Black Magic Canyon

Black Magic Canyon Canyoneering Canyoning Caving

Also known as: Big Wood River.

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‌	Difficulty:‌2A I (v1a1 I) Raps:‌0 Metric Overall:  ⟷1.8mi Approach:  ⟷0ft Descent:  ⟷0.8mi  ↑40ft Exit:  ⟷1mi  ↑70ft No Red Tape:‌No permit required Shuttle:‌Optional Vehicle:Passenger Rock type:Basalt
Location:	43.0775, -114.3047
Condition Reports:	3 Oct 2016 "Only had a few hours to kill, so parked at the dam and hiked upstream through the canyon. Must have seen at least nine owls. Totally surreal canyon
Weather:
Best season:	July-Sept winter spring summer fall Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Regions:	North America Pacific Northwest  United States Idaho

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43.0775, -114.3047https://ropewiki.com/images/5/50/Black_Magic_Canyon.kmltopo

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Welcome! Canyons in the Pacific Northwest can be different from those you might be used to. Be ready for unlinked bolts, retrievable traverse lines, and challenging aquatic environments. For more on local practices, and the best way to get started in the region, check out the WCC Safety page. Unlinked Bolts - groups should be comfortable rigging unlinked bolts, either temporarily linking them for all but the last person, or using a passive redundancy method. Most importantly, if you find two bolts side by side that are unlinked, do not add webbing to them. Linking bolts designed to be unlinked will likely cause damage during seasonal floods. Traverse Lines - many canyons are rigged to allow traverse line access to an exposed anchor station. This should be done using self-belay or team belay techniques. Do not leave fixed lines in the canyons. Challenging Environments - the highly aquatic nature of PNW canyons can surprise many. Cold temperatures, slippery rocks, loud waterfalls, and strong currents all lead to unexpected problems. Do not underestimate the need for strong team work and technical proficiency. Belays are frequently not possible. Unattended gear will sink or float away. Sliding and jumping is the cause of most major injuries, so it's critical to effectively communicating water depth & submerged hazards.

Introduction

Totally surreal basalt canyon seemingly out in the middle of nowhere in south-central Idaho. While the section of canyon described here is not technical, it's worth a visit in its own right just for the bizarre scenery. See below for options to make this a longer outing. Watch for owls and small animal bones.

• Warning: apparently this canyon can be subject to periodic water releases from an upstream dam at certain times of the year. Being in the narrows would be extremely bad in high flow. Some sites suggest if there is any water in the canyon, do not go. Generally, it becomes accessible in July and August and remains so through the winter.

• One site notes that rattlesnakes are encountered here frequently.

Approach

Driving

The parking area is about 30min north of Shoshone. Follow ID-75 north about 5mi, then turn off onto E 520N. Follow the road east 3mi, until it turns north and continue another 5mi to the parking area on Kinzie Butte Rd. Park just after a bridge over the irrigation canal.

Hiking

Drop into the dry wash just east of the parking area and head north / upstream. The walls quickly close in after a few minutes.

Descent

Follow the canyon northwest about 0.75mi. There is one easy chimney to scramble along the way.

Exit

Return the way you came, or follow tracks west and south for about a mile back to the parking area.

Red tape

None. Area is managed by the BLM.

Beta sites

• Super Amazing Map  : Black Magic Canyon

Further Explorations

• It appears feasible to continue up-canyon. There may be more to see. It is not known if Black Magic is technical at any point.
• There also appear to be a few interesting spots downstream of the dam.