Bear Skull Hollow
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| | Difficulty:3A III (v3a1 III) Raps:3, max ↨290ft
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| Best season: | Sep-Apr
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34.0431, -116.8824
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WaterflowIntroduction[edit]
Approach[edit]
Park at the small dirt turnout at 34.0053, -116.9105. There is enough room for 1-2 cars here.
Note: Most of the trails in the vicinity of this route are not maintained and therefore can be overgrown or non-existent. The approach on this route will require vigilant navigation.
Leave the road and take a left up the wash as indicated in the KML.
At the top of the wash find a path up the steep slope. It's steep and loose at times but you will eventually run into the old trail.
Descent[edit]
The upper part of the canyon is shaded with a trickle of water. Some down-climbs and a short rappel.
Great views of Banning Canyon from the top of the big rappel. It's in the 250-290' range. It's been awhile since I've done the canyon and I believe there was some confusion as to the exact length between Dave and I. Bring at least a 300' and then update this page as to the exact length, if you'd be so kind
The big rappel ends on a big landing or ledge. Rock anchor for last rappel in the 100' range (again it will need to be measured exactly. I'm now writing this in Hong Kong a few years later, so please forgive the dubious rappel length descriptions. Besides It'll be more fun for you, almost like a first descent. And someone can delete all of this nonsense as soon you figure out the rappel lengths)
Exit[edit]
Follow the creek back down to the intersection with Banning Canyon Road. Keep your eye out for the eponymous bear skull in the creek. Don't take it! But if you feel so inclined maybe you can make a small shrine for it.
Red tape[edit]
Beta sites[edit]
Trip reports and media[edit]
Background[edit]
First known canyoning descent by Alden Anderson and Dave Red, April 2015. Thanks to Alwin Acuna and Jason Milligan for helping to scout the route.
Canyon namesake:
