Big Dude

Big Dude Canyoneering Canyoning Caving

Also known as: Dude Canyon.

Rating:	Log in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rate 2.9 (17 ratings)
‌	Difficulty:‌3A III (v3a1 III) Raps:‌4, max ↨80ft Metric Overall: 3.5-6h Approach: 1.5-2.5h Descent: 1-2h Exit: 1-1.5h No Red Tape:‌ Shuttle:‌Optional 5min Rock type:sandstone
Start:	34.9342, -111.9088
Parking:	34.9251, -111.9175
Shuttle:	34.9176, -111.9095
Condition Reports:	13 Apr 2025 "Webbing all stands good, poor knots retied. Retrievable anchors reduced sandstone contact, Id recommend this.. Time reflects combination with Refl
Weather:
Best season:	Fall to Spring winter spring summer fall Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Regions:	North America United States Arizona Mogollon Rim Sedona

https://sedonacanyoneering.com/big-dude/

34.9342, -111.908834.9251, -111.917534.9176, -111.9095https://ropewiki.com/images/1/1d/Big_Dude.kmltopo

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Introduction

This canyon is beautiful with a remote, non-crowded, non-touristed feel. Please preserve arche sites as there are a lot around here and if we do not respect this we can lose access years later to these places. Please also exercise good Canyoneering ethics in this canyon. Do not step on the plants, mosses, and lichen. Leave no footprint. Practice good noise level controls in this area. Canyoneering gear should be stowed from clanking. Noise travels. Silence should be observed in certain areas on the exit.

Approach

Take the approach gully from the parking pin to enter high above Hartwell canyon from the west. The trail is still developing. In general, stay LUC until the rockfall is reached. This section can be bypassed by scrambling up on the right and circling around a large butte. Traverse across the wide shelf, heading north and passing Contigo, Hawk, and the turn off for End of the Rope. Continue to the first rappel of Big Dude.

Descent

R1: 90 feet off tree RDC.

R2: 40 feet off tree RDC.

R3: 65 feet off tree RDC.

R4: 25 feet off boulder RDC.

Lastly, 15 foot semi-hard downclimb can be bypassed on the left side.

Exit

Continue down the Big Dude drainage until it merges with Hartwell canyon. Follow Hartwell back to the turn off for the exit gully. take the gully ~400' up and over a saddle. Weave through manzanita and locate social trails back to End of Rope parking.

Red tape

When exiting, stay in the Hartwell drainage. A portion of the canyon is now private land.

Beta sites

• sedonacanyoneering.com  : Big Dude

Background

Preserve all Arche sites. First Descent by Garrett Bennett and Holly Dison in December of 2020.

Big Dude is named in honor of Richard Bennett

Credits

Big Dude

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).