Barney Spring Canyon

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Barney Spring Canyon Canyoneering Canyoning Caving
Also known as: Barney Springs Canyon. For other features with similar names, see Spring Canyon (disambiguation)
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Barney Spring Canyon Banner.jpg

‌
Difficulty:‌3B IV PG (v4a2 IV)
Raps:‌7 - 14, max ↨100ft
Metric
Overall:5-12h ⟷0ft
Red Tape:‌No permit required
Shuttle:‌Optional 1h 15min
Vehicle:High Clearance
Rock type:Sandstone
Location:
Condition Reports:
1 Sep 2024

"Another great run through Barney! This time as an overnight!. We approached via Buckhead Ridge again. I do really like this option as it adds more

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Weather:
Best season:
Spring to Autumn
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Introduction[edit]

Rugged, green, and full of interesting slotty features. Multiple deep pools requiring a swim (one of which smells of sulfur).

There is an optional possible keeper pothole near the end of the canyon that may require escape if this rappel sequence is taken (can be bypassed using alternate rappel).

This canyon has a lot of blackberry and locust thorns on approach and exit, as well as poison ivy. Long sleeves, long pants and gloves are highly recommended!

Some 5th class moves with mild exposure required on Barney sneak exit.

Approach[edit]

East Buzzard Point: For the shortest (though perhaps most insufferable) approach/exit, drive out along Buzzard Ridge and park at East Buzzard Point. Head west then southwest picking up a drainage. This drainage gets steep and slick descending down hill bushwhacking through lots of blackberry and black locust thorns. Eventually the brush will spit you out on the bottom where the canyon walls quickly grow high and slick rock appears. This route leverages the infamous Barney sneak exit.

Buckhead Ridge: Alternatively, you could park at Buckhead Ridge and make a loop using the Immaculate sneak exit. Follow the Immaculate exit path a short distance from the car park before branching off to the north to access a steep side drainage which leads to the southern fork of Barney. This route's exit is a bit less horrendous, though the route adds a considerable amount of time on approach and exit as well as 6 or 7 additional rappels. It is a much longer day.

Descent[edit]

Note: Approaching from Buckhead Ridge via the ropewiki kml track adds several rappels up to 100'.

From Buzzard Point:

R1: 60' tree RDC set up high

Be mindful of rope-eater cracks on the next few rappels.

R2: 45' rock pinch RDC

R3: 40' rock pinch LDC

R4: 50' rock pinch RDC into pool

R5: 90' bolt RDC

Continue down navigating through a couple deep pools.

You will eventually come up to the infamous "keeper pothole" rappel sequence (20' rappel / downclimb then 50' from bolts RDC) that may require escape gear depending on conditions. This can be avoided by climbing up on the right to find R6.

R6: 90' tree RDC. This bypasses the possible keeper pothole. You can see into it on your right as you descend the wall.

R7: 80' tree LDC

Exit[edit]

Barney Sneak: Continue down the drainage until you meet up with West Fork. Turn left continuing up creek a ways, eventually reaching a side canyon wall on the left. Go up this steep, loose drainage, climbing multiple walls and logs as you go. There are a few mild 5th class moves required to negotiate this exit and the terrain is compromised by fire damage and unstable. The drainage also has quite a few blackberry and locust thorns throughout, however most can be avoided by hiking along large deadfall logs and boulders. The brush gets a bit thick just below the top but is over fairly quick. Although short, this exit is largely considered one of the roughest sneaks in West Fork.

Immaculate Sneak: If you parked at Buckhead Ridge, you will have a marginally tamer but much longer day ahead of you. Once at West Fork, turn right and hike down a beautiful section of the creek to eventually reach the confluence with Immaculate. Head up the heavily vegetated lower Immaculate drainage which at one point will require a tricky 15' climb up the watercourse (as of July 2023, a log is available to provide an assist). Proceed up canyon, then thrash and claw your way up the standard Immaculate sneak exit to return to your vehicle.

West Fork Shuttle: One could also take an even longer exit route down (or up) the West Fork of Oak Creek. This is a lengthy hike requiring a long shuttle, but it's also easy walking through what is arguably one of the most scenic locations in Arizona.

Red tape[edit]

Beta sites[edit]

Trip reports and media[edit]

Background[edit]

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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