you get to an obvious long swim.

  • Just before suiting up

    • Descent

    The first part of the canyon is a boulder chaos through crevices, small rappels, and a few optional semi-siphons. All rappels in this canyon have excellent bolts, as it is done by multiple groups every day in summer.

  • 10-meter rappel
  • Boulder chaos

    • The second, and better, part is a long stretch of narrows with rappels, jumps and several, long, narrow, dark, unforgettable swims.

  • The stunning narrows of Oscuros del Balcez
  • Dark narrows during a cold swim

    • The slot suddenly opens and there are a few small jumps before it ends.

  • A small jump

    • Exit

    An obvious trail on canyon right cuts up from a bend in the river. There will likely be day hikers congregating here in summer. Take the trail back to the sign/intersection you passed on the approach and return to your car.

    Red tape

    No red tape, no permits required, no fees. Rangers are sometimes present near the parking area just to ask where you are from for park visitor data.

    Beta sites

    Trip reports and media

    https://www.lukaseddy.com/canyons-of-spain

    Background

    Credits

    Information provided by automated processes. KML map by (unknown). Main photo by (unknown). Authors are listed in chronological order.

    In all habitats live animals and plants that deserve respect, please minimize impact on the environment and observe the local ethics. Canyoneering, Canyoning, Caving and other activities described in this site are inherently dangerous. Reliance on the information contained on this site is solely at your own risk. There is no warranty as to accuracy, timeliness or completeness of the information provided on this site. The site administrators and all the contributing authors expressly disclaim any and all liability for any loss or injury caused, in whole or in part, by its actions, omissions, or negligence in procuring, compiling or providing information through this site, including without limitation, liability with respect to any use of the information contained herein. If you notice any omission or mistakes, please contribute your knowledge (more information).

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